The combination of two component aromatic molecules, one with electron-donating groups (donor) and the other having electron-withdrawing groups (acceptor) can lead to the self-assembly of donor-acceptor columnar liquid crystals (DACLCs).The peripheral side-chains of these component molecules play an essential role in several key properties of DACLC materials, including phase change temperatures, phase structure, solubility, and even charge mobility. However, the extent to which, and exactly how, altering these side-chains affects the DACLC properties is poorly understood. In particular, looking beyond simple alkyl chains to the inclusion of heteroatoms should significantly affect the range of properties in DACLCs, but has yet to be explored. Here we present a modular series of side-chain derivatives, including heteroatom chains, based on the1,5–diamino naphthalene (1,5-DAN) donor and naphthalene diimide (NDI) acceptor aromatic cores. The, design, synthesis,and characterization of these component molecules will be described as well as the characterization of their combination to form new DACLC materials. Analysis of the phase change behavior of the DACLCs from differential scanning calorimetry data will be discussed, including general insights into the effects of side-chain identity on bulk DACLC properties.

Investigation of the relationships between component side-chain identity and bulk material properties of donor-acceptor columnar liquid crystals

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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