Helical twisting power of chiral titanium complexes in nematic compounds

Abstract

We report the use of chiral bis‐chelated imine‐alkoxytitanium complexes as dopants for the conversion of a nematic into a cholesteric phase. High helical twisting power (HTP) is obtained in the liquid crystalline mixture ZLI‐1695 (Merck, Darmstadt). Enlargement of the HTP is achieved by novel analogues of the titanium complexes, whose synthesis is described.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Br 604‐15/1) and the Düsseldorf Entrepreneurs Foundation (grant to M. E.). Dr E. Poetsch (Merck) kindly provided samples of nematic liquid crystalline compounds.