The synthesis of novel symmetrical liquid crystalline compounds based on 5-
methyl-5'-[2-(4-alkyloxyphenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]-2,2'-bipyridines is reporte
d, together with some physical properties. Although the chelating head-grou
ps are connected via a chiral sp(3) carbon atom, all the materials are meso
morphic. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding between pyridino and hydroxy fragm
ents in the mesophases is made apparent by FTIR spectroscopy.