Ordered Langmuir-Blodgett films derived from a mesogenic polymer amphiphile

The synthesis of a novel side-chain liquid crystalline polymer in which cho lesterol mesogenic units are linked to a styrene backbone by a tris(ethylen eoxy) spacer is described. This amphiphilic polymer displays an unusual dis continuity in its monolayer behaviour at the air-water interface. This beha viour appears to be associated with the attainment of a closely-packed arra ngement of the cholesterol units at higher values of surface pressure. Glan cing angle X-ray diffraction shows that a well-ordered Y-type film is obtai ned if deposition is performed at a surface pressure above that of the appa rent rearrangement.