2,3,4-Trihydroxy benzonitrile-based liquid crystals: Fiber forming room temperature nematic phases

Herein we report the synthesis and investigation of a new type of liquid crystalline trimers. These trimers were designed and synthesized by connecting a 2,3,4-trihydroxy benzonitrile to three 4-cyanobiphenyl units via ether linkages with aliphatic spacers having a variable number of carbon atoms ( n = 5–12). Their phase behaviour has been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that all the synthesized materials exhibit nematic phases that exist over wide temperature ranges and are even stable around ambient temperature. Smectic phases are suppressed and unique fiber formation was found for the nematic phases of these low molecular mass materials. Therefore, this report represents a step forward towards the design and synthesis of single component room temperature nematic materials with unique properties for potential applications. The first examples of low symmetry trimers and these materials provide access to unique low molar mass nematics capable of forming freely suspended fibers. • The first examples of low symmetry trimers forming room temperature nematics • Unique low molar mass nematics capable of forming freely suspended fibers • In comparison with CBs, these trimers provide wider nematic ranges. • Reduced symmetry and dynamic network formation suppress smectic and crystallization.