Crystal structure and packing analysis of the liquid crystal dimer alpha,omega-bis(4-cyanobiphenyl-4-yloxy)octane

Abstract

The crystal structure of the liquid crystal dimer α,ω-bis(4-cyanobiphenyl-4'-yloxy)octane has been determined from diffraction data obtained with synchrotron radiation. The structure is triclinic, with the space group P-1 with Z = 2 and the unit cell parameters are a= 7.135(5) Å, b= 12.811(5) Å, c= 15.639(5) Å, α= 75.800(5)°, β= 84.690(5)°, γ= 77.930(5)°. The flexible spacer linking the mesogenic groups is in the all-trans-conformation. Although the molecule has a potential centre of symmetry, it occupies a general position in the cell; this unusual behaviour has been investigated with the aid of a theoretical evaluation of the packing energy.