Anisotropic derivatives of (-)-L-lactic acid and their nanocomposites

The paper describes the synthesis and physical-chemical properties of anisotropic derivatives of (-)-L-lactic acid and their nanocomposites. Anisotropic optically active aryl (S)-2-(ω-halogenalkoxy)lactates and (R)-2-aryloxypropionic acids have been synthesised by the modification of corresponding 3,6-disubstituted cyclohex-2-enones, (-) ethyl L-lactate and ethyl esters of (S)-2-(4-bromobutoxy)- and (S)-2-(6-bromohexyloxy)propionic acids. The optically active (R)-2-aryloxypropionic acids were used for the preparation of mesomorphic nanocomposite materials and their properties were studied. Anisotropic materials based on the derivatives of lactic acid are capable to interact with inorganic nanoparticles providing a tool for the creation of new nanocomposite materials.