Synthesis, structure and mesomorphic properties of side-chain chiral liquid crystalline polysiloxanes based on (S)-(+)-2-methyl-1-butanol derivatives

The synthesis of five chiral liquid crystalline monomers (M₁-M₅), and their corresponding side-chain polymers (P₁-P₅) based on (S)-(+)-2-methyl-1-butanol derivatives is described. The chemical structures of the monomers were confirmed by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, and elemental analyses. The structure-property relationships of the monomers and polymers obtained are discussed. The mesomorphic properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. All monomers showed a cholesteric phase. For M₂, M₃, and M₅, besides a cholesteric phase and a smectic A (S_A) phase, M₂ also revealed an enantiotropic chiral smectic C phase and a monotropic smectic B (S_B) phase, and M₃ also showed a S_B phase. The polymers P₁-P₅ exhibited a S_A phase, moreover, P₂, P₃ and P₅ also revealed a phase. The experimental results demonstrated that a flexible siloxane backbone and a long flexible spacer tended to exhibit a low glass transition temperature, high thermal stability, and wide mesophase temperature range.     

Side-chain cholesteric liquid crystalline elastomers derived from a mesogenic crosslinking agent: I. Synthesis and mesomorphic properties

The synthesis of new side-chain cholesteric elastomers derived from a cholesteric monomer and mesogenic crosslinking agent is presented. The chemical structures of the monomers obtained were confirmed by elemental analyses, FT-IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR. The mesomorphic properties and thermal stability were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. M₁ showed cholesteric phase, and M₂ displayed enantiotropic nematic phase and monotropic smectic phase. The elastomers containing less than 12 mol% of the crosslinking units revealed reversible mesomorphic phase transition, wide mesophase temperature ranges, and high thermal stability.     

Synthesis and characterization of polybinaphthalene incorporating chiral (R) or (S)-1,1′-binaphthalene and oxadiazole units by Heck reaction

Chiral conjugated polymers P-1 and P-2 were synthesized by the polymerization of (R)-3,3′-diiodo-2,2′-bisbutoxy-1,1′-binaphthalene ((R)-M-1) and (S)-3,3′-diiodo-2,2′-bisbutoxy-1,1′-binaphthalene ((S)-M-1) with 2,5-bis(4-vinylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (M-2) under Pd-catalyzed Heck coupling reaction, respectively. Both monomers and polymers were analysed by NMR, MS, FT-IR, UV, DSC-TG, fluorescent spectroscopy, GPC and CD spectra. The chiral conjugated polymers exhibit strong Cotton effect in their circular dichroism (CD) spectra indicating a high rigidity of polymer backbone. CD spectra of polymers P-1 and P-2 are almost identical and have opposite signs for their position. These polymers have strong blue fluorescence.     

Effects of chemical variations on the mesophase behavior of new fluorinated poly(vinylcyclopropane)s

Several new structures of fluorinated polymers poly(1)-poly(9) were prepared by free radical ring opening polymerization of vinylcyclopropane monomers 1-9 containing different fluorinated side groups of the type (CH₂)_n(CF₂)_pF. While in poly(1)-poly(3) p varied from 6 to 10 for a fixed n=2, in poly(4)-poly(6) n increased from 3 to 5 at the given p=8. In poly(7) and poly(8) a phenyl ring was incorporated to elongate the mesogenic side group (n=2; p=6 and 8, respectively), that was further separated from the polymer backbone by a methylene spacer (m=11) in poly(9). Therefore, the effects of various chemical variations of the polymer structure on the mesophase behavior could be assessed. The polymers were in fact co-polymers comprising both 1,5-linear and cyclobutane-ring isomer units. In any case they formed smectic mesophase(s) owing to the special character of the perfluorinated chains. The order and the isotropization temperature (T_i) of the mesophase were enhanced by increasing p, but T_i lowered with increasing n. Extension of the side group by insertion of a phenyl ring improved T_i. Wide angle X-ray diffraction studies clarified the nature of the different smectic phases, the occurrence of which was discussed in terms of the ability of the fluorinated side groups to pack antiparallel in either a partly or fully interdigitated structure. Co-polymers of 3 with a non-mesogenic, not fluorinated co-monomer 10 were also prepared with different chemical compositions. Co-polymerization was found to be another effective means of modifying the mesophase behavior of the poly(vinylcyclopropane)s.     

