Synthesis and characterization of λ-shaped azo liquid crystals: The effect of terminal alkoxy group

Abstract

The construction of a λ-shaped three side substituted alkoxy based molecular system (E1-E8) with azo-ester group was carried out and studied for liquid crystalline applications. The mesogenic behaviour and thermal stability of synthesized derivatives were checked and analyzed by POM, DSC and TGA analysis. These azo-ester based compounds show smectic C and nematic type mesomorphic properties. The observed texture patterns of the synthesized compounds are fan, broken fan, schlieren and threaded types. All derivatives shows broad temperature range of mesophase and further stabilized upto the room temperature. The structure-property relationship has been further studied to understand the effect of variable side-chain on liquid crystalline properties.