Mesomorphic lanthanide complexes with azomethine ligands

The synthesis and mesophase behaviour of lanthanide complexes with azomethi ne (Schiff base) ligands is described. The ligands are 4-tetradecyloxy-N-al kyl-2-hydroxybenzaldimines, where the alkyl chain on the imine nitrogen is C8H17, C12H25 or C18K37. The stoichiometry of the complexes formed by the r eaction of the hydrated nitrates of the lanthanides with the azomethines is [Ln(LH)(3)(NO3)(3)]. All these coordination compounds exhibit liquid-cryst alline properties. A viscous smectic A (SmA) mesophase is formed. The mesop hase of these metallomesogens can be supercooled to a glassy state. (C) 200 0 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.