Synthesis of triphenylene discotic liquid crystals possessing nine alkyl chains: Influence of molecular symmetry and chain length on mesomorphism

Xiao, Bo; Liu, Zhao Jun; Wang, Bi Qin; Hu, Ping; Redshaw, Carl; Zhao, Ke Qing

Abstract

A series of new triphenylene discotic liquid crystals has been synthesized by a straightway and the influence of molecular symmetry and chain length on the mesomorphism investigated. The symmetrical compounds 1, 3,7,11- trimethoxytriphenylene-2,6,10-triyl tris(3,4,5-tris(alkyloxy)benzoate), with alkyl chain lengths of C7, C8, C10, and C12, and the unsymmetrical compounds 2 were studied by using polarized optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the symmetrical compounds 1a (C7) and 1b (C8) exhibit a plastic columnar mesophase, whereas the other compounds display a hexagonal columnar mesophase over a wide temperature range. All symmetrical compounds 1 display higher isotropization temperatures than that of the unsymmetrical 2. The clearing points are lowered as the alkyl chain lengthened. © 2013 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Citation

Xiao, B., Liu, Z. J., Wang, B. Q., Hu, P., Redshaw, C., & Zhao, K. Q. (2013). Synthesis of triphenylene discotic liquid crystals possessing nine alkyl chains: Influence of molecular symmetry and chain length on mesomorphism. Molecular crystals and liquid crystals, 577(1), 25-35. https://doi.org/10.1080/15421406.2013.781489

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2013
• Deposit Date: Jun 8, 2022
• Journal: Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals
• Print ISSN: 1542-1406
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 577
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 25-35
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15421406.2013.781489
• Keywords: Discotic liquid crystals; Hexagonal columnar mesophase; Molecular symmetry; Triphenylene; Plastic columnar phase
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3621955