Helical twisting power of laterally aryl substituted chiral mesogens

Abstract

The relationship between the helical twisting power (HTP) of cholesteric liquid crystals and the molecular structure of the chiral mesogens has been investigated. Rod-like mesogens are compared with analogues bearing a bulky lateral branch. Additionally, the HTP of induced cholesteric phases formed by chiral guest molecules in nematic host phases has been studied in terms of different molecular structures. The paper gives information on the influence of bulky lateral groups in mesogens on the HTP.