Structure-mesomorphism relationship in terminally functionalised liquid crystal dendrimers

We have carried out a study on the supramolecular liquid crystal organisation shown by LC dendrimers. This study has allowed us to draw interesting conclusions about the molecular plasticity of this type of dendromesogens and even to predict the mesogenic behaviour of higher generations of homologous dendrimers or similar dendrimeric structures. Commercial dendrimers (PAMAM and DAB) have been functionalised at the periphery with mesogenic units containing different structural features, namely the number of terminal alkyloxy chains and the position of attachment of the mesogenic units to the dendrimeric core. The mesomorphism of these materials depends on the mesogenic structure. Nematic, smectic and columnar mesophases have been obtained.