Synthesis and Mesomorphism of alpha,alpha-diphenylpermethyl-oligosilanes

alpha,omega -Diphenylpermethyloligosilanes, Ph(SiMe2)(n)Ph where n = 12 (3) , and 13 (4), showed the mesophases in the range of 126-139 and 127-155 deg reesC, respectively. In the mesophases, the silicon chains adopted the all- trans conformation and were perpendicular to the layer plane and hexagonall y ordered within the layer, Furthermore, the phenyls at both ends of the si licon chain were interdigitated between the neighboring layers.