Mesomorphism of some Alkoxynaphthoic Acids

Abstract

THE existence of mesophases in the melts of p-n-alkoxybenzoic and p-n-alkoxycinnamic acids has already been established^1,2. In these acids the length of the rod-shaped molecules is enhanced by hydrogen-bond formation, and the mesomorphism arises from the association of the acids in double molecules. In this way, p-n-propoxybenzoic acid, which has the simplest molecular structure yet found to give a mesomorphic form, acquires a structure which is similar in length and shape to that of a typical nematic compound, such as azoxyanisole.