Synthesis and Study of New Mesogens II: p-(p′-n-Alkoxycinnamoyloxy)-benzylidene p″ -anisidines (1) and p-(p′-n-Alkoxycinnamoyloxy)- benzylidene anilines (2)

Abstract

Abstract Two new homologous series of liquid crystals viz. p-(p'-n-alkoxycinnamoyloxy) benzylidene p”-anisidines (1) and p-(p'-n-alkoxycinnamoyloxy) benzylidene anilines (2) comprising twenty four mesogens have been synthesized. Both are high melting series of mesomorphs. In the homologous series (1) the nematic mesophase is exhibited from the very first member; however, the first five compounds decompose at high temperatures before passing into isotropic liquid condition. Polymesomorphism is exhibited with the appearance of the smectic mesophase at the octyl derivative and remains up to the last viz. octadecyl homologue. Within polymesomorphic region the nematic mesophase is homeotropic; however, it shows a clear threaded texture where it is the only mesophase shown i. e. in the first seven members of the homologous series (1). The smectic mesophase shows focal conic fan shape texture belonging to smectic-A variety. The nematic-isotropic curve shows descending tendency as the series is ascended-a charact...