New inductions of columnar mesophases in nematic discotic multiyne mesogens [1]

In examples of two large naphthalene- and triphenylene-centred hexaynes exhibiting only the nematic discotic (N_D) type of mesophase, a new kind of phase induction was observed. These disc-shaped nematogens were doped with numerous dipolar carbocyclic compounds leading to the induction of two types of columnar mesophase (i.e. D_ro and D_ho). The phase behaviour of these binary systems, depending on the structure of the dopant applied, was studied by polarizing microscopy.