Morphological phase behaviour under pressure of polycatenar mesogens with a perfluorinated moiety

Two polycatenar materials composed of a four‐aromatic‐ring core with a perfluorinated moiety attached in one terminal position through either butylene‐ or pentylene spacer groups, and three tetradecyloxy chains at the other end (abbreviated as 14PC₄F and 14PC₅F), were investigated to study the effect of pressure on the phase transition behaviour. A polarizing optical microscope equipped with a high pressure optical hot stage, was used for the purpose. The T vs. P phase diagrams of 14PC₄F and 14PC₅F were constructed in the pressure region up to 100 MPa. 14PC₄F showed the stable crystal (Cr₁)–columnar tetragonal (Col_tet)–smectic A (SmA)–columnar hexagonal (Col_h)–isoropic liquid (I) phase transition sequence under all pressures. 14PC₅F exhibited the phase sequence metastable crystal (Cr₂)–cubic (Cub)–Col_tet–SmA–I in a melt‐cooled sample on heating under pressure. But when the melt‐cooled Cr₂ sample was annealed at 52–54°C for 2–3 h, the stable crystal (Cr₁) was formed slowly, giving a stable Cr₁–Cub–Col_tet–SmA–I phase sequence. The temperature region of the stable cubic phase broadened with increasing pressure. Furthermore a new mesophase of 14PC₅F was pressure‐induced between the I and SmA phases on cooling at pressures above about 16 MPa. Since the monotropic mesophase exhibited a texture very similar to that of the high temperature Col_h phase of 14PC₄F with planar orientation, the new phase was assigned at a high temperature columnar hexagonal phase of 14PC₅F.     

Polycatenar mesogens with a perfluorinated moiety showing a variety of liquid crystalline polymorphism

Polycatenar materials composed of a four-aromatic-ring core, with either a bulky or end-branched perfluorinated moiety attached at one end through a methylene spacer group, and three peripheral alkoxy chains of varying length (the carbon number n = 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16) on the other end-ring, were synthesized to investigate the roles of the chemical structure of the compositional segments in relation to liquid crystalline phase formation. It was found that a homologous series of polycatenar materials exhibited a variety of liquid crystalline phases strongly dependent on the length of the peripheral alkyl chains. Moreover it was shown that changes in the spacer group and in the structure of the perfluorinated segment had a significant influence on mesophase formation.     

A polycatenar mesogen with a perfluorinated moiety showing continuous phase transformation between a smectic A phase and a structured,fluid, optically isotropic phase

A polycatenar mesogen consisting of a four aromatic ring system with three long alkoxy chains and a bulky perfluorinated substituent has been synthesized and found to show the polymorphism of a cubic phase, a columnar phase and a smectic A phase, including a structured, fluid, optically isotropic phase with the phase transformation between the smectic A phase and the isotropic phase occurring continuously.     

Columnar mesophases and phase behaviors of novel polycatenar mesogens containing bi-1,3,4-oxadiazole

A new series of liquid-crystalline bi-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives (2,2′-bis(3,4,5-trialkoxyphenyl)-bi-1,3,4-oxadiazole, BOXD-Tn, n=3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 14) were designed and synthesized. They have been confirmed to give rise to columnar mesophases. The columnar mesophases for BOXD-Tn (n=5, 6, 7, 8, 10) could be supercooled to −20 °C on the cooling runs. A room temperature Col_ho phase was obtained for BOXD-T14. All BOXD-Tn exhibit good fluorescence properties either in cyclohexane or in solid state.     

Dimorphism SmA-B2 in bent-core mesogens with perfluorinated terminal chains

Several banana-shaped liquid crystal materials with perfluorinated terminal chains have been synthesized. A dimorphism SmA-B₂ was proved by X-ray studies and electro-optical measurements. The unusual ratio d/L (d = layer spacing, L = molecular length) and the unexpected behaviour of the layer spacing at the phase transition SmA > B2 can be interpreted by a change of the packing of the bent molecules.     

Nano-segregated structures of hydrogen-bonded mesogens with perfluorinated moieties: cubic phase formation and first order smectic A to smectic C phase transition

Two series of mesogenic compounds having both a perfluorinated substituent and a hydrogen bonding active site were synthesized and their phase behavior investigated. Due to the chemical architecture of these materials exhibiting amphiphilic character, structures of nano-segregation are expected to form. We found a thermotropic cubic phase with Ia3d symmetry in one of the acid/base hydrogen-bonded complexes, which is a nano-segregated structure. Moreover materials exhibiting a first order smectic A to smectic C phase transition were found, which was ascertained by differential scanning calorimetry measuring a large latent heat, and X-ray diffraction experiments observing abrupt changes of physical properties at the phase transition, i.e. the tilt angle, the intensity and the half-width of the small angle reflection. This first order phase transition occurs due to the frustration of nano-segregated structures of lamellar phases.     

