Thermotropic Mesomorphism in Some Cu(II) and Pd(II) Metallorganic Complexes

The synthesis and liquid crystal properties of some bis(N-p-(n-alkoxy)phenyl, p-(n-alkoxy)salicylaldiminato)copper(II), of a homologous series of bis(N-p-(n-alkanoyloxy)phenyl, p-(n-alkanoyloxy)salicylaldiminato)copper(II), and of some corresponding palladium(II) complexes are reported. All of the compounds examined exhibit enantiotropic smectic mesomorphism, predominantly of the C type. Palladium(II) complexes are mesomorphic up to higher temperatures than the copper(II) homologues.