Synthesis and Mesomorphic Properties of Novel γ-Substituted β-Diketonates

The synthesis and mesomorphic properties of two series of novel γ-substituted β-diketonates have been reported. All of the compounds 2,4-dioxo-3-pentyl 4-[[4-(n-alkoxyl) cinnamoyl]oxy]cinnamatetes Ia-If (n=7-12) exhibit two monotropic phases(N and Sc) and have a wider mesophase range than the compounds 2,4-dioxo-3-pentyl 4-[[4-(n-alkoxyl) benzoyl]oxy] cinnamatetes IIa-IIf (n=7-12), which display one monotropic nematic phase (n=7-10) or an enantiotropic nematic phase for n=11 or two enantiotropic phases (N and Sc) for n=12 .