Synthesis and Mesomorphic Properties of Chiral Liquid Crystals Derived from (R)-3-Ethylmercapto-2-methylpropanol

Abstract

A new optically active (R)-3-ethylmercapto-2-methylpropanol was designed and synthesized by using (D)-2,10-camphorsultam as a chiral auxiliary. Its derivatives with various core structures in the molecules were prepared for investigating mesomorphic properties. Mesophases and the corresponding transition temperatures of the compounds were identified by the polarizing microscopic textures and DSC carlorimetry. Structurally similar compounds were compared to explore the effect of core structures on the formation of mesophases, especially the frustrated phases.