The synthesis and chemical transformations of various diketones into liquid
crystalline compounds are discussed. The diketones were prepared by the in
teraction of cyclohexene with acid chlorides and benzene in the presence of
aluminium chloride (Nenitzescu method) or by Friedel Crafts reaction of tr
ans-4-alkanoyl-1-phenylcyclohexanes or trans-2-alkyl-5-phenylcyclohexanones
with acid chlorides, or by the condensation of corresponding Mannich salts
with 2-substituted acetoacetates or acetylacetone.