Phase Transition Studies in 40.12

Abstract

Abstract The compound N(p-n-butyloxy benzylidene) p-n-dodecyl aniline, 40.12, a higher homologue of 40.m in the nO.m series, exhibits a phase sequence of NAB. The synthesis and the characterization of the phases are presented. The nature of the phase transitions are determined from the temperature dependence of density and ultrasonic velocity. The nematic-smectic A transition is found to be a weak first order tending to a second order. The results are discussed in the light of the available data on other nO.m compounds.