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Abstract
A homologous series of 4-alkoxyphenyl 3,4-di(4-alkoxybenzoyloxy)benzoates has been prepared. All the members (from the ethoxy to nonyloxy homologs) show a nematic phase having a fine schlieren texture, and the nonyloxy homolog also shows a smectic A phase having a fine fan texture. The plot of the nematic-isotropic transition temperatures against the carbon number of the alkoxy chains shows a remarkable even-odd effect. The mesophases have an affinity with the nematic and smectic A phases of the usual rod-like liquid crystals. The nematic phase is highly viscous. The thermal properties are discussed in terms of the molecular structure. A geometrical boundary between rod-like and discotic liquid crystals has been discussed.