A new homologous series p-(p '-n-alkoxy benzoyloxy) methyl cinnamates is synthesized with a view to understand and establish the relation between mesogenic properties and structure of molecules. Ethyl to octyl, decyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, and hexadecyl homolgues are enantiotropically nematogenic, while the methyl homologue is nonmesogenic. None of the homologues exhibit a smectogenic mesophase. An odd-even effect is observed in the nematic-isotropic transition curve. The average thermal stability is 105.0 degrees C and the nematogenic mesophase ranges from 11.0 degrees C to 54.0 degrees C. Thus, the series is of a middle ordered melting type with moderate nematogenic range. Analytical data confirm the structure of the compounds, and the mesomorphism was identified by optical microscopy. The mesogenic properties are compared with structurally similar compounds.