Coumarin Schiff base derivatives with terminal cyano group were synthesized and analysed for their mesomorphic behaviour. The homologous series CN6–16 (n = 6,8,10,12,14,14,16) with 4-cyano benzaldehyde, lower member (n = 6,8) exhibited enantiotropic nematic mesophase, while smectic A mesophase started appearing with n = 8 during cooling process. Enantiotropic smectic A mesophase was observed with higher chain length n = 10,12,14,16. Similar trend of mesomorphic properties was exhibited by Schiff base derivatives BPCN8–14. Introduction of cyano biphenyl at aldehyde end of the molecule has led to formation of stable smectic A mesophase as compared to that by compounds CN8–14. Introduction of ester linkage in Schiff based derivatives, compounds ECN10–12 and RECN10–12 showed smectic A mesophase with high clearing temperature. VT-XRD analysis of two compounds has confirmed orthogonal smectic A mesophase. Additionally, DFT calculations were carried out for all the newly synthesized compounds and compared with similar literature molecules for various structural and electronic parameters followed by their correlation with the mesophase type and stability.
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