Synthesis and Mesomorphic Properties of Novel Dibenz­[<i>a</i>,<i>c</i>]­anthra­cene­dicar­box­imides

The synthesis and characterization of a novel series of dibenz­[<i>a</i>,<i>c</i>]­anthracene­dicarbox­imides is reported. Incorporating electron-withdrawing imides bearing flexible alkyl chains allowed for the production of materials that self-assemble into hexagonal columnar mesophases featuring broad temperature ranges. Furthermore, longer <i>N</i>-alkyl chains or branched <i>N</i>-alkyl chains broaden the mesophase temperature range by lowering the melting transition without greatly influencing the clearing point