Abstract
Three separate series of new materials of weak to strongly positive dielectric anisotropy have been prepared. Each series contains four sub-sets of materials each incorporating a different four unit linking group (i.e., C4H8, C4H6, C3H6O and C3H4O) and the same series of end groups (i.e. F, CN and OCF3) in various substitution patterns. The synthesis and liquid crystal transition temperatures of these novel substances are described and compared with those of the corresponding materials incorporating standard central linkages (i.e.[sbnd], C2H4, CH2O, COO). The effect of an additional trans carbon-carbon double bond in the terminal alkyl chain and in the central linking unit has also been studied.