Molecular shape, electronic factors, and the ferroelectric nematic phase: investigating the impact of structural modifications. [Dataset]

Abstract

The synthesis and characterisation of two series of low molar mass mesogens, the (4-nitrophenyl) 2-alkoxy-4-(4-methoxybenzoyl)oxybenzoates (NT3.m) and the (3-fluoro-4-nitrophenyl) 2-alkoxy-4-(4-methoxybenzoyl)oxybenzoates (NT3F.m), are reported in order to investigate the effect of changing the position of a lateral alkoxy chain from the methoxy-substituted terminal ring to the central phenyl ring in these two series of materials based on RM734. All members of the NT3.m series exhibited a conventional nematic phase, N, which preceded the ferroelectric nematic phase, NF, whereas all the members of the NT3F.m series exhibited direct NF-I transitions except for NT3F.1 which also exhibited an N phase. These materials cannot be described as wedge-shaped, yet their values of the ferroelectric nematic-nematic transition temperature, TNPN, exceed those of the corresponding materials with the lateral alkoxy chain located on the methoxy-substituted terminal ring. The accompanying file contains supplementary figures, tables, schemes and information.

Citation

TUFAHA, N., CRUICKSHANK, E., POCIECHA, D., GORECKA, E., STOREY, J.M.D. and IMRIE, C.T. 2023. Molecular shape, electronic factors, and the ferroelectric nematic phase: investigating the impact of structural modifications. [Dataset] Chemistry: a European journal [online], 29(28), article e202300073. Available from: https://tinyurl.com/bdexs49x

• Acceptance Date: Feb 9, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Mar 31, 2023
• Publication Date: May 16, 2023
• Deposit Date: Aug 10, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 10, 2023
• Publisher: Wiley
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202300073
• Keywords: Ferroelectric nematic phase; Fluorine; Lateral alkoxy chain; Liquid crystal; Nematic phase
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2035389
• Related Public URLs: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2010276 (Journal article)
• Type of Data: Pdf of supplementary tables, schemes and figures.
• Collection Date: Jan 9, 2023
• Collection Method: All reagents and solvents that were available commercially were purchased from Sigma Aldrich, Fisher Scientific or Fluorochem and were used without further purification unless otherwise stated. Where required, solvents were dried over molecular sieves for a minimum of 24 hours prior to use. Reactions were monitored using thin layer chromatography, and the appropriate solvent system, using aluminium-backed plates with a coating of Merck Kieselgel 60 F254 silica which were purchased from Merck KGaA. The spots on the plate were visualised by UV light (254 nm) or by oxidation using either a potassium permanganate stain or iodine dip. For normal phase column chromatography, the separations were carried out using silica gel grade 60 Å, 40-63 μm particle size, purchased from Fluorochem and using an appropriate solvent system. All final products and intermediates that were synthesised were characterised using 1H NMR, 13C NMR and infrared spectroscopies. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra were recorded on a 400 MHz Bruker Advance III HD NMR spectrometer. The infrared spectra were recorded on a Perkin Elmer Spectrum Two FTIR with an ATR diamond cell. In order to determine the purity of the final products, elemental analysis was used. C, H, N microanalysis were carried out by the Sheffield Analytical and Scientific Services Elemental Microanalysis Service at the University of Sheffield using an Elementar Vario MICRO Cube. The instrument was calibrated using series of different masses of sulphanilamide and acetanilide. High-resolution mass spectrometry was carried out at the University of Aberdeen by Dr Morag Douglas using a Waters XEVO G2 Q-Tof mass spectrometer. The instrument was calibrated with sodium formate, and the lock mass was leucine enkephalin, Formula: C28H37N5O7, [M+H]+: 556.2771.