Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of 1,1-difluoroalkyl-substituted biphenylthienyl and terphenyl liquid crystals. A comparative study of mesomorphic behavior relative to alkyl, alkoxy and alkanoyl analogsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: experimental details for compounds 4, 9, 10, 12, 15–19, 25–39, 45 and 49. See http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/jm/b1/b102059p/

Abstract

A variety of biphenylthienyl and terphenyl-based liquid crystalline materials were prepared that incorporate a 1,1-difluoropentyl terminal group. The mesogenic properties of these compounds were compared and contrasted with analogs where the CF2 moiety was replaced by a -CH2-, -O- or -CO- group. The 1,1-difluoroalkyl group is unique in its behavior and tends to promote orthogonal smectic phase behavior.