Role of molecular structural flexibility on mesomorphism

Abstract

ABSTRACTA homologous series of novel chalconyl ester derivatives: RO.C6H4.COO.C6H4.CO.CH:CH.C6H4.OC6H13(n) shave been synthesized and studied for its thermotropic liquid crystal (LC) properties with a view to understanding and establishing the relation between molecular structure and LC properties. The homologous series consists of eleven members whose, mesomorphism commences from C3 of the series and continues up to the C16 homologue. The C1 and C2 homologues are nonliquid crystals. All the LC homologues are enantiotropically nematogenic with absence of smectogenic character. Transition temperatures were determined by an optical polarizing microscope (POM) equipped with a heating stage. Textures of a nematic phase are threaded or Schlieren. Analytical and spectral data confirms the molecular structures of homologues. Transition curve Cr-N/I behaved in normal manner. N-I transition curve exhibits an odd even effect; descended at C10 homologue and then again rises at C12 and descended from and beyond C12 homologue. Thus it partly deviates from normal behaviour. Thermal stability for nematic is 95–89°C and nematogenic upper and lower mesophase lengths are 41.0°C and 07.0°C respectively. Group efficiency order for nematic on the basis of thermal stability is –OC8H17(n)> -OC6H13(n) > -OC10H21(n) and it is a low order melting type series.