Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of naphth-2-yl 2-pyridylmethyl ketones and their copper (II) complexes

The synthesis, characterization and mesomorphic properties of a homologous series of 6-alkoxy naphth-2-yl 2-pyridylmethyl ketones and their copper(II) complexes are reported. All the ligands and their copper complexes, with exception of the lowest homologues, exhibit enantiotropic mesophases. According to textural observations, the ligands display nematic and smectic transitions depending on the length of the alkoxy chain on the pyridine moiety, while the mesogenic complexes show exclusively smectic transitions. In comparison with the phenyl analogues, stabilization of the mesophase and a greater tendency to smectic ordering through incorporation of the naphthyl group into the molecules is confirmed.