Hydroxy group containing liquid crystals. I. Synthesis and characterization of cis, cis-(3,5-dihydroxycyclohexyl)-3,4,5-tris(decyloxy)benzoate and derivatives

The first example of a new class of diol mesogens is described. Cis, cis-(3,5-dihydroxycyclohexyl)-3,4,5-tris(decyloxy)benzoate was synthesized starting from cis, cis-phloroglucitol, which had been protected by phenylboronic acid. Polarizing microscopy and calorimetric measurements provide evidence for a broad mesophase range, including room temperature. The existence of a hexagonal columnar structure is probable. Furthermore several derivatives are described.