Ferroelectric columnar liquid crystals using rotational isomerism of a molecular central polar site

Abstract

In this study, we synthesized diamide derivatives with a biphenyl group possessing two trifluoromethyl (CF3) groups at the molecular center as an electro-responsive moiety, and investigated its liquid crystallinity and ferroelectric properties. The introduction of the two CF3 groups resulted in a columnar liquid crystal phase with a wide temperature range including room temperature, and good polarization switching was observed. In addition, polarization maintenance was also achieved in the temperature range above 90°C, and the ferroelectricity was confirmed to be exhibited.