High Optical Anisotropy Nematic Single Compounds and Mixtures

We have designed, synthesized, and evaluated the physical properties of some high birefringence (Δn) isothiocyanatobiphenyl-bistolane liquid crystals. These compounds exhibit Δn~ 0.4-0.7 at room temperature and wavelengthλ=633 nm. Laterally substituted short alkyl chains and fluorine atom eliminate smectic phase and lower the meltingtemperature. The moderate melting temperature and very high clearing temperature make those compoundsattractive for eutectic mixture formulation. Several mixtures based on those compounds were formulated and itsphysical properties evaluated.