Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of 4-cyanophenyl and 4-nitrophenyl 4- n -alkoxytetrafluorobiphenyl-4'-carboxylates

Four homologous series of 4-cyanophenyl and 4-nitrophenyl 4- n -alkoxytetrafluorobiphenyl-4'carboxylates have been synthesized. Their mesomorphic properties were measured by polarizing optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The relationship between the properties and chemical structures of these compounds has been studied; the effects of terminal alkoxy chain length, polarizable end groups and the position of tetrafluorophenylene in the rigid core on mesomorphic behaviour are discussed in detail.