Abstract
A novel dimer based on the disc-like anthraquinone core-bis[1-(4-nitrobenzyloxy)-2,3,6,7-tetrapentyloxy-9,10-anthraquinon-5-oxy]do and its corresponding monomer 1-hexyloxy5-(4-nitrobenzyloxy)-2,3,6,7-tetrapentyloxy-9,10-anthraquinone, have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray diffraction studies show that this novel dimer exhibits a hexagonal columnar phase (Colh) with correlation among the molecular cores along the column. The Colh phase of the dimer exists over a very wide temperature range, extending from 176°C down to at least 60°C (the lowest temperature reached in DSC), whereas the monomer exhibits a Colh phase at high temperature and a three-dimensionally ordered columnar phase (Colx) at low temperature.