Dependence of thermotropic mesomorphism on lateral nitro group

A novel homologous series RO-C₆H₄-COO-C₆H₃-(NO₂)-CO-CH?CH-C₆H₄OC₁₈H₃₇(n) para of chalconyl ester derivatives have been synthesized and studied with view to understanding the effect of an ortho substituted nitro group on thermotropic liquid crystal (LC) behavior. The novel homologous series consists of thirteen homologues (C₁ to C₁₈). The C₁ to C₄ homologues are nonliquid crystal (NLC) and the rest of the homologues (C₅ to C₁₈) homologues are enantiotropically nematogenic without exhibition of a smectic phase even in the monotropic condition. Transition temperatures were determined by an optical polarizing microscope (POM) equipped with a heating stage. Texture of nematic phase are threaded or Schlieren. Analytical, thermal and spectral data supported molecular structure of homologues. Thermal stability for nematic is 147.1°C whose mesophase lengths vary between 16.0 and 32.0°C the C₇ and C₁₈ homologues, respectively, and their mesogenic exhibition range between 96.0 and 166.0°C. Thus, the present novel series is middle ordered melting type, Group efficiency order is derived from comparative study of structurally similar series. The transition curves of a phase diagram behaved in normal manner except C₁₀ and C₁₆ homologues. Odd-even effect is observed for N-I transition curve. Group efficiency order derived is: -OC₁₂H₂₅ (n) > -OC₁₈H₃₇ (n) > -OC₁₈H₃₇ (n).