On the balance between nematic and smectic phases in 2′,3′-difluoro-4,4″-dialkyl-p-terphenyls

ABSTRACT

The full homologous series of 2ʹ,3ʹ-difluoro-4,4″-dialkyl-p-terphenyls, where alkyl chains are from methyl to nonyl length, have been synthesised and mesomorphic properties, phase transition temperatures and enthalpies were measured. The influence of the terminal chain length on thermal mesophase range, phase sequence has been analysed and discussed. The odd–even and symmetric–non-symmetric effects have also been studied and its influence on smectic to nematic balance was analysed.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Terphenyl
• nematic
• smectic
• oligophenyl
• fluorinated liquid crystal

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Acknowledgement

This work was done under financial support from Military University of Technology PBS-651 and from the Polish National Science Centre Grant [UMO-2012/05/D/ST5/03387].