1B14 Unusual enthalpy changes in the nematic phase of a novel dimeric liquid -crystalline molecule

Abstract

A novel dimeric liquid-crystalline molecule that two mesogenic groups are connected via catechol was prepared and the phase behaviour was investigated. This compound showed the nematic and monotropic smectic C phases. In DSC measurements unusual enthalpy changes were observed in the N phase on heating from the monotropic SmC phase. In XRD in the N phase a sharp peak was observed around 2θ = 3.2 degree, indicating the formation of smectic-like layer structure in the N phase.