Induction of liquid crystallinity by self-assembled molecular boxes

Abstract

(Figure Presented) Jewel-box: In a hierarchical process, three molecules of a calix[4]arene (blue) and six of barbituric or cyanuric acid (green) assemble into double-rosette boxes, which assemble into columns, which in turn assemble into columnar liquid-crystalline phases (see picture). The resulting mesophases have a remarkable thermal stability and a high degree of order. © 2006 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.