Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of semi‐fluorinated chiral liquid crystals with a tribenzoate mesogenic core

Abstract

A novel series of semi‐fluorinated chiral liquid crystals, derived from a tribenzoate mesogenic core and a (S)‐1‐methyl‐2‐(2,2,3,3,3‐pentafluoropropyloxy)ethyl chiral tail, was prepared and the mesomorphic phases investigated. It was found that materials with shorter alkyl chain length (m = 8 to 10) favour the formation of an antiferroelectric phase, and those with longer chain length (m = 9 to 12) favour the formation of a ferroelectric SmC* phase. One subphase was found at material m = 9. The basic electro‐optical properties of the chiral materials in SmC* and phases were measured. The results show that the maximum P _s values are in the range 66–72 nC cm⁻² and the maximum apparent tilt angles are in the range 29°–34°.

Acknowledgment

The authors are grateful for financial support of the National Science Council of the Republic of China (NSC 94‐2216‐E‐036‐008).