Achiral bent-core salicylaldimine compounds exhibiting dark conglomerate and B2 mesophases: effect of linkage groups and lateral substituents

Four new series of achiral bent-core compounds and two biphenyl derivatives of them have been synthesised and their mesomorphic properties are studied. These mesogens are salicylaldimine derivatives, designed with an aim to study the effect of salicylaldimine group and lateral substituents, viz., ?F and ?Cl at different locations of the molecular structure, on the mesomorphic properties. The newly synthesised compounds are characterised using organic spectroscopy and elemental analysis (EA). The liquid crystalline properties of these compounds are studied using polarising optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and electro-optical studies. They are found to exhibit dark conglomerate (DC) and B₂ mesophases. The DC phases are of sponge and HNC type, and the B₂ is SmC_aP_A in nature. The compounds, wherein the salicylaldimine group is present at the centre of the bent-core, mainly exhibit DC mesophases and when this group is present in one of the wings of the bent-core molecule, the compounds tend to show only a B₂ mesophase, irrespective of the nature of lateral substituents. Many of the DC liquid crystals synthesised here retained the chirality even in their crystalline states which are confirmed by the circular dichroism spectroscopic studies.     

Azo-functionalised achiral bent-core liquid crystalline materials: effect of presence of –N=N– linkage at different locations in the molecular architecture

Here, we report four new homologous series of azo-functionalised achiral bent-core compounds. The paper deals with the design, synthesis and liquid crystalline properties of four new homologous series of photochromic materials. In this study, we have investigated the effect of the presence of –N=N– linkage at different locations of the molecular architecture, on the mesomorphic properties. The molecular structures of all the newly synthesised compounds are established using the organic spectroscopic methods. The liquid crystalline properties are investigated using polarising optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction and electro-optical studies. They exhibit B₁ (col_r) and B₂ (SmC_AP_A) mesophases. We find that the presence of the –N=N– linkage at different locations in the molecular architecture does not seem to have much effect on the mesogenic behaviour of such compounds. However, we clearly see a profound effect of the location of the –N=N– linkage on the photo-induced electro-optical properties of these compounds.     

The binary system composed of a bent-core compound forming a B7 phase and a nematogenic calamitic compound

The isobaric phase diagram for a binary system of liquid crystals is presented. One mixing component is a bent-core mesogen forming a B₇ phase and the other one is a nematogenic calamitic compound. The occurring mesophases have been identified by their optical textures as well as by X-ray investigations. The B₇ phase exists down to about 60 mol% of the bent-core compound A / 40 mol% of the calamitic compound B. Two additional mesophases are induced in the mixed phase region. At medium concentrations (around 50 mol%) an oblique columnar phase appears which shows a similar X-ray pattern to the B₇ phase but an utterly different nucleation on cooling the isotropic liquid and a completely dissimilar texture. At concentrations below 35 mol% A, a further phase is induced which possesses an irregularly modulated layer structure. This phase can be regarded as an intermediate state between the regularly modulated Col_r (B₁) phase and the intercalated B₆ phase. It transforms on cooling into the phase with a regularly modulated structure.     

Dual switchable six-ring bent-core liquid crystals with azo linkages exhibiting B1 and B2 mesophases

A new series of asymmetric bent-core compounds were synthesised using azo linkages with equal as well as unequal terminal alkyl chains and their photo and electrical switching properties investigated. The mesomorphic properties were characterised using polarised optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The lower homologues of the series of compounds show a B₁ phase whereas higher homologues exhibit a B₂ phase. The B₂ phase shows an anticlinic-antiferroelectric switching behaviour during electro-optic measurements. The photo-switching properties of the azobenzene containing bent-core molecules were investigated using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The trans to cis photo isomerisation was observed at 25 s whereas reverse processes took 14 h in chloroform.     

Bent-core mesogens with biphenyl moieties: observation of a B7 to B4 phase transition

Four new bent-core mesogens containing biphenyl moieties are reported. All these, except the first homologue, exhibit B₇ and B₄ banana phases, both of which are known to have a helical structure. The B₇ to B₄ phase transition is very rare, this being perhaps only the second report of the observation of such a phase sequence. The first homologue exhibits only one mesophase X₁ with textural features reminiscent of the B₁ phase. All the compounds synthesized are characterized by spectral data. The mesophases exhibited by these compounds are characterized by polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray studies.     

