Chiral Smectic *C Mesogens Having Ester and Amide Central Linkages

Abstract

Ten members of a chiral homologous series 4-(4′-n-alkoxy benzoyloxy benzoyl)4″- S- (+) 2-methyl butoxy anilides were synthesized in multiple step synthesis. Series exhibits chiral smectic *C and cholesteric mesophases. In this series, n-propyl to n-dodecyl derivatives exhibit smectic *C and cholesteric mesophases. n-Tetradecyl and n-hexadecyl derivatives exhibit only smectic *C phases. The plot of transition temperatures versus number of carbon atoms in alkoxy chain exhibits odd–even effect for cholestric-isotropic transition temperatures. The effect of amide linkage and chirality is discussed in detail. High-temperature cholestric phases exhibit vivid colors. Two compounds were analyzed by calorimetric study (C12 and C14) to confirm the transition temperatures of which was observed under polarizing microscope. The mesogenic behavior of the series compared with other series where amide central linkage differs in its position. The mesogenic thermal stability is compared with other related homologous series. The result indicates that amide linkage enhances smectic as well as cholesteric thermal stability but enhancement in smectic phase is much higher. Compounds are characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectral data, Mass spectral data, DSC, NMR, and microscopic study.