The first examples of monodispersive liquid crystalline tetramers possessing four non-identical anisometric segments

The molecular design, synthesis and thermal behaviour of the first liquid crystalline tetramers composed of four non-identical mesogenic entities connected covalently through paraffinic spacers are presented. These new molecular structures consisting of a tolan (half disc-shaped), azobenzene (photoactive), biphenyl and cholesteryl ester (thermochromic) cores, connected through either an even-even-odd or an odd-even-odd paraffinic spacer, exhibit features of a columnar mesophase.     

The first examples of discotic liquid crystalline gemini surfactants

Six novel gemini imidazolium salts tethered with hexaalkoxytriphenylene moieties were prepared by quaternization of imidazole nitrogen with ω-bromo-substituted triphenylene derivatives. Their chemical structures were examined by ¹H NMR, IR, UV, MS, and elemental analyses. The mesomorphic properties of these discotic dimeric salts were investigated by polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction studies. These triphenylene-imidazole-based gemini dimers with bromide as counter ion were found to exhibit liquid crystalline behavior over a wide temperature range and display ionic conductivity in the range of 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻⁵ S/m. These materials tend to form monolayer at the air-water interface.     

Liquid crystal dimers possessing chiral rod-like anisometric segments: synthesis, characterization and electro-optic behaviour

Several new optically active liquid crystal dimers comprising pro-mesogenic cholesterol and a chiral diphenylacetylene (tolane) segment, covalently linked in an end-to-end fashion through a flexible spacer, have been synthesized and investigated for their mesomorphic behaviour with the aid of optical, calorimetric and X-ray diffraction studies. Five unsymmetrical dimers, designed on the basis of recent work, involve molecular structural variations of the tolane mesogenic entity with a view to stabilizing a wide thermal range smectic A (SmA) phase featuring the electroclinic effect. Three different chiral chains, namely, (S)-1-methylheptyloxy, (S)-2-methylbutyloxy, (3S)-3,7-dimethyloctyloxy, with or without polar (nitro or fluoro) lateral substituents, were incorporated, while keeping the length (C₆) of the spacer constant. As expected, all the dimers exhibited a SmA phase. A few also showed chiral nematic (N*) and/or twist grain boundary and/or chiral smectic C (SmC*) phases. Remarkably, some of these oligomesogens, upon melting, had a stable SmA phase over a wide thermal interval (100-150°C); this state seems to be stable for a long period of time. Electro-optic studies, including optical tilt angle as well as temporal response as a function of temperature, were carried out in the SmA phase. The SmC* phase was also investigated for its electrical switching and optical tilt angle, as well as spontaneous polarization as a function of temperature. These studies showed that the mesophase response to an applied field is weak and is independent of variations in the dimer investigated.     

Block copolymers with liquid crystalline segments

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of polystyrene-block-poly(2,2'-dimethyl-4,4'-biphenylene phenylterephthalate)-block-polystyrene and of poly(ethylene glycol)-black-poly(2,2'-dimethyl-4,4'-biphenylene phenylterephthalate)-block-poly (ethylene glycol) block copolymers. The ABA-triblock copolymers were synthesized by condensation reaction of telechelic poly(2,2'-dimethyl-4,4'-biphenylene phenylterephthalate) with ω-hydroxy polystyrene and ω-hydroxy poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether of different molecular weights prepared by anionic polymerization. Some aspects of the liquid crystalline behavior and the phase transitions with respect to the block copolymer composition will be discussed.     

Synthesis and thermal properties of liquid crystal trimers comprising cyanobiphenyl and salicylaldimine anisometric segments

The synthesis and mesomorphism of a series of liquid crystal trimers made by covalently linking two cyanobiphenyl moieties with a central salicylaldimine core through two flexible spacers are reported. Nine different oxyalkyleneoxy spacers varying in the number of carbon atoms and thus, methylene units from 3 to 11 were used to understand structure-mesomorphic property correlations. The optical microscope and differential scanning calorimeter were employed to evaluate their phase transitional behavior. All the trimers exhibit an enantiotropic uniaxial nematic phase over a wide thermal range (>80 °C) while a homolog comprising an octamethylene (even-parity) spacer displays, additionally, a metastable smectic phase. The nematic-isotropic transition temperatures critically depend on the parity of the spacer with the values for the odd-parity spacer containing homologs being lower than those of the even members, a feature generally observed in oligomesogens.     

