News on Nematic-Biaxial Liquid Crystals1

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Abstract
Recent studies have established that not only some polymeric materials exhibit nematic biaxial phases, but that also low molecular weight compounds can do so if certain structural conditions are met. In this paper new developments in the field of thermotropic N, phases of low mass synthetic products are discussed regarding the relationship between structure and nematic biaxial property. Various syntheses of new structures of different geometries and some first results of investigations of such compounds are also presented. While thus far few N, phases have been known, their number should increase rapidly in the near future and stimulate the scientific research on this interesting topic. Biaxial nematic phases are of great importance for the system of phase types, the theory of liquid crystals, as well as for the understanding of the molecular dynamic of mesogens, and of the discovery or development of new possibilities of application of materials in this state of matter.