4-(5-Alkyl-2-pyridinyl)phenyl alkanoates: Some novel smectic materials for display devices

Three homologous series of 4-(5-alkyl-2-pyridinyl)phenyl alkanoates have been prepared. The synthesis and the liquid crystal transition temperatures of these esters are reported. Many members of these three ester series exhibit enantiotropic, wide range smectic F mesophases and some narrow range smectic C mesophases. However, in admixture with a chiral smectic C base mixture, the esters often induce a substantial increase in the chiral smectic C–smectic A transition temperature and, at the same time, decrease the temperature of crystallization. Thus, the temperature range of the chiral smectic C mesophase is substantially extended at both high and low temperatures. Ordered smectic mesophases are only observed at very low temperatures, if at all. These chiral smectic C mixtures are characterized by short switching times in surface-stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal displays (SSFLCD). These novel esters are of especial interest for short-pitch chiral smectic C mixtures for short pitch bistable ferroelectric liquid crystal displays (SBFLCD) with short response times.