Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of poly(oxyethylene) with [(6-heptylsulfonyl)hexylthio]methyl side groups

[(6-Heptylsulfonyl)hexylthio]methyl-substituted poly(oxyethylene) bearing a very polar sulfone group in the middle of the alkyl side chain was success fully synthesized by the reaction of poly[oxy(chloromethyl)ethylene] and (6 -heptylsulfonyl)hexyl thioacetate with sodium ethoxide in N,N-dimethylaceta mide. The ordered phase of the polymer was studied using X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and IR spectroscopy. The polymer was fo und to be liquid crystalline, although not having any conventional mesogeni c group. It was suggested that the highly polar sulfone group in the side c hain induces the self-assembly of the liquid crystal-line phase.