LIQUID-CRYSTALS BASED ON ORTHO-PALLADATED AZINES - NONPLANAR MESOGENS

The synthesis and mesogenic properties of the complexes [Pd(CnH2n+1OC6H3CH=N—N=CHC6H4OCnH2n+1)(μ-O2CCH3]]2 [I(n), n = 2, 6-10, 12, and 14] and [Pd(C10H21OC6H3CH=N—N=CHC6H4OC10H21){μ-X}]2 [X = Cl (II), Br (III), and SCN (IV)] are described. Not unexpectedly, II, III, and IV, which are planar dimers, show SC mesophases. More interestingly the open-book-shaped dimers I(n) also exhibit N and/or SC mesophases if the alkoxylic chains are sufficiently long (n ≥ 6). In spite of their unusual molecular shape, the mesophases resemble those produced by typical rodlike molecules. © 1990, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.