Computational analysis of ordering in non-liquid crystalline versus liquid crystalline materials with special reference to nBAC

Abstract

A computational analysis of ordering in non-liquid crystalline p-n-alkyl benzoic acid, having 1 (1BAC), 2 (2BAC) and 3(3BAC) carbon atoms in the alkyl chain has been carried out with respect to translatory and orientational motions, but detailed results are reported only for 3BAC. The evaluation of net atomic charges and dipole moments at each atomic center has been carried out using complete neglect differential overlap (CNDO/2) method. The modified Rayleigh-Schrodinger perturbation theory along with the multicentered-multipole expansion method has been employed to evaluate long-range interactions, while a “6-exp” potential function has been assumed for short-range interactions. On the basis of stacking, in-plane and terminal interaction energy calculations, all possible arrangements of a molecular pair have been considered. A comparative picture of molecular parameters, such as total energy, binding energy, and total dipole moment of 3BAC with higher homologous series liquid crystalline compounds having 4(4BAC), 5(5BAC), and 6(6BAC) alkyl chain carbon atoms, has been given. It is found that, if a suitable functional group is attached to 3BAC, so that the length to breadth ratio is increased, the molecule will show a change in the long-range order, the phase transition temperature and other liquid crystalline properties.