Chiral ionic liquid crystals based on thiourea

Abstract

Chiral ionic liquid crystals based on the S-methyl-N,N′-α-methylarylthiouronium cation have been prepared and studied. Most salts, interestingly including an example with the bistriflimide anion, display a SmA* phase with anion-dependent transition temperatures. The salts, which are able to distinguish enantiomers of chiral anions via formation of diastereomeric adducts, may find application as chiral reaction media.