Effect of molecular structure on the phase behaviour of some liquid crystalline compounds and their mixtures XIII. 4-(4-Substituted phenylazo)phenyl 4-alkoxybenzoates†

Abstract

Five homologous series of 4-(4-substituted phenylazo)phenyl 4-alkoxybenzoates (Ia–e) were prepared in which the substituent (X) was taken from CH3O, CH3, Cl, NO2, and CN, while, within each homologous series, the length of the terminal alkoxy group varied between 6 and 16 carbon atoms. Compounds prepared were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, and their mesophase behaviour investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical microscopy. The results are discussed in terms of mesomeric and polarizability effects. In each group of compounds bearing the same alkoxy group, the mesophase – isotropic transition temperatures (T c) were successfully correlated with the polarizability anisotropy of bonds to the substituent X.