Electronic structures of the boron cage molecules B4H4, B4Cl4 and B4F4

Ab initio calculations have been performed on B₄H₄, B₄Cl₄ and B₄F₄ in order to aid our understanding of the bonding in these compounds, which is presumably based on a tetrahedral boron cage. This cage has only 8 electrons and so is less than that expected on the basis of the usual framework electron counting rules. Basis sets with polarisation functions were used at the SCF, CI and CPF levels of theory to confirm that the T _d structures are indeed more stable than the D _4h ones. Davidson-Roby population analyses were able to show that many factors, including 3-centre 2-electron bonding and backbonding from the ligand to the boron cage, are of importance in determining the relative stability of the three compounds, of which B₄Cl₄ is the only one that has yet been observed experimentally.     

Influence of halogen substituent on the mesomorphic properties of five-ring banana-shaped molecules with azobenzene wings

Three new series of bent-shaped molecules with 4-chlororesorcinol, 4-bromoresorcinol or 4-fluororesorcinol as the central unit, and azobenzene with different alkoxy chain length as side arms were synthesised. The mesophase behaviour was investigated by polarising optical microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. A representative example has also been characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. It is found that almost all of the materials prepared are monotropic liquid crystalline. Depending on the substituent at the central unit and on the chain length nematic phases, B₆ phases, a B₄-like dark conglomerate phase and a modulated/undulated anticlinic SmC phase were found. As a unique feature, upon reducing the chain length a transition from nematic to B₆-type smectic phases was observed, which is reverse to usually observed phase sequences. The UV–vis absorption spectroscopy was also performed to study the effect of light-induced trans–cis-isomerisation on the prepared compounds.     

A novel class of banana-shaped azo compounds exhibiting antiferroelectric switching behaviour

The first banana-shaped liquid crystal materials with photo-active azo linkages are reported. The higher temperature mesophase X₁ (believed to be B₆) above the B₁ phase exhibited by these azo compounds shows antiferroelectric switching characteristics. The observation of banana phases in azo compounds assumes significance from the point of view of photochromic studies.     

Electro-optical investigations and effect of asymmetry in bent-core liquid crystals

We report the synthesis and mesomorphic properties of a homologous series (10a–10g) of bent-core molecules constructed through covalent linkage of structurally non-symmetrical rod-like mesogens connected with a 1, 3-phenylene unit. The study of homologous series underlines the importance of length and nature of terminal chains. The homologues of shorter chains show a typical non-switchable rectangular columnar B₁ phase, while the switchable lamellar (B₂) phase is induced on moving to higher homologues. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate the presence of B₁ and B₂ mesophases. Polarised optical microscopy investigations under electric field in the B₂ phases revealed the existence of anticlinic antiferroelectric texture. The measured spontaneous polarisation value in one of the compounds is 936 nC cm^?2, a high polarisation value in bent-core liquid crystals.     

Hockey stick-shaped azo compounds: effect of linkage groups and their direction of linking on mesomorphic properties

Several new hockey stick-shaped azo compounds are designed and synthesised with an aim to study the effect of different types of linkages and their direction of linking on the mesomorphic properties in such systems. The new compounds synthesised are characterised by spectroscopic methods. The liquid crystalline properties are investigated using polarizing optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. They exhibited a variety of mesophases such as nematic (N), smectic A (SmA), anticlinic smectic C (SmC_a), B₁, etc. We found that the direction of linkage groups has a major effect on the mesomorphic properties when compared to the effect of different types of linkage groups. We observed a reversible photo-switching phenomenon of these compounds in their solution UV–vis spectra.     

Intercalation behavior of n-alkylamines into an A-site defective layered perovskite H2W2O7

Intercalation behavior of n-alkylamines into a protonated form of an A-site defective layered perovskite H₂W₂O₇ has been investigated. Results from XRD indicate these materials are layered with the corresponding interlayer spacing governed by the n-alkylamine chain length, and a reversible intercalation and deintercalation property is observed among these intercalation compounds. The IR spectra of the intercalation compounds with n-alkylamines clearly show that n-alkyl chains possess an all-trans conformation, and H₂W₂O₇ accommodate n-alkylamines (C_nH_2n+1NH₂: n=3, 4, 7, 8, 12, 16) to form intercalation compounds via an acid-base mechanism. A linear relationship between the interlayer distance and the number of carbon atoms in n-alkyl chains is observed to show a bilayer arrangement of the n-alkyl chains with a tilt angle of ∼71.6°. Elemental analysis studies reveal that the amounts of intercalated n-alkylamines are about 2.0 mol per [W₂O₇]. Despite the surface geometry of H₂W₂O₇ is almost identical to those of layered perovskites H₂[A_n−1B_nO_3n+1], the amounts of intercalated n-alkylamines of them are different. A reasonable explanation is given through our research.     

