The synthesis and characterisation of a novel thiophene-based liquid crystal exhibiting ferro-, ferri- and antiferro-electric phase types

The synthesis and liquid crystal properties of (R)-(-)-4-(1-methylheptyloxycarbonyl)phenyl 5-(4-decyloxyphenyl)thiophene-2- carboxylate is reported. This material exhibits the following phase types (degrees C):I 97.4 S-A 92.2 S-C* 81.4 ferri 78.8 antiferroelectric 48.6 glass state (characterised by thermal optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry). Results from electro-optical investigations, for example, field-induced transitions, temperature and voltage dependence and current and electro-optic response,clearly illustrate the presence of the S-C* ferro-, ferri- and antiferro-electric phase types.