Induction of Chirality by Doping Mesogens with Non-Mesogenic Chiral Dopant

Abstract

Use of chiral dopant in binary mixtures to induce ferroelectricity/chiral nematic phase is an easier way than the synthesis of ferroelectric or chiral nematic materials. Number of researchers have tried to induce chirality in the achiral mesogens by doping it with naturally occuring chiral compounds or their derivatives. Few binary systems were studied where one of the components is the non-mesogenic chiral dopant. In almost all the systems studied cholesteric phase (N) is induced with lowering in transition temperatures. The study provides means to induce chirality in mesogenic system by doping it with the derivative of naturally occurring chiral menthol.

Key Words:

• Non-mesogenic chiral dopant
• Induced chiral mesophases