H-Bonded metallomesogens derived from salicyladiminates

A series of new mesogenic compounds 1a-b (n=8, 10, 12, 14, 16) derived from salicyladimines and their palladium 2a, 2b, vanadyl 2a, and copper complexes 3a, 3b were prepared and their mesomorphic properties investigated by optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffractometry. Pd²⁺ and VO²⁺ ions formed mononuclear complexes, whereas, Cu²⁺ ion formed binuclear complexes due to the relative acidic strength of Schiff base. Single crystallographic analysis of non-mesogenic compound 2a (n=8) confirmed its coordination geometry at Pd²⁺ as square plane. It crystallizes in a triclinic space group P−1 with a Z=1. As expected, the Pd²⁺ was coordinated via a trans-N₂O₂ donor set of phenolic-O and imine-N atoms, leaving two hydroxyl groups intact and uncoordinated. The two alkoxy chains, pointing to the opposite direction were parallel, and the molecule was considered as twisted Z-shaped. Both hydroxyl-OH groups attached on C₁₇ and C₁₈-Schiff imines participate in the H-bonds in the lattice. Interestingly, a pseudo polymeric structure was observed, in which H-bonded dimer was continuously extended by another H-bonded dimer in the lattice. Compounds 1 exhibited smectic A phases, and Pd and VO complexes and Cu complexes 3b exhibited smectic A or/and smectic X phases, however, Cu complexes 3a formed crystal phases. Intermolecular H-bonds might be attributed to the difference observed on the mesomorphic properties in these compounds. Copper complexes 2b were not active on ESR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis, properties, and oxidizing function of 6-substituted 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrrole-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates

Uracil-annulated heteroazulenes, 6-substituted 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrrole-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates 7a,b·BF₄⁻, which are the isoelectronic compounds of 5-dezazaflavin, were synthesized. X-Ray crystal analysis and MO calculations were carried out to clarify the structural characteristics of 7a,b·BF₄⁻. The stability of cations 7a,b is expressed by the pK_R+ values which were determined spectrophotometrically to be 10.9 and 11.2, respectively. The electrochemical reduction of 7a,b exhibited high reduction potentials at −0.84 and −0.87 (V vs Ag/AgNO₃) upon cyclic voltammetry (CV). A good linear correlation between the pK_R+ values and reduction potentials (E1_red) of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ and reference compounds 4·BF₄⁻ and 5·BF₄⁻ was obtained. In a search of the reactivity, reactions of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ with some nucleophiles, hydride and diethylamine, were carried out to clarify that the introduction of nucleophiles to give regio-isomers is dependent on the nucleophile. The photo-induced oxidation reactions of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ toward some alcohols under aerobic conditions were carried out to give the corresponding carbonyl compounds in more than 100% yield [based on compounds 7a,b·BF₄⁻], suggesting the oxidizing function of 7a,b·BF₄⁻ toward alcohols in the autorecycling process.     

