New liquid crystalline compounds have been prepared from glucosamine a
nd 6-amino-6-deoxy-hexopyranoses. The monoalkylated carbohydrates show
smectic phases. The influence of the amino group on the clearing temp
eratures is minor. The salts of the cyclic amines can form smectic or
discotic mesophases. The clearing points are lower than those observed
for acyclic amines.