Structure–property relationships in lath-shaped triads based on multialkynylbenzene

This report elaborates the synthesis of symmetrical triads based on multialkynylbenzene linked via flexible alkyl spacers. Four mesogens were synthesised in which multialkynylbenzene units were connected to each other in a side-by-side fashion with varying flexible alkyl spacers. The compound with longest alkyl spacer, i.e. n = 7, exhibited N_D phase which has been characterised by polarised optical microscopy and detailed X-ray scattering studies (small/wide-angle X-ray scattering). Surprisingly, this triad shows N_D phase at high temperature as compared to our previous reports on room-temperature N_D phases.