Investigation of supramolecular architectures of bent-shaped pyridine derivatives: from a three-ring crystalline compound towards five-ring mesogens

• Published in: New journal of chemistry 2016, Vol.4 (8), p.6977-6985
• Main Authors: Trišovi, Nemanja, Antanasijevi, Jelena, Rogan, Jelena, Poleti, Dejan, Tóth-Katona, Tibor, Salamonczyk, Miroslaw, Jákli, Antal, Fodor-Csorba, Katalin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1144-0546; 1369-9261
• DOI: 10.1039/c6nj01515h

In search of novel photoactive liquid crystals, we have synthesized a series of five-ring pyridine-based bent-core compounds bearing different substituents at the peripheral phenyl rings (CH 3 O, Cl and NO 2 ). Their mesomorphic behaviour has been investigated by polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray scattering, and then compared with the unsubstituted parent compound. The introduction of the methoxy groups at the peripheral phenyl rings of the bent core results in a non-mesomorphic compound, whereas the chloro- and nitro-substituted compounds form enantiotropic B1-like phases. Significant changes in the textures and transition temperatures of the mesophase have been observed under UV light. The present investigation of the mesomorphic properties of the synthesized compounds, coupled with the analysis of the molecular packing of the related three-ring compounds, will help design self-organized molecules suitable for UV indicators. The mesomorphic properties of new bent-core mesogens, coupled with the detailed analysis of the molecular packing of the related three-ring compounds is presented.