Synthesis and mesomorphic characterization of some novel steroidal mesogens: A structure–property correlation

[Display omitted] The steroidal derivatives are found to be extremely good mesogens since their inception. Because of their inherent chirality, they have the potential to induce a wide variety of liquid crystalline phases, including frustrated phases depending upon the structure of the steroidal skeleton and the substituents attached. In this report, a series of novel monoalkoxy and dialkoxy benzoate derivatives of ergosterol and a few monoalkoxy derivatives of stigmasterol have been synthesized and their mesomorphic property has been investigated. The derivatives exhibited various mesophases including SmA, SmC*, N*, TGB and blue phases. Also, the gelation ability of some of these derivatives with various organic solvents has been examined. Furthermore, the mesomorphism of these derivatives has been compared with the analogous cholesteryl counterparts.