Six homologous series of 4-(4′-alkoxy phenylazo) phenyl 4″-substituted benzoates (Ina-f) were prepared in which, within each homologous series, the length of the terminal alkoxy chain varies between 6, 8, 10, and 12 carbons, while the other terminal substituent, X, is a polar group that alternatively changed from CH3O, CH3, H, Br, NO2 and CN. Compounds prepared were characterised by spectroscopic methods, and their mesophase behaviour investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarised optical microscopy (POM). The results were discussed in terms of mesomeric and polarisability effects. In each group of compounds, bearing the same alkoxy substituent, the nematic-to-isotropic transition temperatures (TC) were successfully correlated with the polarisability anisotropy of bonds to the substituent X. A comparative study was made between the investigated compounds and their previously prepared isomers, namely, 4-(4′-substituted phenylazo) phenyl 4″-alkoxybenzoates (IIna-f) in which the two te...

Effect of exchange of terminal substituents on the mesophase behaviour of some azo/ester compounds

Trans-alkyl cyclohexane formic acid phenol ester compounds are synthesised by reaction of trans-cyclohexane formic acid and phenols. This process also produces many harmful cis-alkyl cyclohexane formic acid phenol ester compounds that are harmful to the environment. Using p-toluenesulphonic acid as the catalyst in this experiment, these cis compounds were transformed to their trans form. The yields of trans-alkyl cyclohexane formic acid phenol ester compounds were more than 70%, which was significantly higher when compared to the yields of 40–60% obtained using the control method. The effects of catalyst, reaction time and reaction temperature on cis–trans transformation were investigated. The possible mechanism of cis–trans transformation has been discussed in this report.

Chen Qun

Papers

The cis–trans transformation of cyclohexane formic acid ester compounds