Bis cinnamate substituted λ-shaped azo liquid crystal: effect of molecular structure on mesomorphic properties

Abstract

A new class of λ-shaped azo materials with a cinnamate linkage group has been designed, synthesized, and well-characterized. Further, the liquid crystalline property has been studied by using POM and DSC analysis. Out of six derivatives, five compounds displayed liquid crystalline properties. The liquid crystalline property is observed in an enantiotropic manner. The structure–property relationship is further studied for the understanding of the exhibition of liquid crystalline properties. The results showed that their liquid crystalline phase behavior was closely related to the number of mesogenic units, rigidity, and flexibility of the molecular systems.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Azo
• cinnamate
• enantiotropic
• liquid crystal
• nematic
• smectic

Acknowledgments

DS, VS, and VD acknowledge thanks to Dr. R.R. Shah, principal and management of K. K. Shah Jarodwala Maninagar Science College, Ahmedabad for providing research lab and other facility. Authors are also thankful to Department of Chemistry, School of Science for POM study and IIT Indore Centre for providing spectral services. Vinay S. Sharma gratefully acknowledges Human Resource Development Group-Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi for Research Associate Fellowship (File No: 09/070(0075)/2020-EMR-I).