Synthesis and mesomorphic behaviour of a homologous series of 1,1′-bis[4(4′-alkyloxy)benzaldimine]ferrocene dicarboxylates

A new series of ferrocene derivatives, 1,1′-bis[4(4′-alkyloxy) benzaldimine]ferrocene dicarboxylates, (FeESADCn, where the number of carbon atoms in the alkyloxy chain, n, varies from 4–12) have been synthesized. The thermal behaviour was investigated by means of polarizing microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. All members of the series exhibit liquid-crystalline behaviour. While the shorter chain members exhibit a nematic mesophase, the longer chain members exhibit a smectic A mesophase. The electronic spectrum of the n = 7 member is also presented.