Supramolecular complexes based on liquid‐crystalline polysiloxanes and copper phthalocyanine

Abstract

Self‐assembly of mesogens in one polymer system reflects the capability for integrating intermolecular interactions and functions of materials. A series of novel supramolecular complexes (SCPs) containing cholesterol derivatives, siloxane backbone and copper phthalocyanine were synthesized. The SCPs were made from sulfonic acid‐containing precursor polymers (SAPs) synthesized by the use of 4‐(allyloxy)benzenesulfonic acid, cholest‐5‐en‐3‐ol‐(3β)‐4‐(allyloxy)benzoate and polymethylhydrosiloxane. Differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy and X‐ray diffraction results confirmed the mesomorphic properties. The SAPs showed smectic phase, but the SCPs showed columnar phase due to more lateral copper phthalocyanine groups in the polymer systems. Moreover, because of rigid side groups and cholesteric polymer, SCPs showed greater d‐spacings between the side mesogenic groups and exhibited very good electrical conductivity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry