Attempt to fabricate field-responsive switching molecules using rotational isomers

Abstract

Polarization of axially polar-columnar liquid crystals is controlled by applying a voltage. In this study, we attempted fabricating a novel electro-responsive material whose polar direction can be controlled by the applied voltage. In this molecule, a CF3 group is introduced to the central phenylene moiety as an electro-responsive site, and the steric repulsion between CF3 and carbonyl groups fixes the rotational isomerization of the central phenylene. This compound showed a rectangular columnar phase in a high temperature range, and was SH-active under an applied electric filed. In addition, SHG interferometry experiments revealed that the compound shows polarization reversal. Therefore, these results indicate that the rotational isomerization can be used for electro-responsive switching molecules.