SYNTHESIS OF ALKOXY)-4'-(6-METHACRYLOYLOXYHEXYLOXY)-AZOBENZENES AND THEIR LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE INTERMEDIATES

The synthesis and characterization of lkoxy)-4'-(6-methacryloyloxy-hex yloxy)-azobenzenes with different lengths of the fluorinated tail grou p (C-2-C-8) and their liquid crystalline intermediates, starting from 1H,1H-perfluoroalkyl-p-nitrophenyl-ethers is described. The liquid cry stalline properties of the compounds were studied by differential scan ning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. In contrast with their non-fluorinated analogues, all the liq uid crystalline products display smectic mesophases caused by the fluo rination of the tail group. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.