Bimetallomesogens: formation of calamitic or columnar mesophases by mu-exogenous-bridged groups in N,N '-(propan-2-ol)-bis(4-alkoxysalicylaldimine)copper(II) complexes

A new type of dicopper(II) complex derived from mu-exogenous 3,4,5-trialkox ybenzoate- or acetate-bridged N,N'-(propan-2-ol)-bis(4-alkoxysalicylaldimin es) prepared by the condensation of 2-hydroxy-4-alkoxybenzaldehydes with 1, 3-diaminopropan-2-ol are reported; the formation of mesomorphic phases was found to be dependent upon the bridging groups used, acetate-bridged compou nds formed a smectic A (SmA) phase and benzoate-bridged compounds formed a hexagonal columnar (Col(h)) phase.