Oligomers and Dendrimers Based on Siloxane and Silsesquioxane Cores: Does the Structure of the Central Core Affect the Liquid-Crystalline Properties?

Abstract

A series of oligomeric and first generation dendritic materials based on silane-siloxane and silsesquioxane core has been synthesised. The attachment of cyano-biphenyl mesogens separated by spacers to these cores which were varied systematically, resulted in liquid-crystalline materials. The synthesis of the materials is outlined and the liquid-crystalline phase behaviour of the materials, which are of uniform in size and stereochemistry, is described.