Nano-segregated structures of hydrogen-bonded mesogens with perfluorinated moieties: cubic phase formation and first order smectic A to smectic C phase transition

Two series of mesogenic compounds having both a perfluorinated substituent and a hydrogen bonding active site were synthesized and their phase behavior investigated. Due to the chemical architecture of these materials exhibiting amphiphilic character, structures of nano-segregation are expected to form. We found a thermotropic cubic phase with Ia3d symmetry in one of the acid/base hydrogen-bonded complexes, which is a nano-segregated structure. Moreover materials exhibiting a first order smectic A to smectic C phase transition were found, which was ascertained by differential scanning calorimetry measuring a large latent heat, and X-ray diffraction experiments observing abrupt changes of physical properties at the phase transition, i.e. the tilt angle, the intensity and the half-width of the small angle reflection. This first order phase transition occurs due to the frustration of nano-segregated structures of lamellar phases.     

A generalized model for the molecular arrangement in the columnar mesophases of polycatenar mesogens. Crystal and molecular structure of two hexacatenar mesogens

The columnar mesophases of two series of hexacatenar palladium(II) mesogens have been studied in detail by a combination of X-ray diffraction on aligned and unaligned samples and dilatometry. The results of these studies, combined with the results of two single crystal structure determinations, have allowed a model of the molecular arrangement in the columnar phases to be proposed. This model differs in detail from that generally accepted for the arrangement of polycatenar mesogens in columnar phases, and a new model is proposed which accounts for both new and existing data.     

Phase behaviour of the thermotropic cubic mesogens 1,2-bis-(4-n-undecyl- and 4-n-dodecyl-oxybenzoyl)hydrazine under pressure

The phase transition behaviour of two optically isotropic, thermotropic cubic mesogens 1,2-bis-(4-n-undecyloxy- and 4-n-dodecyloxy-benzoyl)hydrazine, BABH(11) and BABH(12), was investigated under hydrostatic pressures up to 300 MPa using a high pressure differential thermal analyser, a wide angle X-ray diffractometer and a polarizing optical microscope equipped with a high pressure optical cell. It is found that for BABH(11) and BABH(12), a smectic C (SmC) phase is induced between the isotropic liquid (I) and the cubic (Cub) phases by applying pressures above 10-12 and 16-17 MPa, respectively. A sea-island texture consisting of bright sand-like sea regions (SmC phase) and areas of dark islands (Cub phase) appears in the mesophase under pressures up to 140 MPa, while the sand-like texture of the SmC phase is formed predominantly on cooling under pressure. These observations indicate the destabilization of the cubic phase with increasing pressure. The phase transition sequence of BABH(11) and BABH(12), Cr-Cub-I at atmospheric pressure, changes to Cr-Cub-SmC-I under intermediate pressures and would change to Cr-SmC-I under elevated pressure.     

NMR investigation of the dynamics of banana shaped molecules in the isotropic phase: a comparison with calamitic mesogens behaviour

The first translational self-diffusion NMR measurements in the isotropic phase of banana-shaped liquid crystals are reported. In this paper, two banana-shaped mesogens, having a similar molecular structure and showing a nematic phase, have been investigated by means of translational self-diffusion NMR, (2)H NMR spin-spin and (1)H NMR spin-lattice relaxation measurements in the isotropic phase. While (1)H diffusion and (2)H relaxation times reveal a peculiar slow dynamic behaviour of banana-shaped mesogens compared with calamitic mesogens, the (1)H relaxation times seem to be affected by fast dynamics only. The origin of these dynamic features is discussed in terms of overall and internal molecular motions, in the frame of recent speculations concerning the formation of molecular clusters or aggregates in the isotropic phase of banana-shaped liquid crystals.     

