Mesomorphic properties of 1-(4′-dodecylbiphenyl-4-yl)-3-(2 or 3-alkoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-diones: the influence of alkoxy-substituent position

Abstract

Two homologous series of β-diketones, viz. 1-(4′-dodecylbiphenyl-4-yl)-3-(2-alkoxyphenyl)propane-l,3-diones and 1-(4′-dodecylbiphenyl-4-yl)-3-(3-alkoxyphenyl)propane-l,3-diones have been synthesised. The mesomorphic behaviour of all the compounds has been investigated using optical polarising microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The enthalpies associated with the transitions of all the liquid crystalline materials have also been determined. The mesophases exhibited by these compounds are explained on the basis of the structural features associated with such compounds.