Bent-core liquid crystals in the route to functional materials

Several results on bent-core liquid crystals considered as new supramolecular functional materials with potential for applications are reviewed. Various topics are discussed where these materials present unique attributes with clear advantages over conventional mesogens. In particular the electrooptic responses of some mesophases are examined from the viewpoint of their possible use in electrooptic devices. Other issues are also treated such as nonlinear optical properties, flexoelectricity or the design of biaxial nematics from bent-core molecules. Future challenges and prospects for new possibilities with these materials are briefly outlined.