ABSTRACT
A novel ester homologous series of liquid crystals with a highly polar laterally substituted –OCH3 group is synthesized and studied with a view to understanding and establishing the effects of molecular structure involving lateral substitution on liquid crystal behavior. The novel series RO·C6H4·COO·C6H3·OCH3(ortho)CH=CH·COO·C2H5 consists of 12 homologs of which C7, C8, C10 are nematogenic and C12, C14, C16 homologs are smectogenic. The rest of the homologs are nonliquid crystals. The textures of nematic phase are threaded and the smectic phase is of the type A or C. Transition temperatures and the textures of mesophases were determined by an optical polarizing microscope equipped with a heating stage. Analytical and spectral data support the molecular structures. The N-I and Sm-I transition curves behave in normal manner without exhibition of an odd-even effect. Average thermal stability for smectic and nematic are 127.3°C and 129°C, respectively. The total mesophase length ranges from 17°C to 57°C and series is of a middle ordered melting type with transition temperatures varying between 82°C and 148°C. The liquid crystal properties of present novel series are compared with, structurally similar known homologous series.
Acknowledgments
The authors are especially thankful to management, principal and HOD (chemistry Dept.) of Shree M. and N. Virani Sc. College, Rajkot and Kamani Sc. College and Prataprai Arts College, Amreli for their valuable cooperation to facilitate for present research work, and IR spectra. The authors are also thankful to the authorities of Saurashtra University for analytical services.