Molecular flexibility dependence on mesogenic behaviors of isomeric and nonisomeric series

A novel homologous series containing vinyl ester and azomethane central bridges and n-alkoxy as well as 3″,4″-dimethyl groups as flexible terminal/lateral groups viz. RO?C₆H₄?CH = CH?COO?C₆H₄?N?CH?C₆H₃-(CH₃)₂ have been synthesized and studied with a view to establishing the relation between molecular structure and thermotropic liquid crystal (LC) properties with reference to molecular flexibility within the series. The series consists of twelve homologues (C₁ to C₁₆). C₆ and C₇ homologues are smectogenic plus nematogenic and C₈ to C₁₆ homologues are only smectogenic, and the rest of the homologues (C₁ to C₅) are nonmesomorphic. Transition temperatures and the textures of the homologues were determined using an optical polarizing microscope equipped with a heating stage (POM). The textures of a nematic phase are threaded or Schlieren and that of a smectic phase are of the A or C type. Analytical, thermal and spectral data support the molecular structures. Smectic and nematic thermal stabilities are 116.85°C and 147.5°C, respectively. Whose Sm?N/I and N-I mesophase lengths are varied between 15°C to 21°C and 25°C to 62°C, respectively. The novel compounds are compared with structurally-similar series.