A series of compounds of the formula [MnCl(L-n)(2)] (L= N-alkyl[4-(4-decylo
xybenzoyloxy)]salicylaldiminato) have been synthesized and their mesomorphi
c properties studied. These Mn(III) complexes display monotropic nematic ph
ases when the number of carbon atoms of the N-alkyl moiety has from 3 to 9
carbon atoms, Compounds ranging from 5 to 9 carbon atoms also display monot
ropic smectic C phases. When the N-alkyl part is longer (10 to 16 carbon at
oms) only enantiotropic smectic C phases appear. Two complexes were studied
by X-ray diffraction showing diffraction patterns that account for the pec
uliar molecular shape of these molecules.