Physical properties of laterally fluorinated isothiocyanato phenyl‐tolane liquid crystals

Abstract
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 = 633 nm. 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.