H-Bonded metallomesogens: preparation, characterization, and mesomorphic studies of (3-hydroxypropylimino)propan-1,2-diols

Two series of new Schiff bases 2 (n=8, 12, 16) derived from (3-hydroxypropyl imino)propan-1, 2-diol with a hydroxyl group at C₁₉/C₂₀-position and their palladium complexes 1 were prepared and their mesomorphic properties investigated by DSC, POM, and XRD. The presence of both hydroxyl groups was found to be crucial in forming the liquid crystalline behavior. All compounds 2a exhibited smectic A or and C phases, in contrast, all compounds 2b formed hexagonal columnar phases. The formation of mesophases in both compounds 1-2 was probably induced by inter-molecular H-bonds. Single crystallographic data in mesogenic compound 2a (n=8) indicated that a dimeric structure with a better linear or rod-like molecular shape was formed by an inter-molecular H-bond (O4-O1′, ∼1.854 Å). Another inter-molecular H-bond (∼1.903 Å) between two dimeric structures was also observed. It crystallizes in a monoclinic space group P2(1)/c. On the other hand, all palladium complexes 1 formed enantiotropic smectic A phases. Single crystallographic data in mesogenic compound 1a (n=8) indicated that the geometry at Pd²⁺ center was coordinated as slightly twisted square planar. It crystallizes in a monoclinic space group P2(1)/n. An inter-molecular H-bond (∼1.799 Å) between neighboring molecules were observed, which might have facilitated the formation of mesophases. Variable-temperature powder XRD experiments confirmed their mesophase structures.     

Synthesis and properties of novel 5-(cyclohepta-2′,4′,6′-trienylidene)pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-triones: methodology for synthesizing cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates

Novel condensation reaction of tropone with N-substituted and N,N′-disubstitued barbituric acids in Ac₂O afforded 5-(cyclohepta-2′,4′,6′-trienylidene)pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-trione derivatives (8a-f) in moderate to good yields. The ¹³C NMR spectral study of 8a-f revealed that the contribution of zwitterionic resonance structures is less important as compared with that of 8,8-dicyanoheptafulvene. The rotational barriers (ΔG^‡) around the exocyclic double bond of mono-substituted derivatives 8a-c were obtained to be 14.51-15.03 kcal mol⁻¹ by the variable temperature ¹H NMR measurements. The electrochemical properties of 8a-f were also studied by CV measurement. Upon treatment with DDQ, 8a-c underwent oxidative cyclization to give two products, 7 and 9-substituted cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates (11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻) in various ratios, while that of disubstituted derivatives 8d-f afforded 7,9-disubstituted cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborate (11d-f·BF₄⁻) in good yields. Similarly, preparation of known 5-(1′-oxocycloheptatrien-2′-yl)-pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-trione derivatives (14a-d) and novel derivatives 14e,f was carried out. Treatment of 14a-c with aq. HBF₄/Ac₂O afforded two kinds of novel products 11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a,c·BF₄⁻ in various ratios, respectively, while that of 14d-f afforded 11d-f. The product ratios of 11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻ observed in two kinds of cyclization reactions were rationalized on the basis of MO calculations of model compounds 20a and 21a. The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of 11a-f·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻ were studied, and structural characterization of 11c·BF₄⁻ based on the X-ray crystal analysis and MO calculation was also performed.     

δ-Lactone formation from δ-hydroxy-trans-α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids accompanied by trans-cis isomerization: synthesis of (−)-tetra-O-acetylosmundalin

(±)-(4,5-anti)-4-Benzyloxy-5-hydroxy-(2E)-hexenoic acid 6 was subjected to δ-lactonization in the presence of 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyl chloride and pyridine to give the α,β-unsaturated-δ-lactone congener (±)-7 (87% yield) accompanied by trans-cis isomerization. This δ-lactonization procedure was applied to the chiral synthesis of (+)-(4S,5R)-7 or (−)-(4R,5S)-7 from the chiral starting material (+)-(4S,5R)-6 or (−)-(4R,5S)-6. Deprotection of the benzyl group in (+)-(4S,5R)-7 or (−)-(4R,5S)-7 by the AlCl₃/m-xylene system gave the natural osmundalactone (+)-(4S,5R)-5 or (−)-(4R,5S)-5 in good yield, respectively. Condensation of (−)-(4R,5S)-5 and tetraacetyl-β-d-glucosyltrichloroimidate 22 in the presence of BF₃·Et₂O afforded the condensation product (−)-8 (97% yield), which was identical to tetra-O-acetylosmundalin (−)-8 derived from natural osmundalin 9.     

