Room-temperature diphenyl-diacetylene liquid crystals

Abstract

Thirty new asymmetric diphenyl-diacetylene (PTTP) liquid-crystal homologs are synthesized and their physical properties characterized. In addition to the observed high birefringence and relatively low viscosity, several dialkyl PTTP homologs also possess a low melting point, wide nematic range, and low heat of fusion enthalpy. These properties are highly desirable for forming eutectic mixtures with entirely PTTP components. A binary eutectic showing a nematic range from 10 to 98 °C is studied. These new liquid-crystal compounds and mixtures should be particularly useful for infrared applications.