Preparation of HPEEK by Oligomer A2+B3 Approach

A series of hyperbranched poly(ether ether ketones) with different chain length between branching point (L) were prepared using a A₂+B₃ methodology, in which the A₂ is hydroxyl‐terminated PEEK oligomer. The L affects the properties of the polymers such as the inherent viscosity, the degree of crystallinity, the thermal properties of the polymers etc. The polymer with a L₂≈8 had T _g (122.4°C), T _c (200.2°C), and broad T _m (247.4°C). With the increment of L, up to the point L₂≈20 and L₂≈35, the polymers become semi‐crystalline, with a melting point of 300.9°C and 317.9°C, respectively. Their wide angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) pattern indicated that their crystal structure is exactly the same as that of the linear homopolymer.     

含有酯基及酰胺基柔链的苯并菲盘状液晶的合成、分子间氢键对柱状介晶性的影响

合成了三个系列, 共二十四个有两种不同软链的对称和非对称苯并菲盘状液晶化合物, C₁₈H₆(OR)₃- (OCH₂COOEt)₃, C₁₈H₆(OR)₃(OCH₂COOBu)₃, C₁₈H₆(OR)₃(OCH₂CONHBu)₃, 其中R＝C₅H₁₁, C₆H₁₃, C₇H₁₅, C₈H₁₇. 化合物通过柱层析纯化, 结构通过¹H NMR, IR, 元素分析等确证. 化合物热稳定性通过TGA测定, 并显示出较高的热稳定性. 通过偏光显微镜和差视扫描量热法对这些化合物的热致液晶性进行了研究. 结果显示: 对于苯并菲液晶化合物C₁₈H₆(OR)₃(OCH₂COOEt)₃, 非对称性化合物较之对称异构体化合物有更低的熔点和更高的清亮点, 因而非对称性化合物有更宽的介晶温度范围. 对于分子中含有酰胺基的苯并菲液晶化合物C₁₈H₆(OR)₃(OCH₂CONHBu)₃, 对称化合物有比非对称异构体更高的清亮点和更有序的六方柱状介晶相, 且其与具有同样软链长度的分子中不含酰胺基的化合物系列C₁₈H₆(OR)₃(OCH₂COOBu)₃相比较, 由于柱内分子间氢键的形成, 不仅有更高的熔点和清亮点, 而且有更丰富的柱状介晶相.     

Design and Synthesis of Arylpiperazine Serotonergic/Dopaminergic Ligands with Neuroprotective Properties

Long-chain arylpiperazine scaffold is a versatile template to design central nervous system (CNS) drugs that target serotonin and dopamine receptors. Here we describe the synthesis and biological evaluation of ten new arylpiperazine derivatives designed to obtain an affinity profile at serotonin 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A, 5-HT₇ receptor, and dopamine D₂ receptor of prospective drugs to treat the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or psychosis. Besides the structural features required for affinity at the target receptors, the new compounds incorporated structural fragments with antioxidant properties to counteract oxidative stress connected with ASD and psychosis. All the new compounds showed CNS MultiParameter Optimization score predictive of desirable ADMET properties and cross the blood–brain barrier. We identified compound 12a that combines an affinity profile compatible with antipsychotic activity (5-HT_1A K_i = 41.5 nM, 5-HT_2A K_i = 315 nM, 5-HT₇ K_i = 42.5 nM, D₂ K_i = 300 nM), and compound 9b that has an affinity profile consistent with studies in the context of ASD (5-HT_1A K_i = 23.9 nM, 5-HT_2A K_i = 39.4 nM, 5-HT₇ K_i = 45.0 nM). Both compounds also had antioxidant properties. All compounds showed low in vitro metabolic stability, the only exception being compound 9b, which might be suitable for studies in vivo.     

