The effect of molecular rigidity and flexibility on the mesomorphism of azoesters

Self‐Assembly of Azobenzene Derivatives into Organogels and Photoresponsive Liquid Crystals

“…[18][19][20][21][22][23] Among the many candidates, the photoactive azobenzene-based supramolecules can be effectively applied for the construction of LC systems with light-controllable features. [28] We have previously reported the supramolecular self-assembly of as eries of coil-rod-coil molecules cored with p-terphenylenea nd p-tetraphenylene mesogens. [18,[24][25][26][27] Moreover,t he introductiono ft he azobenzene moiety confers molecular rigidity required for regular molecular packing and may provide additional p-p stacking interactions,e nhancing the interchain orderingo fthes upramolecular structures.…”

“…[18,[24][25][26][27] Moreover,t he introductiono ft he azobenzene moiety confers molecular rigidity required for regular molecular packing and may provide additional p-p stacking interactions,e nhancing the interchain orderingo fthes upramolecular structures. [28] We have previously reported the supramolecular self-assembly of as eries of coil-rod-coil molecules cored with p-terphenylenea nd p-tetraphenylene mesogens. [12,[29][30][31] Attached with peripherala lkyl chains or dendritic wedges, which are linked by secondary amide groups,t hese molecules can hierarchically form anisotropic aggregates,i ncluding rolled-up nanotubes, nanofibers, organogels, etc.,t hrough the synergistic effect of p-p interactions, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals forces.…”

“…Recently, azobenzene derivative LCs have garnered much attention because of their photoresponsive properties caused by the trans – cis photoisomerization of the azobenzene units, by which the LC behavior can be modulated . Moreover, the introduction of the azobenzene moiety confers molecular rigidity required for regular molecular packing and may provide additional π–π stacking interactions, enhancing the interchain ordering of the supramolecular structures …”