Abstract
The synthesis and liquid crystalline properties of some new 2,6‐disubstituted anthracenes are described. Symmetrical alkylphenyl derivatives exhibit smectic mesophases, whereas simpler structures are non‐mesogenic. One unsymmetrically substituted anthracene exhibits a narrow nematic phase. The potential for these molecules to act as phototriggers has been investigated but efficient photodimerisation cannot be achieved.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank EPSRC for financial support and the EPSRC National Mass Spectrometry Service Centre (Swansea).