Synthesis and Properties of Maleic Acid Cholesteryl Monoester–Citric Acid Triester

Abstract

A new maleic acid cholesteryl monoester–citric acid trimester (MACM-CAT) containing three cholesterol units has been synthesised successfully. The structure was characterised by a series of spectroscopic methods and thermal analysis including polarising optical microscopy. The results showed that MACM-CAT displayed a triangular-like ordered layered structure and exhibited a good liquid crystalline behaviour. The introduction of sodium citrate onto cholesterol units is favourable for the formation of hydrogen bonds of MACM-CAT and improvement of the stability. More importantly, the study provides a novel route for the synthesis of liquid crystalline materials.