Preparation and evaluation of novel ferroelectric liquid crystalline cyclic siloxane tetramers

Two series of liquid crystalline cyclic siloxane tetramers, one containing the 2-methylbutyl chiral group and the other the 1-methylheptyl chiral group, were prepared to investigate, in a systematic manner, the role of molecular structure of (a) the spacer group, (b) the mesogenic side chain and (c) the chiral end group, on the liquid crystalline behaviour of these novel tetramers. The results from this systematic structure/property correlation study clearly showed the effect of the structure of both the chiral end group and the mesogenic side chain core on the thermal properties and temperature ranges of the SmC* phase (ferroelectric) exhibited by these novel materials. By the appropriate choice of spacer group, mesogenic side chain and chiral end group, a number of cyclic siloxane tetramers exhibiting wide SmC* ranges (ferroelectricity) around room temperature were synthesized.     

Preparation and evaluation of novel ferroelectric liquid crystalline cyclic siloxane tetramers

Two series of liquid crystalline cyclic siloxane tetramers, one containing the 2-methylbutyl chiral group and the other the 1-methylheptyl chiral group, were prepared to investigate, in a systematic manner, the role of molecular structure of (a) the spacer group, (b) the mesogenic side chain and (c) the chiral end group, on the liquid crystalline behaviour of these novel tetramers. The results from this systematic structure/property correlation study clearly showed the effect of the structure of both the chiral end group and the mesogenic side chain core on the thermal properties and temperature ranges of the SmC* phase (ferroelectric) exhibited by these novel materials. By the appropriate choice of spacer group, mesogenic side chain and chiral end group, a number of cyclic siloxane tetramers exhibiting wide SmC* ranges (ferroelectricity) around room temperature were synthesized.     

The first columnar discotic liquid crystalline anthraquinone metal complexes

In this communication we present the synthesis and characterization of the first two members of a new class of metallomesogen. The Pd and Cu complexes of 1-hydroxy-2,3,5,6,7-pentakis(dodecyloxy)anthra-9,10-quinone were prepared by reacting the respective metal(II) acetate with the ligand. Preliminary mesophase characterization by DSC and polarizing optical microscopy indicates the formation of columnar mesophases in both the complexes.     

The effect of molecular structure on the thermal properties of ferroelectric liquid crystalline cyclic siloxane tetramers

A series of liquid crystalline cyclic siloxane tetramers was prepared to investigate, in a systematic manner, the role of molecular structure of (a) the spacer group, (b) the mesogenic side group and (c) the chiral end group, on the liquid crystalline behaviour of these novel tetramers. The results from this systematic structure/property correlation study clearly showed the effects of the structure of the chiral end group and the mesogenic side group on the thermal stability and temperature range of the SmC* phase (ferroelectric) exhibited by these materials. For a given chiral end group, the effect of the length of the spacer group on the thermal stability and temperature range of the SmC* phases depended greatly on the structure of the mesogenic side group. By appropriate choice of spacer group, mesogenic side group and chiral end group, a number of tetramers exhibiting wide SmC* ranges (ferroelectricity) from below room temperature were synthesized.     

Mean field analysis of four liquid crystalline odd-even ester dimers

A mean field analysis is presented for four liquid crystalline ester dimers, Dn, containing the dimethylbenzalazine mesogen, alkanedioyloxy flexible spacers from 7 to 10 carbon atoms and acetate terminal groups. The conformations of the dimers, in the RIS approximation, were generated from the known crystallographic coordinates of D8 and D9. The energy of each conformer is split into an internal (conformation dependent) part and an external (orientation dependent) part. After proper averaging over all orientations and conformations, the orientation-conformation partition function is evaluated and, from that, the Helmholtz free energy. A qualitative agreement between calculated and observed thermodynamic properties is obtained. In fact, the theoretical analysis correctly predicts strong odd-even fluctuations for the mesogenic group order parameter, S, as well as for transition entropy, ΔS _NI, and transition temperature, T _NI. The distribution of conformers is similar for dimers having the same parity of the spacer. For even dimers, the calculated fraction of linear extended conformers in the nematic phase at the N-I transition is around 47%, whereas it is less than 3.6% for odd dimers.     

