Synthesis and mesogenic properties of 3,6-disubstituted cyclohex-2-en-1-ones

Abstract

A series of 3,6-substituted cyclohex-2-en-l-ones have been prepared by an efficient convergent Robinson-type annulation route. The cyclohex-2-en-l-one ring is the basis of a novel mesogenic core and when substituted at the 6-position provides a chiral centre, which is adjacent to a strong transverse dipole moment. This system has the advantage that both of the two main features required for new electro-optical applications (a dipole for switching and a chiral centre to reduce the symmetry) are located in the molecular core. The synthesis and mesogenic properties of these novel enones are reported.