Synthesis and characterization of liquid crystals containing a non-activated 1' ,3' ,3'-trimethylspiro[2H-1-benzopyran-2,2-indoline] group

Two series of mesogens derived from the non-activated spiropyran dyes 6-hydroxy-1 ,3 ,3- trimethylspiro[2H -1-benzopyran-2,2-indoline] (series trimethylspiro[2 H -1-benzopyran-2,2-indoline] (series 2 ) have been synthesized. Analysis by differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing microscopy and X-ray diffraction showed compounds in series 1 form monotropic nematic and SmA phases, while compounds in series 2 form only a monotropic nematic phase.