Physical Properties Of Laterally Fluorinated Isothiocyanato Phenyl-Tolane Liquid Crystals

We have designed, synthesised and evaluated the physical properties of some high-birefringence (Δn) isothiocyanato phenyl-tolane liquid crystals. These compounds exhibit Δn ∼ 0.48-0.52 at room temperature and wavelength λ = 633nm. Laterally substituted fluorine atoms eliminate smectic phases and lower the melting temperature. The moderate melting temperature and very high clearing temperature make those compounds attractive for eutectic mixture formulation. © 2008 Taylor & Francis