ABSTRACT
A homologous series RO-C6H4-CH:CH-COO-C6H4-CO-CH:CH-C6H4-OC6H13 (n) of novel liquid crystals (LC) has been synthesized and studied with a view to understanding and establishing the relation between molecular structure of a substance and the LC properties or behavior of thermotropic LC materials. Novel series consist of 11 homologues. C1 and C2 homologue derivatives are non-LCs and the rest of homologues (C3 to C16) are nematogenic without exhibition of smectic property. Transition temperatures were determined by an optical polarizing microscopy equipped with a heating stage. Transition curve Cr-N/I of a phase diagram behaved in normal manner. N/I transition curve partly deviated at C6 and C10 homologues from normal descending behavior, and exhibited very narrow and sharp odd-even effects. Textures of nematic phase are threaded or Schlieren. Thermal, analytical, and spectral data confirmed the molecular structures of novel chalconyl ester derivatives. Thermal stability for nematic is 95.77°C and the upper and lower mesophase lengths vary from 35 to 16°C at C5 and C8 homologues respectively. Group efficiency order derived for nematic on the basis thermal stability is -OC10H21 (n) > -OC8H17(n) > -OC6H13(n).
Acknowledgments
Authors acknowledge thanks to Dr. N. N. Vyas, head of chemistry department, and principal, Dr. M. B. Patel of the college, for their supportive view and providing research facility for present investigation. Authors are also thankful to Dr. A. V. Doshi, ex. principal, M. V. M. Science and Home. Sc. College, Rajkot, for his valuable suggestions, cooperation, and support as and when needed throughout this investigation. Authors acknowledge thanks to L. M. Pharmacy Collage, Ahmedabad for analytical and spectral services.