High birefringence and wide nematic range bis-tolane liquid crystals

Abstract

Several dialkyl and fluoro bis-tolane liquid crystals were synthesized and their physical properties evaluated. These highly conjugated liquid crystals exhibit a wide nematic range, small heat fusion enthalpy, high birefringence, and relatively low viscosity. Their excellent compatibility with commercial cyano mixtures makes these liquid crystals attractive for many electro-optic applications.