Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of novel phenacylpyridines and their copper(II) complexes

The synthesis, characterization and liquid crystal properties of a homologous series of a new class of alkoxyphenacylpyridine ligands and their copper(II) complexes are reported. According to textural observations and calorimetric data, ligands with n=m greater than or equal to 8 and copper complexes with n=m greater than or equal to 6, where n, m denote the number of carbon atoms in the alkoxy chains, exhibit liquid crystal properties. The mesogenic ligands display monotropic nematic phases, while the mesogenic copper(II) complexes give enantiotropic smectic A phases.