Mesomorphic Properties of A Homologous Series of 4-Cyanophenyl 3,4- Di(4-alkoxybenzoyloxy) benzoates

Abstract

A new homologous series of 4-cyanophenyl 3,4-di(4-alkoxybenzoyloxy)benzoates (from ethoxy to decyloxy homologs) has been prepared. The homologs show both nematic and smectic A phases with fine schlieren and fan textures, respectively, whereas these have extremely large molecular breadth. The series is assumed to form an associated dimer and behave as a partially bilayer type smectic A phase. The dielectric properties have also been examined and the results support the formation of the associated dimer. The results have been discussed in terms of the geometry of the molecules.