Helicity of SC*α phase

For two compounds of the thiobenzoate series, the Sc*α phase has been studied. For the first time to our knowledge, its helicity is revealed, by observation of very thin liquid crystal drops. Helical pitch measurements have been performed, and the pitch variations versus temperature studied. The pitch is very small for the compounds studied, between 0.06 μm and 0.25 μm, and its evolution depends on the sample thermal story.