Ammonium hexafluorosilicate salts

The preparation and characterization of the ammonium hexafluorosilicate salts, 2[R]⁺ [SiF₆]²⁻ (where R=piperidinium (2), methylammonium (3), quinolinium (4), acridinium (5), 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinium (6), and propylammonium (7)) is described.The salts were prepared from the reaction of the corresponding alkylammonium fluoride with silica gel. The compounds were characterized by NMR, IR, mass spectrometry and in the case of 1 (piperidinium fluoride), 2-4 by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 1-3 crystallize in the orthorhombic crystal system (space groups Iba2, Fdd2, and Pnnm, respectively), with Z=8, 14, and 4, respectively. Compound 4 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1, with Z=2. Compounds 1-4 exhibit hydrogen bonding.     

Gold catalysis in stereoselective natural product synthesis: (+)-linalool oxide, (−)-isocyclocapitelline, and (−)-isochrysotricine

A stereoselective synthesis of the tetrahydrofuran-containing natural products (2S,5R)-(+)-linalool oxide (1), (−)-isocyclocapitelline (2), and (−)-isochrysotricine (3) is reported. Key steps are the copper-mediated S_N2′-substitution of propargyl oxiranes 7 and the gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization of dihydroxyallenes 8/17, resulting in a highly efficient center-to-axis-to-center chirality transfer. The enantioselective total synthesis of (−)-isocyclocapitelline (2) and (−)-isochrysotricine (3) allowed the elucidation of the absolute configuration of these β-carboline natural products.     

Calix[4]arenes containing urea and crown/urea moieties: effects of the crown ether unit and Na towards anion binding ability

Calix[4]arenes containing urea and crown/urea moieties, 7 and 10, respectively have been synthesized. ¹H NMR titrations of 7 and 10 with anions in DMSO-d₆ showed that 7 and 10 formed complexes with Cl⁻, Br⁻, NO₃⁻ and H₂PO₄⁻ to a different extent. The association constants of 7 and 10 towards anions were calculated and found to vary as H₂PO₄⁻>Cl⁻>Br⁻>NO₃⁻. However, compared to 7 the presence of the crown unit in 10 resulted in a slightly higher affinity to Cl⁻ and Br⁻, but a lower affinity to H₂PO₄⁻. Upon addition of Na⁺, the binding ability of 10 towards H₂PO₄⁻ is increased due to ion-pair enhancement.     

Influence of the counteranion on silver(I)–dithioether coordination polymers

In order to rationalize the effect of the size and coordinating ability of counteranions upon the structure of Ag(I)–dithioether coordination polymers, a series of such polymers has been synthesized by the combination of the 1,3-bis(methylthio)propane building block and AgX silver salts (X = ClO₄⁻ (1), BF₄⁻ (2), CF₃SO₃⁻ (3), SbF₆⁻ (4), C₆H₅COO⁻ (5), CF₃COO⁻ (6), CF₃CF₂CF₂COO⁻ (7) and ⁻OOCCF₂CF₂COO⁻ (8)). Except in two cases, all complexes form 1D-coordination polymers.     

Ring transformation of cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium ion to the corresponding pyrrole derivatives via troponeimine intermediates: photo-induced autorecycling oxidizing reactions of some amines

