The synthesis and characterisation of a novel thiophene-based liquid crystal exhibiting ferro-, ferri- and antiferro-electric phase types

Abstract

The synthesis and liquid crystal properties of (R)–(–)-4-(l-methylheptyloxycarbonyl)phenyl 5-(4-decyloxyphenyl)thiophene-2-carboxylate is reported. This material exhibits the following phase types (°C): I 97.4 SA 92.2 SC* 81.4 ferri 78.8 antiferroelectric 48.6 glass state (characterised by thermal optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry). Results from electro-optical investigations, for example, field-induced transitions, temperature and voltage dependence and current and electro-optic response, clearly illustrate the presence of the SC* ferro-, ferri- and antiferro-electric phase types.