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Abstract
Thermotropic mesomorphism has been observed in a highly substituted and asymmetrically shaped tetrabenzotriazaporphyrin (TBTAP) derivative. TBTAP has a ring system closely related to that of phthalocyanine, however the single maso-carbon provides an additional site for the attachment an alkyl chain. The TBTAP mesogen has a pentadecyl group at this site as well as a bulky neopentoxy substituent attached to each of the four peripheral benzo-portions of the macrocycle. Optical texture (focal-conic fan) and X-ray diffraction studies suggest that the TBTAP has a mesophase with a lamellar structure analogous to that of the smectic A phase of rod-like molecules. Such a mesophase has not been observed previously from discotic compounds.