Mesomorphic properties and orientational order parameter of 4-pentyl cyclohexyl-4-(4-propyl cyclohexyl) benzoate from X-ray diffraction studies

Abstract

The mesogen 4-pentyI cyclohexyl-4-(4-propyl cyclohexyl) benzoate, molecular formula C₂₇H₄₂O₂, has been investigated at different temperatures using X-ray and texture studies. For X-ray studies an arrangement for taking X-ray photographs at different temperatures has been designed and fabricated. In addition to the nematic phase the mesogen exhibits two smectic phases. On the basis of microscopic investigation and X-ray studies the two smectic phases exhibited have been identified as the SmE and SmB phases. From X-ray patterns, the average intermolecular distances and apparent molecular length/layer thickness for the different mesomorphic phases have been determined as a function of temperature. Orientational order parameters (P2) and (P4) of the sample ordered by a magnetic field have been determined in the SmB phase.

Key Words:

• Thermotropic mesogen
• X-ray
• Texture
• Layer thickness
• Order parameter