An inverted sequence of transitions in a mesogen

Abstract

A number of derivatives of the homologous series of 4-cyanophenyl-4'-(4"-n-alkoxybenzoyloxy) benzoates are reported. Most of the derivatives exhibit a metastable reentrant nematic phase (NR). The laterally unsubstituted dodecyloxy derivative exhibits phase sequence I SA N K on cooling. The binary phase diagram of this compound with that of the octyloxy derivative confirms that the lower temperature phase is indeed nematic.