Towards the biaxial nematic phase through molecular design

In this article, the search for the elusive biaxial nematic phase (N-B) in liquid crystals is considered. The structure of the phase is described along with theoretical and computational work which suggests how it might be realised. An overview of the work of the Exeter group in this area is then given showing the different approaches adopted and illustrating how one of these has led to a new type of amphiphilicity based on shape. (C) 2004 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.