Ring transformation of 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan- 8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborate 4⁺·BF₄⁻ to 7,9-dimethylcyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrrrole-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborate 6a-d⁺·BF₄⁻ consists of the reaction of 4⁺·BF₄⁻ with amines and subsequent exchange of the counter-ion using aq. HBF₄. Reactions of 4⁺·BF₄⁻ with aniline and 4-substituted anilines afforded the corresponding pyrrole derivatives 6a-c⁺·BF₄⁻ directly in good yields. On the other hand, reaction of 4⁺·BF₄⁻ with benzylamine gave the troponeimine intermediate 9, which was not converted to 6d⁺·BF₄⁻ and reverted to 4⁺·BF₄⁻ by adding HBF₄; however, it was converted to 6d⁺·BF₄⁻ upon treatment with (COCl)₂ or SOCl₂, followed by exchange of the counter-ion. In a search for the characteristics of 9, inspection and comparison of the X-ray crystal analyses, NMR and UV-vis spectra, and CV measurement of 9 and N,N-disubstituted troponeimine derivatives 12 were carried out to suggest the remarkable structure of 12 having ionic C-O bonding between the imine-carbon atom and the oxygen atom of the barbituric acid moiety in the solid state. Thus, characteristics of 9 were ascribed to the sterically hindered and favorable conformation of N-protonated troponeimine intermediates. Furthermore, novel photo-induced oxidation reactions of a series of 4⁺·BF₄⁻, 5⁺·BF₄⁻, and 6a,e⁺·BF₄⁻ towards some amines under aerobic conditions were carried out to give the corresponding imines in 455-8362% yields [based on compounds 4⁺, 5⁺, and 6a,e⁺], suggesting the oxidation reaction occurs in an autorecycling process. Mechanistic aspects of the amine-oxidation reaction are also postulated.     

Substituted six-membered ring carbenes: the effects of amino and cyclopropyl groups through DFT calculations

DFT calculations are employed to compare and contrast six-membered ring carbenes including 1,3-dimethyltetrahydropyrimidin-2-ylidene (1a), 1-methyl-3-cyclopropyltetrahydropyridine-2-ylidene (2a), and 1,3-dicyclopropylcyclohexane-2-ylidene (3a) as well as their unsaturated analogues 1b, 2b, 3b, and 2c. The amino groups exert singlet-triplet energy separation (?E_s−t) of 60.9 kcal/mol to 1a while cyclopropyls induce a ?E_s−t of 14.8 kcal/mol to 3a. The simultaneous presence of amino and cyclopropyl in 2a leads to a ?E_s−t of 43.3 kcal/mol. Unsaturation slightly increases the ?E_s−t of 1a and 3a but not that of 2a. Our thermodynamic, kinetic, and reactivity results are compared with those of synthetic five-membered ring N-heterocyclic carbenes.     

Alternative synthesis and novel oxidizing ability of 6,9-disubstituted cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrrole-8(6H),10(9H)-dione derivatives

Synthesis of 6,9-disubstituted cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]pyrrole-8(6H),10(9H)-diones 7a-g was accomplished by ring opening and ring closure sequences of 9-substituted cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8,10(9H)-dione derivatives induced by several amines. Furthermore, alternative synthetic methodology for compounds 7a-e was also accomplished by single-step reaction of 2-chlorotropone with 6-aminouracil derivatives under mild conditions. X-ray crystal analysis of 7a was carried out to clarify the structural characteristics. The properties of 7a-e were studied by the UV-vis spectra and reduction potentials (−1.24 to −1.39 V vs Ag/AgNO₃). Novel photo-induced oxidation reaction of 7a-d toward some amines under aerobic conditions was carried out to give the corresponding imines in more than 100% yield [based on compounds 7a-d], suggesting the oxidation reaction occurs in an autorecycling process.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of different topological coordination polymers based on tunable Cu4Br4−mIm secondary building units and macrocyclic azacalixaromatics

The coordination self-assembly between the macrocyclic ligand tetraazacalix[4]pyrimidine (TAPM) with cubane-like copper halides (Cu₄X₄) produced five coordination polymers 1-5 {Cu₄Br_4−mI_m(TAPM)}_n (m=0 (1), 1 (2), 2 (3), 3 (4) and 4 (5)). X-ray single crystal analysis revealed that the Br:I ratio in the Cu₄X₄ cores serves as a controlling factor to fine-tune the geometries of Cu₄X₄ and therefore induce the conformation variation of tetraazacalix[4]pyrimidine. Consequently, two different topological nets, dia and lcs, were successfully constructed based on tetrahedrally coordinated Cu₄X₄ secondary building units and the flexible macrocyclic quadridentate ligand TAPM. The structure details of 1-5 as porous materials are analyzed, which shows a solvent accessible volume within the range of 27−35%. Compounds 1-5 exhibit luminescence properties with the peak maximum at around 476−488 nm.     

