Physical characterization of B1 and B2 phases in a newly synthesized series of banana shaped molecules

A new homologous series of achiral banana-shaped mesogens ('Cn') has been synthesized and studied by classical techniques (optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and electro-optic investigations). Complete miscibility with compounds of the n-OPIMB series shows that the short homologues (C5-C9) exhibit a frustrated B1 antiphase, while the longer members (C10-C14) present a B2 smectic C phase. Electro-optic measurements confirm this identification.