Asymmetric synthesis of a highly soluble ‘trimeric’ analogue of the chiral nematic liquid crystal twist agent Merck S1011

Abstract

The Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation has been utilised to synthesise a new glassy chiral dopant with large helical twisting power (β) and remarkable solubility in nematic liquid crystal hosts. Values of β range between +30.7 and +47.7 μm⁻¹ in five different nematic hosts. A 26% mixture in E7 is homogenous indefinitely and induces a room-temperature blue phase.

Keywords:

• helical twisting power
• chiral nematic
• blue phase

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge support from the Research Corporation Cottrell College Science Award 6870. NMR analysis was supported by the National Science Foundation MRI Program grant 0116373. J.A.R. also acknowledges Ms Jayeeta Kundu for technical assistance.