The first examples of room temperature liquid crystal dimers based on cholesterol and pentaalkynylbenzene

In this article, we report the synthesis of the first examples of room temperature liquid crystal dimers based on cholesterol and pentaalkynylbenzene linked via flexible alkyl spacers. The thermal behaviour and mesomorphic properties of the newly synthesised compounds were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarised optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. All the synthesised dimers showed nematic (N*) phase at room temperature and exhibited excellent fluorescent emission properties. The steady-state anisotropy and fluorescence lifetime were measured in order to gain further insights into the supramolecular arrangement of these dimers.     

The first examples of terminally thiol-functionalized alkoxycyanobiphenyls

In this communication, we report the synthesis of the first examples of terminally thiol-functionalized alkoxycyanobiphenyls. The thermal behaviour of these mesogens and their intermediates was investigated by polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffractometry.     

Permeability control in electro‐sensitive microcapsules with immobilized ferroelectric liquid crystalline segments

Nylon‐polystyrene microcapsules with immobilized ferroelectric liquid crystalline segments were prepared, and permeability control of an encapsulated core material was investigated under an external electric field. A ferroelectric liquid crystal monomer possessing both mesogenicity and chirality responded effectively to the external electrical field. Permeation of the material (oxprenolol) contained in the inner aqueous core of the microcapsules was enhanced under a weak electric field (2 V). Furthermore, the permeability of oxprenolol did not depend on the external electric field in the absence of the ferroelectric liquid crystal segments. To clarify the controlled‐release mechanism of the core material, the light transmittance of the polymer membranes was quantitatively evaluated under an external electric field using a handmade polarized light transmittance apparatus. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 1749–1757, 2008     

The first enantioenriched metalated nitrile possessing macroscopic configurational stability

[structure: see text]. Magnesium-bromine exchange on enantiopure cyclopropyl bromonitrile 5 at -100 degrees C for 1 min followed by a D2O quench gives the deuterionitrile in 81% ee (retention); additional trapping experiments establish t(1/2)(rac) = 11.4 h at -100 degrees C. These experiments provide the first glimpse into the stereochemical aspects of Mg-Br exchange. The intermediate formed is the first metalated nitrile demonstrated to possess macroscopic configurational stability.     

Simulation of the rheological properties of liquid media containing solid anisometric particles

Theoretical simulation of the rheological properties of liquid media containing solid anisometric particles is performed. Procedures for the calculation of the degree of ordering in the nematic systems under equilibrium conditions and their rheological characteristics are proposed. Earlier developed notions of the calculation procedures for the properties of systems considered are analyzed and corrections to the theory are substantiated. Based on developed model notions, equilibrium and transport equations are derived and a program for their numerical solution is proposed. Model calculations of the lines of phase transition and the ordering of systems containing isotropic and nematic phases, as well as anisotropic (in orienting field) and effective dynamic viscosities under the conditions of free flow of such systems, are carried out at various concentrations and geometry of anisometric particles. A comparison of calculated and experimental data for the solutions of polymer-salt compositions with induced chain rigidity demonstrates the adequacy of the model proposed.     

