1.3-Dioxolan-4-ones as Chiral Unit for Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals and Dopants for Induced Ferroelectric Mesophases

Abstract

Abstract The synthesis, phase behaviour, spontaneous polarization and response times of a new type of ferroelectric liquid crystals and dopants (for induced ferroelectric phases) containing trisubstituted 1.3-dioxolan-4-ones as chiral unit are described. Two pairs of cis respective trans 2.5.5-trisubstituted 1.3-dioxolan-4-ones are compared with respect to their ferroelectric properties. Cis configuration results in higher spontaneous polarization than trans configuration. The unbranched 2-alkylsubstituent causes higher Ps than the branched one.