Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of chiral liquid crystals derived from (S)‐2‐(6‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthyl)propionic acid with a methyleneoxy linking group

Abstract

Three homologous series of chiral materials derived from (S)‐2‐(6‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthly)propionic acid with a methyleneoxy linking group were synthesized for the investigation of mesomorphic properties. All the materials displayed enantiotropic SmA* and SmC* phases. The spontaneous polarization (P _s) and optical tilt angles in the SmC* phase of the chiral materials were measured. The maximum spontaneous polarizations are in the range 12.3–19.1 nC cm⁻². No significant difference could be found in the P _s values with respect to the various alkyl chiral chain lengths, n. The maximum optical tilt angles are in the range 25–30°. The optical tilt angles decrease with the increase in alkyl chain length, n.