Dithiophene based X-shaped bolaamphiphiles: liquid crystals with single wall honeycombs and geometric frustration

Abstract

A series of 5,5′-diphenyl-2,2′-dithiophene based X-shaped polyphiles with two long lateral alkyl chains and terminal glycerol groups was synthesized and the liquid crystalline phases formed by these compounds were investigated by polarizing microscopy, DSC and XRD. These compounds form square (p4mm and p4gm) and hexagonal (p6mm) columnar LC phases. In these mesophases the molecules organize into polygonal honeycombs where the π-conjugated cores form the walls, fused at the edges by the hydrogen bonding networks between the glycerol units and filled by the lateral alkyl chains. By elongation of these chains, a series of polygonal honeycomb phases with a “single wall” structure, ranging from triangular via square and pentagonal to hexagonal was observed. Most triangular honeycombs appear to be defective and can be considered as mixtures of triangular cylinders with orientationally randomized rhombic cylinders. The transition from this improper triangular honeycomb to the square honeycomb takes place via a disordered isotropic phase. Addition of water to this isotropic phase gives rise to a true triangular honeycomb LC phase. Replacing one of the long lateral chains by a small methyl group leads to honeycombs formed by double walls instead of single walls. UV investigations indicate π-stacking of the aromatic cores organized in the honeycomb walls, which is of interest for the potential application of these materials in self assembled arrays of organic electronic material.