Mesomorphic property of 2,5-dibenzoyloxy-, 5-benzoylamino-2-benzoyloxy-, and 2,5-dibenzoylamino-tropones with mono-, di-, and tri-alkoxyl groups on the benzoyl groups and their benzenoid derivatives

Abstract

Mesomorphic properties of three-ring systems such as 2,5-dibenzoyloxytropones, 5-benzoylamino-2-benzoyloxytropones and 2,5-dibenzoylaminotropones with 4-alkoxy, 3,4-dialkoxy, and 3,4,5-trialkoxy groups on the benzoyl groups were investigated together with those of the corresponding benzenoids. Derivatives with two monoalkoxybenzoyl groups showed nematic and smectic A and C phases. Troponoid tetracatenars with two dialkoxybenzoyl groups had hexagonal columnar phases except for troponoids with two ester-connecting groups, whereas the corresponding benzenoids with two dialkoxybenzoyl groups were non-mesomorphic. All troponoid hexacatenars with two trialkoxybenzoyl groups formed hexagonal columnar phases. With the exception of benzenoid hexacatenars with two ester-connecting groups, the benzenoid hexacatenars showed hexagonal and tetragonal columnar phases. These mesomorphic properties were discussed from the standpoint of the difference of the core structure and the connecting group, where the amide-connecting group played a role to induce and enhance mesomorphic properties through hydrogen bonding.