Synthesis and Mesomorphism of Asymmetric Triphenylene Discotic Liquid Crystals Bearing with Mono-Amido-Based Alkyl Soft Chains.

A series of triphenylene discotic liquid crystals with amido-based alkyl chains in different lengths were synthesized and characterized. The liquid crystal properties were studied with differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical microscopy. The influences of amide alkyl chain lengths on the mesomorphism were discussed. Based on the results, we concluded that the triphenylene discogens with an amido-based alkyl chain could form intermolecular hydrogen bonds inside their columnar stacks, and hence, exhibit higher melting and clearing points, and wider mesophase ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]