Thermotropic Mesomorphism in a Series of Copper β-Diketonates and Their Ligands

A homologous series of bis[1-(p-n-alkylphenyl)3-(p-n-alkyloxyphenyl)propane 1,3-dionato]copper(II) complexes have been synthesised and their mesogenic properties are studied. A few of the ligands which are used to obtain these chelates also exhibit mesophases. A plot of the mesophase → isotropic transition points versus the molecular weight of the chelates gives smooth curve relationship. Optical texture and preliminary x-ray studies indicate that the mesophase of the chelates are lamellar in nature.