Synthesis and characterization of the B3-monomer and hyperbranched poly(aryl ether ketone)s

Hyperbranched poly(aryl ether ketone)s were prepared by polymerization of hydroquinone (A₂) and 1,3,5-tris[4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)phenoxy]benzene (B₃). The gelation of hyperbranched poly(aryl ether ketone)s was effectively avoided. Hydroxyl-term inated (HPAEK-OH) and fluoro-terminated (HPAEK-F) hyperbranched poly(aryl ether ketone)s were prepared by using different A₂/B₃ mass ratio. The structure of the B₃ monomer was confirmed by MS, ¹H NMR/IR. The glass transition temperatures of the HPAEK-F and HPAEK-OH are 114°C and 162°C respectively. Thermal stability of HPAEK-F is higher than HPAEK-OH. __________ Translated from Acta Scientianum Naturalium Universitatis Jilinensis, 2005, 5 (in Chinese)     

Lonijaposides, novel cerebrosides from Lonicera japonica

Six novel cerebrosides, lonijaposides A₁-A₄, B₁ and B₂ (1-6) have been isolated from the flowers of Lonicera japonica. Their structures were established on the basis of 1D, 2D (DEPT, HMQC, HMBC and COSY) NMR, ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and chemical evidence.     

La3Ru8B6 and Y3Os8B6, new members of a homologous series R(A)nM3n−1B2n

Two new compounds, La₃Ru₈B₆ and Y₃Os₈B₆, were synthesized by arc melting the elements. Their structural characterization was carried out at room temperature on as-cast samples by using X-ray diffractometry. According to X-ray single-crystal diffraction results these borides crystallize in Fmmm space group (no. 69), Z=4, a=5.5607(1) Å, b=9.8035(3) Å, c=17.5524(4) Å, ρ=8.956 Mg/m³, μ=25.23 mm⁻¹ for La₃Ru₈B₆ and a=5.4792(2) Å, b=9.5139(4) Å, c=17.6972(8) Å, ρ=13.343 Mg/m³, μ=128.23 mm⁻¹ for Y₃Os₈B₆. The crystal structure of La₃Ru₈B₆ was confirmed from Rietveld refinement of X-ray powder diffraction data. Both La₃Ru₈B₆ and Y₃Os₈B₆ compounds are isotypic with the Ca₃Rh₈B₆ compound and their structures are built up from CeCo₃B₂-type and CeAl₂Ga₂-type structural fragments taken in ratio 2:1. They are the members of structural series R(A)_nM_3n−1B_2n with n=3 (R is the rare earth metal, A the alkaline earth metal, and M the transition metal). Structural and atomic parameters were also obtained for La_0.94Ru₃B₂ compound from Rietveld refinement (CeCo₃B₂-type structure, P6/mmm space group (no. 191), a=5.5835(9) Å, c=3.0278(6) Å).     

A racemic layer structure in a chiral bent-core ferroelectric liquid crystal

A fluid smectic phase of a chiral bent-core liquid crystal was found to have a ground state structure that is anticlinic in tilt and ferroelectric in polar order, SmC_AP_F*. The layer chirality of this structure alternates from layer to layer despite their being composed of chiral mesogens. Observations of the optical second harmonic generation signal from well-aligned domains confirm that the ground state of this phase is bistable ferroelectric. In addition to the ground state two types of metastable domains are also observed.     

Optical studies on two tilted smectic phases of meta‐substituted three‐ring liquid crystal compounds

Null transmission ellipsometry and depolarized reflected light microscopy have been performed on freestanding films of two achiral meta‐substituted three‐ring compounds. These compounds exhibit two different tilted smectic phases, SmC₁ and SmC₂. Our studies confirmed previous results obtained from another achiral meta‐substituted three‐ring compound that the SmC₁ and SmC₂ phases are SmC and SmC_A, respectively.     

Influence of the bias field on dielectric properties of the SmCA* in the vicinity of the SmC*–SmCA* phase transition

In a large class of smectic mixtures prepared at our University, the phase transition between chiral ferroelectric smectic C (SmC*) and chiral antiferroelectric smectic C (SmC_A*) phases can be observed on cooling. Under bias field the temperature of the phase transition SmC*?SmC_A* decreases (ca. 100°C in the investigated mixture). The transition is called: unwound SmC*?twisted SmC_A* phase transition. The Goldstone mode in SmC* phase is reduced by a direct current field while two modes (P_H and P_L) in the SmC_A* phase are amplified. The amplitude of the fast X mode observed in the SmC_A* phase is reduced. The aim of this paper is to show how parameters of the modes in SmC_A* phase (calculated from Cole–Cole model) change with bias voltage—when twisted structure in SmC_A* phase is gradually unwound. The character of the modes observed in SmC_A* is discussed. A new effect is shown: a high value of dielectric loss is detected in the unwound SmC* phase, which is very close to SmC_A*.