New binaphthyl-containing comb-shaped liquid-crystalline copolymers forming a chiral nematic phase

A series of comb-shaped LC copolymers based on methoxyphenylbenzoate acryli c monomer and dinitrile derivative of binaphthol were synthesized. The copo lymers form a chiral nematic phase, and their helix pitch varies In a wide range depending on the copolymer composition. The helical twisting power of a chiral additive was calculated. It is shown thar when the cholesteric he lix pitch exhibits a slight dependence on temperature. it can be changed un der the action of UV irradiation. This can be used for data recording.