Structural characterization of the new polymorphic mesophases formed by bent-core molecules

Abstract

Abstract A new achiral banana-shaped five-ring 2-methylresorcinol derivative fluorinated on the outer rings has been synthesized. This compound exhibits four antiferroelectric smectic phases characteristic for bent-core molecules (B2, B′2, B″2, B5). In addition, a highly viscous solid-like phase has been detected which also shows electro-optical switching. This is the first switchable highly ordered B phase. The characterization of the mesophases was made by X-ray diffraction, electro-optical measurements and dielectric spectroscopy.