Liquid-crystalline dendrimers based on ferrocene and fullerene

Abstract

We present the synthesis and liquid-crystalline properties of a second generation ferrocene-containing liquid-crystalline dendrimer, and the liquid-crystalline behavior of a second generation mixed fullerene-ferrocene liquid-crystalline dendrimer. Both compounds gave rise to smectic A phases, which were identified by polarized optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The liquid-crystalline behavior is determined by the cholesterol units which have been selected as mesomorphic promoters. Therefore, both compounds display similar liquid-crystalline properties.