Importance of Molecular Geometry in Liquid Crystal Formation-Incapability of Mesophase-Formation by Bent Dimesogenic and Star-Shaped Trimesogenic Compounds

摘要

A series of compounds were synthesized that contain varying number of mesogenic units, 4-n-butylazobenzene moiety, attached to the central benzene ring through ester bond. These compounds were subjected to thermal analysis on a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and also on a polarizing microscope. It was found from this study that the presence of mesogenic units in a multi-mesogenic compound does not guarantee for the compound to become mesomorphic and that the linear molecular shape is conducive to form a liquid crystalline phase.