Synthesis and phase transition behaviour of novel liquid crystal trimers

Abstract

Novel oligomeric compounds in which three mesogenic moieties are connected via 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid or 3,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid were prepared and the physical properties investigated. Some of the compounds were found to have a tendency to form glassy states. With respect to 4‐cyanobiphenyl‐4′‐yl 4‐octyloxy‐2‐(3,4‐bis{6‐[4‐(5‐octylpyrimidine‐2‐yl)phenyloxy]hexyloxybenzoyloxy)benzoate, it is possible to obtain a supercooled nematic phase despite it deviating from a strongly rod‐like structure. We discuss intermolecular interactions between neighbouring mesogenic parts for the appearance of the nematic phase.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr Isa Nishiyama for helpful discussions. This work was partly supported by Aomori Prefecture Collaboration of Regional Entities for the Advancement of Technological Excellence, JST and a Grant for Priority Research Designated by the President of Hirosaki University.