Indent and bulge-discogens for controlling the columnar mesophase

Abstract

Two series of dibenzophenazines with their mesogenic cores substituted by indent or bulge peripheral side chains have been synthesized. A good balance between anisotropy and isotropy has been achieved by the tri-functionalized bulge-discogen having a pair of interdigitating alkoxy chains. On cooling, the tri-functionalized bulge-discogen with a low melting temperature and high clearing temperature remains liquid crystalline at room temperature.