Liquid crystalline dimers containing a cholesteryl group: chiral smectic phases and TGBA* phase

ABSTRACT

A new series of liquid crystalline dimers containing a cholesteryl group were synthesised, exhibiting multiple mesophases including chiral smectic phases (SmC* and SmA*), twist grain boundary phases (TGBA*), and chiral nematic phase (N*). The chemical structure and liquid crystal properties of the dimers were characterised by FTIR, ¹H-NMR, DSC, POM and XRD. It was in evidence that the lengths of the terminal tail and the flexible spacer were the decisive factors of the mesophase behaviours.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Twist grain boundary phase
• chiral liquid crystal
• phase transition
• Schiff base

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [project number U1708258]; and the China Aerospace Science & Industry Corp.