An unusual phase sequence of iso liq-blue phase-smectic A observed for novel binaphthyl mesogenic derivatives

Abstract

A homologous series of novel chiral dimeric compounds, (R)-2,2′-bis{6-[4-(2-(2-fluoro-4-butyloxyphenyl)pyrimidine-5-yl)phenyloxy]alkyloxy}-1,1′-binaphthyl, has been prepared and the physical properties investigated. The binaphthyl derivatives with an even number of atoms in the spacers showed a chiral nematic phase, however, those with an odd number of atoms showed an unusual direct blue phase to smectic A phase transition.