Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of four-ring liquid crystals containing cyclohexyl, phenyl and pyridyl units

Abstract

Two series of chiral and achiral 4-[(3-n-alkoxycarbonylpyridyl)-6-ethynyl]phenyl 4-(trans-4-n-alkylcyclohexyl)benzoate liquid crystals have been synthesized. Their mesomorphic properties were observed and measured by polarizing optical microscopy and DSC. A broad chiral smectic C phase was observed when terminal chains contained a chiral centre.