Abstract
In liquid crystals (LCs), molecules are confined in peculiar environments, where ordered alignment and certain mobility are realized at the same time. Considering these characteristics, the idea of “controlling molecular events within LC media” seems reasonable. As a suitable system for investigating this challenge, we have recently developed a new class of ionic LCs; the salts of amphiphilic carboxylic acids with 2-amino alcohols, or those of carboxylic acids with amphiphilic 2-amino alcohols, have a strong tendency to exhibit thermotropic LC phases. Because of the noncovalent nature of the interaction between molecules, one of the two components can easily be exchanged with, or transformed into, another molecule, without distorting the original LC architecture. In addition, both components are common organic molecules, and a variety of compounds are easily available. Taking advantage of these characteristics, we have succeeded in applying two-component LCs as chiral media for molecular recognition and reactions. This review presents an overview of our recent studies, together with notable reports related to this field.
Highlights
To mimic natural systems, chemists have long sought tailored micro-environments, which are capable of incorporating, sensing, and/or transforming organic molecules with high selectivity and efficiency
In relation to our studies, we provide an overview of notable works related to liquid crystals (LCs)-template reactions, from historically important reports to recent trends
As suitable platforms to create cross-linked LCs with chirality recognition ability, we have recently developed a new class of ionic LCs; the salts of amphiphilic carboxylic acids with 2-amino alcohols have a strong tendency to exhibit thermotropic LC phases [16,18]
Summary
Chemists have long sought tailored micro-environments, which are capable of incorporating, sensing, and/or transforming organic molecules with high selectivity and efficiency. When the components of a crystalline structure possess chemically reactive moieties, their in situ reactions may proceed in an selective manner, due to the pre-organized arrangement of crystalline matrices [1,3]. Owing to these unique properties, solid-state hosts based on crystalline systems would find widespread application as selectors, sensors, actuators, and reaction media, etc. In relation to our studies, we provide an overview of notable works related to LC-template reactions, from historically important reports to recent trends
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