Asymmetrical liquid crystal dimers with 1,2,3-triazole bent-mesogenic core: synthesis, characterization and theoretical studies

The structures of these dimers were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques, while optical and thermal properties were obtained using POM and DSC. All compounds exhibited monotropic nematic Schlieren textures upon cooling.

Compound with OC₁₀H₂₀ changed from a stable nematic phase to a smectic C phase which can be attributed to its precise orientation and <i>trans</i>-conformational molecular architecture. The length of the OC_nH_2n spacer affected the mesophases and phase transition temperatures, revealing a pronounced odd-even effect. An apparent reversal of the conventional odd-even trend was observed when the ether oxygen atom contributes to the effective spacer parity.