Smectic A Formation by Twin Dimers Assuming U-shaped Conformation

Abstract

Abstract Twin dimers with 3-methylpentane spacers behave as U-shaped (folding) molecules if the carbon number of alkyl tail group is longer than 12 and form an SA phase. This behavior is in contrast to that in dimers with linear pentane spacers which assume extended conformation and form the antiferroelectric SCAb. Folding of twin molecules, hence, is another way to accommodate tail groups fairly longer than the spacers, suggesting new potentiality in spontaneous molecular organization.