New liquid-crystalline materials containing a five-membered heteroalicycle: Trans-2, 4-disubstituted 1, 3-oxathiolanes

The synthesis of new liquid-crystalline materials containing a five membered heteroalicyclic ring is described. The trans 2,4-disubstituted 1, 3-oxathiolane derivatives exhibit lower clearing temperatures and melting points than the analogous six membered 1, 3-oxathiane compounds. However the mesophase stability of the 1, 3-oxathiolane derivatives is superior to that of comparable cyclopentane derivatives.