In this study, we report on the synthesis and characterization of multifunctional ionic liquid crystals which are chiral, fluorescent, and magnetic as well as exhibit mesomorphism.  In our study, (1R, 2S) (-)-N-Methylephedrine ((-)Eph) is linked with various alkyl chains containing 14, 16, and 18 carbons to afford chiral cations and liquid crystalline property. The anion used is a complex ion consisting of trivalent dysprosium (Dy3+) and thiocyanate radical (SCN-). Use of Dy3+ provides fluorescence and magnetic properties. These compounds were found to have melting points below 100 oC and show liquid crystalline behavior which was characterized by use of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and hot-stage polarizing optical microscopy (POM). These compounds were highly paramagnetic as confirmed by use of SQUID measurements. Upon excitation at 366nm, these compounds showed two characteristic fluorescence emission peaks which are attributed to the transitions of Dy3+ from 4F9/2 t6H15/2 and 4F9/2 to 6H13/2 in acetonitrile solution as well as in the solid state. The emission intensities of solid films of these materials were found to be sensitive to phase transitions from solid state to liquid crystalline states to isotropic liquid states with increases in temperature.   Possible analytical properties of these materials will be discussed.

Synthesis and characterization of multifunctional ionic liquid crystals

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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