Synthesis and dichromate anion extraction ability of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene diamide derivatives with different binding sites

The article describes the synthesis and evaluation of the dichromate anion (Cr₂O₇²⁻/HCr₂O₇⁻) extraction properties of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene diamide derivatives (5-7) containing different binding sites. Among these compounds, 6 and 7 have been synthesized via aminolysis in a toluene-methanol solvent system with 3-aminomethylpyridine and 3,6-dioxa-1,8-diamino octane, respectively. On the other hand, compound 5 has been synthesized via an acid chloride method due to its inefficiency under aminolysis. The extraction properties of these diamides toward dichromate anions are studied by liquid-liquid extraction. The results show that p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene diamide derivative 7 exhibited a much higher affinity toward dichromate anions than that of 6 due to its special structure, while 5 was an ineffective ligand for these anions.     

New metallomesogens derived from unsymmetric 1,3,4-thiodiazoles: synthesis, single crystal structure, mesomorphism, and optical properties

A series of copper(II) complexes 1 derived from unsymmetric 1,3,4-thiadiazoles 2 exhibiting mesogenic properties are reported. All the precursors 2 and 3 exhibited smectic A or/and smectic C phases, whereas, copper complexes formed nematic, SmA or SmC phases. The mesophases formed by derivatives 2 and 3 were probably attributed to the H-bondings induced both intramolecularly or/and intermolecularly between amide (-NH) and phenolic (-OH) groups. The crystal and molecular structures of mesogenic 2-(5-(2-(hexyloxy)naphthalene-6-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl)phenol (2; n=6, m=6) were determined by means of X-ray structural analysis. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P-1, with a=7.4255(18) Å, b=8.209(2) Å, c=17.315(5) Å, and Z=2. An intermolecular H-bond (d=1.89 Å) between N2 and H1A atoms with an angle of 161.5° was observed. All molecules were packed as tilted layer arrangement and a π-π interaction (ca. 3.56 Å) was observed. Variable temperature FTIR and ¹H NMR spectroscopies were also used to probe the possible H-bondings formed in compound 2 (m=0, n=6). The fluorescent properties of these compounds 2 were examined. All λ_max peaks of the absorption and photoluminescence spectra occurred at ca. 359-363 nm and 519-537 nm, respectively. Excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction in this type of ortho-hydroxy-1,3,4-thiadiazole was also observed.     

Catenar bimetallomesogens derived from quinoxaline–salicylaldimine conjugates

The preparation, characterization, and mesomorphic properties of two series of tridentate N-salicylidene-2-hydroxyanilines and their metal complexes were described. The crystal and molecular structure of bis[2-hydroxy-4-propyloxy-N-(2-hydroxy-3,4-dipropyloxybenzylidene) aniline]copper(II) were determined by means of X-ray analysis. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n and a Z=4. The geometry at Cu²⁺ ions is square pyramidal with a THF solvent molecule coordinated. The core structure was nearly flat, and the intramolecular Cu–Cu atoms were separated by ca. 3.0163(6) Å. All compounds 2a formed smectic C phases, and copper complexes 1a–Cu were not mesogenic. In contrast, compound 2e and complexes 1b–Cu, 1d–Cu, 1e–Cu, and 1e–Pd exhibited columnar phases. The lack of mesomorphism in 1e–Zn was attributed to a preferred tetrahedral over square planar geometry. A N_cell equal to 2.44–2.92, calculated from powder XRD data within a 9.0 Å thick indicated that an induced structure correlated by two catenar-shaped molecules was formed in Col_h phases.