Advanced Materials, Vol.9, No.3, 241-244, 1997
Liquid crystalline macrocycles: Novel glass-forming nematic materials that can undergo charge transfer induced phase transitions
Macrocylic liquid crystals incorporating two different rigid cores are reported for the first time. The synthesis of polyethercyclophanes such as that shown in the Figure is described, together with their phase behavior as investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing microscopy. The synthesis of macrocycles that combine non-identical building blocks is desirable in order to obtain materials with tailor-made properties.