Liquid-crystalline methanofullerodendrimers which display columnar mesomorphism

Abstract

Liquid-crystalline methanofullerodendrimers were synthesized via the Bingel addition reaction of mesomorphic malonate derivatives and C₆₀. Second- and third-generation poly(benzyl ether) dendrons were selected as liquid-crystalline promoters to induce columnar mesomorphism. Based on a convergent and modular synthetic methodology, symmetrical (two identical dendrons) and non-symmetrical (two different dendrons) dendrimers were prepared, as well as hemidendrimers (only one dendron). The liquid-crystalline properties of the malonates and fullerodendrimers were investigated by polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction. All the malonates give rise to hexagonal columnar phases of p6mm symmetry. As for the fullerodendrimers, the second-generation hemidendrimer shows a rectangular columnar phase of c2mm symmetry, while the other materials give rise to hexagonal columnar phases of p6mm symmetry.