From laterally branched mesogens to novel twin molecules

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Abstract
Extending a design concept for liquid-crystalline compounds with large lateral substituents, we have synthesized several new variants of twin compounds: lateral-terminal flexible bound, and lateral-lateral flexible bound with and without ring systems in the flexible spacer. X-ray investigations of the nematic phases of several new compounds proved the occurrence of reflections that are incompatible with the simple molecular dimensions. Models in which the two halves and ring-containing spacers of the twins are nearly parallel to one another can explain the experimental facts, assuming an interdigitation of the molecules in the nematic state. Several new compounds form nematic glass phases at about room temperature.