A novel class of mesogens: liquid-crystalline derivatives of linear oligoalkylene amides

Abstract

Different members of a novel class of liquid crystals, linear oligoalkylene amides with 3, 4-bis(alkoxy)benzoyl substituents, are described. We have synthesized relevant derivatives of diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine and tetraethylenepentamine. The flexibility of the central alkylene amidic part causes very unusual mesogenic properties. Lamellar, columnar and cubic mesophase structures are displayed, depending on the length of the linear unit and of the alkoxy side-chains.