Abstract
4-n-Alkoxyphenyl4-[(4-n-alkoxy-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl)ethynyl]benzoates (compound A) are synthesised by a convenient method. These compounds exhibit only enantiotropic nematic phases and have very high clearing points. These compounds (As) can be transformed into corresponding ethane derivatives, via hydrogenation using a palladium catalyst (Pd/C), which exhibit monotropic nematic phases. The effect of the ethylene bridge (–CH2CH2–) on the mesomorphic behaviour is discussed.