3-(2-Cyanoethyl)-6-aryl- or 6-(trans-4-alkylcyclohexyl)cyclohex-2-enones: synthesis,transformations and mesomorphic properties

The synthesis and chemical transformations of 3-(2-cyanoethyl)-6-aryl- or 6-(trans-4-alkylcyclohexyl)cyclohex-2-enones into nematic and smectic liquid crystalline compounds are discussed. These 3,6-disubstituted cyclohex-2-enones were prepared by the condensation of appropriate Mannich salts or trans-4-alkylcyclohexyl 2-bromoethyl ketones with ethyl 2-(2-cyanoethyl)acetoacetate.