Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of fluoro‐substituted chiral liquid crystals derived from (S)‐lactic acid with alkoxyethanols

Abstract

A homologous series of fluoro‐substituted chiral liquid crystals derived from (S)‐lactic acid and alkoxyethanols were prepared for investigation. Mesophases and their corresponding transition temperatures were identified by polarized optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The compounds exhibit a broad temperature range in the ferroelectric chiral smectic C (SmC*) phase; in particular, compounds with shorter alkyl chain lengths have an SmC* phase at ambient temperature. The physical properties of the ferroelectric SmC* phase, such as switching current, spontaneous polarization, optical tilt angle and electro‐optical response, were also measured. The effects of fluoro substituent on the mesophases and physical properties of the chiral liquid crystals are discussed.