Synthesis and characterization of novel fluorinated bistolane-type liquid crystals

Three series of fluorinated bistolane-type liquid crystals have been synthesized. Their mesomorphic properties were studied by optical polarizing microscopy and DSC. These compounds exhibit only a broad nematic phase with high clearing points, wide phase transition temperatures and low melting points. The effects of lateral fluoro-substitution and the introduction of the tetrafluorophenylene moiety are discussed in detail.