Synthesis of Some Chiral Smectics with Chloroalkoxy Side Chains

Abstract

We have synthesized two new series of chiral esters, the (R)-4″-(2-chloropro-poxy)phenyl 4-alkoxybenzoates (3) and the (R)-4″-(2-chloropropoxy)phenyl 4-alkox-ycinnamates (4). Compounds belonging to the former series mainly exhibit smectic A phases at moderate temperatures (about 50°C) while the compounds of the latter series show A phases at somewhat higher temperatures. Some members of both series show, in addition, a cholesteric or a smectic B phase but tilted phases are not found at all.

Keywords:

• chiral smectics
• phenyl benzoates
• phenyl cinnamates