Mesomorphic biphenylcarboxylates of phenylacetylene were synthesized a
s precursors to metal acetylide complexes. The phenylacetylenes were,
in turn, obtained from biphenylcarboxylates of phenyliodide and phenyl
(trimethylsilylacetylene), all of which were mesomorphic. The synthesi
s and phase behaviour of these new compounds are discussed.