New switchable smectic phases in banana-shaped compounds

Abstract

A new series of achiral compounds with banana-shaped molecules ('E _n ') has been synthesized and studied by the classical techniques (optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, miscibility studies and electro-optic investigations). The short homologues (E₇-E₁₀) give switchable smectic mesophases. Nevertheless their textures clearly differ from those of the B2 mesophase. In addition, the E₁₀ compound displays a smectic polymorphism involving a new bilayered structure.