Synthesis of dinuclear complexes of rhenium(I) as potential metallomesogens

Abstract

Seven anisotropic diimines and their corresponding dinuclear complexes of rhenium(I) have been synthesized. The crystal and molecular structures of one of the dimines and two of the complexes were determined. In common with related imine ligands which have been synthesized previously, the new diimines were mesomorphic showing smectic C and nematic phases and, in some cases, smectic I and crystal J phases. However, none of the orthometallated, dinuclear complexes showed any liquid crystal phases.