Influence of 4-(2-S(+)-Methylbutyloxy)Benzoic Acid on Mesomorphic and Physico-Chemical Properties of 4-Butyl-4'-Octanoyloxyazobenzene

Abstract

Mesomorphic, optical, dielectric, and orientation properties of nematic liquid crystal 4-butyl-4'-octanoyloxyazobenzene doped with chiral 4-(2-S(+)-methylbutyloxy)benzoic acid have been studied. The clearing temperatures of the mixtures were measured by polarizing microscopy. An estimation of the mesophase destabilization with the introduction of the dopant was carried out. The helix pitch of the induced chiral nematic mesophase was measured. The effect of the chiral dopant on anisotropic characteristics of the mesophase has been studied. An insignificant increase in the optical and dielectric anisotropy is associated with the formation of liquid crystal – dopant supermolecules due to hydrogen bonds –COOH…OCO–.