POLYDIACETYLENES PRODUCED FROM THE LIQUID-CRYSTAL STATE

The preparation and characterization by standard methods of eleven dip henyldiacetylenes is discussed. All of these materials are liquid crys talline with phase transitions ranging from 90-degrees-C to 205-degree s-C. The liquid crystal behavior is studied using differential scannin g calorimetry and polarized light microscopy. All the materials underg o irreversible polymerization from a liquid crystal state, possibly ne matic, at over 210-degrees-C. The polymers are red and glassy. Some mo nomers give promising nonlinear optical results, the polymers are curr ently being tested. Both monomers and polymers are currently being tes ted in guest-host systems.