LIQUID-CRYSTAL POLYMERS CONTAINING NI(II), PD(II), OR VO(II) IN THE MAIN-CHAIN

The synthesis and the phase behavior of a homologous series of polymer s of 4,4'-[1,12-dodecanediylbis(oxy)]bis(benzoic acid) with 4-dihydrox yphenyl]methylene]alkylamino]nickel(II), -palladium(II) and -oxovanadi um(II) are reported. Calorimetric and X-ray diffraction data and dynam ic viscosity measurements are consistent with the occurrence of nemati c mesomorphism for all polymers. The nematic phase, which is monotropi c for some of the nickel-containing polymers, is comparatively more st able for those containing palladium. Polymers containing the oxovanadi um group show also enantiotropic smectic mesomorphism. The mesophase p roperties of ligand systems are also discussed.