Influence of molecular weight and polydispersity on phase behaviour of polyesters with laterally fixed or cross-shaped mesogens

To supplement previous studies of polyesters with laterally attached and cross-shaped mesogens the influence of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution on the phase behaviour has been investigated. For that purpose two polyesters have been fractionated by preparative gel permeation chromatography under high pressure and observed by polarizing microscopy and DSC measurements. A monotropic nematic polyester with laterally attached mesogens shows changing phase transitions up to a molecular weight of 10 000 (M_w); at higher molecular weight only the clearing transition is still slightly influenced. The molecular weight distribution at an average molecular weight of 15 000 (M_w) has no influence on the melting and clearing temperatures, but does effect recrystallization. The tendency to recrystallize decreases with increasing polydispersity, with increasing aberration from a monomodal molecular weight distribution. The recrystallization and the melting enthalpy are most distinguished at molecular weights around 12 000 (M_w) and crystallization disappears at molecular weights under about 5000 (M_w). In this way, fractions with stable nematic phases are obtained. Additionally, the broadness of the biphasic region shows a distinct dependence on molecular weight. Clearing temperatures show the most significant dependence on the molecular weight of an enantiotropic polyester with crossshaped mesogens dropping significantly below a molecular weight of about 20 000 (M_w). Oligomers with molecular weights below 10 000 (M_w) do not exhibit a mesophase. Polyesters with laterally attached mesogens as well as with crossshaped mesogens show no new liquid-crystalline phases by varying the molecular weight or the molecular weight distribution.     

Banana-shaped mesogens: effect of lateral substituents on seven-ring esters containing a biphenyl moiety

The synthesis and characterization of five homologous series of symmetrical compounds composed of banana-shaped molecules containing a biphenyl moiety are reported. All these compounds are non-Schiff's bases and are esters. The effects of lateral substituents such as fluoro, methyl and ethyl in the side arms of these molecules are examined. These substituents have a strong influence in reducing the clearing temperatures. Banana phases such as B1, B2 and B6 were observed in the above series of compounds. The mesophases were characterized by a combination of polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and electro-optic studies.     

Axially polar columnar phase made of polycatenar bent-shaped molecules

The polycatenar bent-shaped molecules are able to form columnar phases with column stratum built of few molecules, arranged in coplanar or conelike geometry. In the latter case, the phase becomes axially polar, with electric spontaneous polarization reorientable in the electric field by flipping the cone axis. The phase is antiferroelectric; in the plane perpendicular to columns, the ferroelectric hexagonal order exists, but the columns are broken along the z direction and the polarization direction alternates between the blocks.     

New mesogens with cubic phases: hydrogen-bonded bipyridines and siloxane-containing benzoic acids I. Preparation and phase behaviour

Several 4-(oligodimethylsiloxyl)alkoxybenzoic acids and their hydrogen-bonded complexes with 4,4-dipyridyl or 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane were prepared and their phase behaviour studied by DSC and polarized optical microscopy. The neat acids showed no liquid crystalline phases. The 4,4-dipyridyl complex of 4-(n-heptamethyltrisiloxyl)hexyloxybenzoic acid (Si3C6BA) exhibits an optically isotropic, highly viscous liquid crystalline phase below a smectic A phase. The 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane complex of Si₃C₆BA also shows an optically isotropic liquid crystalline phase above its smectic C phase. Its behaviour is similar to that of the well known cubic D phase found in 4-n-alkoxy-3-nitrobiphenyl-4-carboxylic acids. In the hydrogenbonded mesogens studied herein, the cubic phase appears to assemble spontaneously in order to take account of the chemical incompatibility between the siloxane moiety terminating the H-bonded complex and the stiff aromatic cores. The transition temperatures of the cubic phases in these materials is around 100^oC, hence they are amenable to a variety of physical measurements.     

Banana-shaped mesogens: effect of lateral substituents on seven-ring esters containing a biphenyl moiety

The synthesis and characterization of five homologous series of symmetrical compounds composed of banana-shaped molecules containing a biphenyl moiety are reported. All these compounds are non-Schiff's bases and are esters. The effects of lateral substituents such as fluoro, methyl and ethyl in the side arms of these molecules are examined. These substituents have a strong influence in reducing the clearing temperatures. Banana phases such as B 1 , B 2 and B 6 were observed in the above series of compounds. The mesophases were characterized by a combination of polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and electro-optic studies.     

New mesogens with cubic phases: hydrogen-bonded bipyridines and siloxane-containing benzoic acids I. Preparation and phase behaviour

Several 4-(oligodimethylsiloxyl)alkoxybenzoic acids and their hydrogen-bonded complexes with 4,4-dipyridyl or 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane were prepared and their phase behaviour studied by DSC and polarized optical microscopy. The neat acids showed no liquid crystalline phases. The 4,4-dipyridyl complex of 4-(n-heptamethyltrisiloxyl)hexyloxybenzoic acid (Si3C6BA) exhibits an optically isotropic, highly viscous liquid crystalline phase below a smectic A phase. The 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane complex of Si₃C₆BA also shows an optically isotropic liquid crystalline phase above its smectic C phase. Its behaviour is similar to that of the well known cubic D phase found in 4-n-alkoxy-3-nitrobiphenyl-4-carboxylic acids. In the hydrogenbonded mesogens studied herein, the cubic phase appears to assemble spontaneously in order to take account of the chemical incompatibility between the siloxane moiety terminating the H-bonded complex and the stiff aromatic cores. The transition temperatures of the cubic phases in these materials is around 100^oC, hence they are amenable to a variety of physical measurements.     