Dielectric properties of four room temperature ferroelectric and antiferroelectric multi-component liquid crystalline mixtures

Dielectric properties of four recently formulated room temperature multi-component liquid crystalline mixtures with paraelectric (SmA*), ferroelectric (SmC*) and antiferroelectric (SmC*_A) phases have been studied as a function of temperature and frequency. Under planer anchoring condition, dielectric spectroscopy revealed all the characteristic modes: low frequency P_L and high frequency P_H mode in SmC*_A phase, Goldstone mode (GM) in SmC* phase and soft mode (SM) in SmA* phase. Dielectric behaviour has also been studied under the application of DC bias electric field. With bias electric field, we have been able to study the soft mode dielectric behaviour in the SmC* phase. An unknown high frequency mode (X-mode) with and without bias is also observed in SmC* phase. Dielectric results are explained in the light of generalised Landau theory. The mixtures show very high soft mode electroclinic coefficient in the SmA* phase in addition to fast switching in SmC*_A and SmC* phases [30].     

Block copolymers of telechelic poly(phenylene sulfide) and semiaromatic thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester segments

We report the synthesis and characterization of copolymers comprising poly(phenyl sulfide) (PPS) blocks and semiaromatic thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP) blocks. The copolymers, synthesized by melt-transesterification of dicarboxy-terminated poly(phenylene sulfide) with poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-oxybenzoate) (PET/OB), were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and polarized light optical microscopy (PLOM). The crystallizability and liquid crystalline properties of the copolymers are greatly influenced by the extent of interchange reactions, the mole percent of oxybenzoate with respect to the PET, the PPS : PET/OB weight ratio, and the reaction time. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 2707–2713, 1998     

The liquid crystalline state of polyimide precursors

The polyimide precursor poly(4,4′-methylenediphenylene pyromellitamic acid) (PMDPAA) in N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) was a lyotropic liquid crystal as evidenced by a DSC thermogram and x-ray spectrum on its gel, and optical properties by the existence of the critical concentration on the solution viscosity. The configuration of PMDPAA as shown by wide angle x-ray diffraction pattern was composed of regular meta pyromellitamic acid units. These units together with the rigid character of ? CH₂? linkage between two phenyl rings, and the hydrogen bonding of the intermesogenic units were surmised to be the driving force for liquid crystal formation. The liquid crystalline characters were dependent on molecular weight, solid content, temperature, and the extent of mechanical shearing flow. Data from rheometrics mechanical spectrometer (RMS) indicated that the elastic character of the melt of PMDPAA gel at room temperature shifted to lower frequency on standing and the complex dynamic viscosity increased with time.     

The influence of flexible segments on liquid crystalline properties in terms of solubility parameters. An attempt at quantitative interpretation

The phase behavior of some rodlike block molecules has been reviewed with reference to the polarity of constituent segments. It was found that the ability of the mesophase formation is connected with differences in polar character between the flexible chains and rigid cores. Thus the polar poly(oxyethylene) group connected with the polar rigid core reduces mesophase stability but is advantageous when put together with some apolar building blocks. An attempt at quantitative estimation of the incompatibilities of different parts of molecules by means of Hansen solubility parameters delta and Flory interaction parameters chi has also been made. On the basis of chi parameters the Gibbs free energies of mixing of these segments were calculated. The changes of Gibbs free energy reflecting the compatibility of segments and their tendency to the phase separation and the volume fraction of mesogenic rigid core reflecting their ability to arrangement in one direction appear to be crucial in terms of type of the mesophase formation.     

Synthesis of block copolymers consisting of liquid crystalline and amorphous segments by living/controlled radical polymerization

Living polymerization is most often observed in systems where the growing species are ions. In such systems the chain ends do not react to each other due to elestrostactic repulsion, but only to monomers allowing, this way, the control in structure of the formed polymer. Free radicals, which are the growing species in the radical polymerization, easely undergo combination and prevent a living radical polymerization. Thus, a great challenge to polymer science was in meeting a system that offered to the radical polymerization a radical stabillization alike in ionic polymerizations. At the same time, the radicals should undergo rapid propagation and should not be able to initiate new chains, in a controlled reaction. Some succesfull techniques of living/controlled radical polymerization, such as stable free radical polymerization (SFRP), mediated by nitroxide, INIFERTER and atom transfer polymerization (ATRP) will be overviewed here, as well as their application to the synthesis of liquid crystalline polymers.