Geometric aspects influencing N-N_TB transition - implication of intramolecular torsion

ABSTRACT

Herein we report a comprehensive study on novel carbonyl- and ethenyl-linked symmetric dimers that combine synthesis, mesomorphic properties and molecular modelling. The study has been focused on the impact of geometry imposed by the linkage group on the incidence of the twist-bend nematic (N_TB) phase. Comparison of the mesomorphic properties of these two series complemented with computational studies of conformational space around the linkage group points molecular curvature and intramolecular torsion plays important role in the appearance of the N_TB phase and can be regarded as the basic structural requirements for design of new twist-bend nematogen materials.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Bent-shape dimers
• structure-property correlation
• linking group conformations
• N_TB phase

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Croatian Science Foundation [grant ref. IP-2014-09-1525] for financial support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

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Funding

Hrvatska Zaklada za Znanost (IP-2014-09-1525);