New terphenyl liquid crystals terminated by 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropenyl group

ABSTRACT

New liquid crystal (LC) compounds composed of terphenyl as a core and 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropenyl terminal group were synthesised. Their structures were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectra and infrared spectrometry. The mesomorphic and physical properties were evaluated. The results show that these compounds have a smectic phase, large dielectric anisotropy, high birefringence and suitable rotational viscosity. The lateral fluorine substitutions lead to a large perpendicular component of the dielectric constant, and a small value of Δε/ε_⊥. These characteristics are significant for the fringe-field switching LC display mode.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Liquid crystal
• 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropenyl
• terphenyl
• perpendicular component of the dielectric constant

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Defense Industrial Technology Development Program of China [grant number B1120132028] and by Administry of Education [joint Fund N. 6141A02022219].