| Abstract: | trans-Polypentenamers with thermotropic liquid-crystalline side chains cholesteryl and cyanobiphenyl were prepared by ring-opening polymerization of vinylcyclopropane monomers with proper substituents. Molecular weights of the polymers were in the range of 25000 to 80000 and the ratios of weight- to number-average molecular weights M w/M n were between 3.3 and 3.8. The glass transition temperature values of the polymers were 35°C ( 4a ) and 39°C ( 4b ). Monomers 3a and 3b present cholesteric and smectic mesomorphism, respectively. On the other hand, polymers 4a and 4b present only a smectic mesophase. |
