The synthesis and mesomorphism of mesogenic imines with fluorocarbon chains and their complexes with rhenium(I): New materials with cubic phases

In this paper, we describe the synthesis of some imine ligands bearing fluorinated chains and their metal complexes with Re(I). Whereas related ligands with hydrocarbon chains show nematic and S-C phases, the new ligands show S-A and S-C phases. However, when both terminal chains are fully fluorinated, then the ligand additionally show a cubic phase. Metal complexes of the fluorinated ligands show a S-A phase before decomposing. The mesomorphism of both the complexes and the ligands is discussed and the formation of cubic phases in these imines is explored in relation to other materials showing a cubic phase.