Abstract
A new series of symmetric isoflavone-based liquid crystalline trimers, 1,3-bis{[3-(4′-decyloxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one-7-oxy]alkyloxy}benzenes with 3–12 methylene units in both lateral spacers have been synthesized and characterized by polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. As expected, the phase transition temperatures strongly alternate as the number of methylene units in the spacers changes. An unusual mesomorphic behaviour was observed wherein short and long trimers exhibited smectic A (SmA) and/or smectic C (SmC) phase(s) while homologues with intermediate spacer length were purely nematogenic (N) in a broad temperature range. Formation and stabilization of the uniaxial nematic phase is caused by change of molecular geometry from rod-shaped for short homologues to strongly bent-shaped for long homologues.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
