Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of fluoro and isothiocyanato biphenyl tolane liquid crystals

Abstract

Four series of high birefringence biphenyl tolane liquid crystals having a terminal isothiocyanato or fluoro group were synthesized; their mesomorphic properties were studied by optical polarizing microscopy and DSC. These biphenyl tolane compounds exhibit reasonably low melting points and high birefringence of 0.37–0.49. By using these compounds a eutectic mixture was formulated exhibiting a wide nematic range, high figure‐of‐merit and low viscosity.

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank the National Science Council (NSC) of the Republic of China (NSC 94‐2216‐E‐009‐001) for financial support of this research.