Influence of mesogenic core polarity and position of chains attachment on columnar phase stability

Abstract

Series of new Ni(II) metalomesogens of triangular molecular shape and forming Colh liquid crystalline (LC) phase were synthesised and described. Using in the molecular core the barbituric moieties that contain carbonyl or thiocarbonyl groups causes strong polarisation of the molecules and creates a permanent dipole moment μ, which was confirmed by quantum mechanical calculations. The relationship between molecular dipole moment and self-organisation of molecules into the columnar phase was considered. The position of alkyl and alkoxy chains substituted at phenyl ring that affects LC phase formation seems to be connected with planar conformation of the attached chains. These can broaden the mesogenic core and stabilise the Colh mesophase.