The Dependence of Mesomorphism on the Terminal Group

Abstract

A novel azoester homologous series of liquid crystals (LCs) was synthesized and studied with a view to understanding and establishing the effect of molecular structure on LC behavior. The series consists of twelve members. All the members of the series exhibit a nematogenic mesophase. The methoxy and propyloxy derivatives are monotropic and the rest of the homologs are enantiotropic nematogenic. Smectic mesophase formation is completely absent. Transition temperatures and the textures of the nematic phase were observed and determined through an optical polarizing microscope equipped with a heating stage. Transition curves (Cr‒N and N‒I) of a phase diagram behave in a normal manner except for the hexadecyloxy homolog which deviates from normal behavior in the N‒I transition curve. The N‒I transition curve exhibits an odd-even effect. The textures of the nematic phase are threaded or Schlieren in type. The average thermal stability for the nematic phase is 158°C. The nematogenic mesophase length ranges from 27°C to 226°C. The analytical and spectral data confirms the molecular structures of the homologs. The LC properties of the presently investigated novel series are compared with a structurally similar known series. The novel azoester series is entirely nematogenic without exhibition of smectogenic character.

Keywords:

• Azoester
• enantiotropy
• liquid crystal
• nematic
• smectic

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to Head and Teaching staff of Applied Chemistry of Faculty of Technology and Engineering, The M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara for their valuable cooperation in the work. Authors are also thankful to CSMCRI, Bhavnagar, for the analysis of samples.