Polymorphic Ionic Mesogens of Silver(l): Ionic Materials Exhibiting a Thermotropic Cubic Mesophase

Reaction of tran.s-4-alkyloxy-4′-stilbazoles (n-OPhVPy) with silver dodecylsulphate (AgDOS) led to the complexes [Ag(n-OPhVPy)2][DOS] which showed thermotropic mesomorphism. All homologues from methyloxy (n=1) to dodecyloxy (n=12) have been synthesised. The complexes showed a nematic phase at short chain lengths, but at longer chain lengths, smectic C and A phases were observed in addition to an isotropic mesophase (Mt), similar to the recently characterised D phase. The mesomorphism was determined using optical microscopy, DSC and X-ray scattering.