Phase transitions of 6-(4-n-alkoxybenzoyloxy)-flavones and 3-cyano-7-(4-n-alkoxybenzoyloxy)-coumarins

Phase transitions of 6-(4-n-alkoxybenzoyloxy)-flavones (ABF) and 3-cyano-7-(4-n-alkoxybenzoyloxy)-coumarins (CABC) were studied using D.S.C. and polarized microscopy. ABF series showed a nematic phase which has an excellent thermal stability, whereas CABC series exhibited a smectic A phase in the longer 4-n-alkoxybenzoyloxy ones than 4-n-hexyloxybenzoyloxy. This difference in the mesogenicity was discussed from the structure and polarity of flavone and coumarin skeletons which may be associated with an intermolecular interaction in the mesophase.