The complexes [RhCl(COD)L] (COD = cyclocta-1,5-diene; L = NC5H4CH=NC6H4OCnH2n+1) have been prepared by reaction of the corresponding L (n = 8, 14) ligands with [RhCl(COD)]2. They react with CO to give cis-[RhCl(CO)2L] (n = 2, 4, 6-10, 12, 14). Reaction of cis-dicarbonyl compounds with L in the presence of Me3NO gives trans-[RhCl(CO)L2] (n = 4, 8). Monocarbonyl compounds of formulae [RhCl(CO)L(P(OMe)3)] (n = 6, 8, 14) have been made by reaction of cis-[RhCl(CO)2L] with P(OMe)3 in dichloromethane. The mesogenic properties of the compounds [RhCl(CO)2L] (n = 8-10, 12, 14) are described. © 1990.