Structures, properties and miscibility behaviour of liquid crystalline polycatenar tetrone derivatives

The tetrones represent an interesting new mesogenic building block. The results of this study show that they can be incorporated into a variety of mesophases. A smectic phase was observed in the polycatenar compound with four terminal chains as expected. The phase exhibits a tilted structure (S_c phase) to prevent void formation. The compound with six pendant chains forms a columnar phase. In spite of their structural similarity, the tetrones studied tended not to be completely miscible. However, complete miscibility with a semi-discoid phenylhydrazone was observed. When this hydrazone, which forms a columnar 'D_ho phase', was mixed with tetrone which forms a columnar 'D_hd phase' a columnar hexagonal phase was produced with enhanced stability. We believe that the stability enhancement derives from a charge transfer interaction between the tetrone and the phenylhydrazone.     

Mesogenic behaviour of p-nitrophenyl group linked with biphenyl mesogens via flexible spacers

Three series of nematogens with a terminal p-nitrophenyl group linked with biphenyl groups via flexible spacers were synthesised and their transitional properties were studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarising microscopy (POM). The nematic–isotropic transition temperature and the associated entropy change showed an odd–even effect as the length of the spacers was varied, in which the even members exhibited higher values. Such an odd–even effect was in consistency with the feature of liquid crystal dimers and trimers. On the basis of these data, it seemed reasonable to assume that the terminal p-nitrophenyl group played a role of mesogen in the nematic liquid crystal. The p-nitrophenyl group may work as a mesogen as a result of the interaction with the biphenyl mesogens. The mesogenic behaviour of the terminal p-nitrophenyl group is explained on the basis of neighbouring group effect.     

Quantum chemical studies on the conformational behaviour of substituted banana-shaped mesogens with a central 1,3-phenylene unit

Ab initio and DFT calculations on the HF/STO-3G and B3LYP/6-31G(d) level were performed on the conformational behaviour of isolated banana-shaped molecules of 1,3-phenylene bis[4-(4-n-hexyloxyphenyliminomethyl)benzoate] systems (P-6-O-PIMB). The influence of small substituents in both the central phenyl ring and the external phenyl rings on the shape, polarity and flexibility of these molecules was investigated by one- and two-fold relaxed potential energy scans in a systematic way. The effect of substituents on the global polarity of banana-shaped mesogens was analysed by the magnitude and direction of the dipole moment and its components in relation to the long axis of the molecules. Moreover, a simple model for the calculation of the bending angle was tested for banana-shaped molecules with a central 1,3-phenylene unit. The findings for the isolated banana-shaped molecules are correlated with solid state X-ray and liquid crystalline state NMR results. Banana-shaped molecules with both hexyloxy (P-6-O-PIMB) and hexyl (P-6-PIMB) terminal chains are included to study the effect of substituents in the external phenyl rings on the flexibility of these chains. An attempt will be made to correlate the results with experimental findings on banana-shaped mesogens.     

Phase behaviour of thermotropic banana-shaped compounds under pressure

The phase behaviour of two achiral bent core banana-shaped compounds, the hexyloxy (compound I) and decyloxy (compound II) members of the 1,3-phenylene bis[N-(2-hydroxy-4-n-alkoxybenzylidene)-4′-aminobenzoate] series was investigated under hydrostatic pressures up to 300?MPa using high pressure differential thermal analysis and light transmission methods. The reversible transition sequence crystal (Cr₁)–B₁ phase–isotropic liquid (I), observed at room pressure for compound I, remains in the pressure region up to c 70?MPa. At higher pressures a pressure-induced crystalline phase (Cr_i) appears between the Cr₁ and B₁ phases, its temperature region becoming wider with increasing pressure. The temperature vs. pressure phase diagram shows a triple point of 72.9?MPa and 160.3°C for the Cr₁, Cr_i and B₁ phases, indicating the lower limit of pressure for the Cr_i phase. In compound II the reversible transition sequence crystal (Cr₁)–B₂ phase–I is seen over the whole pressure region, and the temperature range of the B₂ phase remains unaltered. It is concluded that both the B₁ and B₂ banana phases are stable over the whole pressure region studied.