Preliminary Communications. Benzotrisfuran derivatives A new series of disc-like liquid crystals

An homologous series of 2,3,5,6,8,9-hexa-n-alkanoyloxyphenylbenzo (1,2b; 3,4b';5,6b')trisfurans has been synthezised. The synthesis and mesomorphic properties are described and compared with those of other disc-like systems. These derivatives exhibit the relatively uncommon hexagonal ordered columnar phase D_ho. One hexa-n-alkoxybenzoyloxy derivative has also been prepared, it provides a new example of the N_D lenticular nematic phase.