Synthesis, Thermal Analysis, and Crystal Structure of Hydrogen Bonded Mesogen Derived from 4-Octylbenzoic Acid and 4,4'-Bipyridine

The thermal and mesophase behaviour of a mixture of 4-octylbenzoic acid and 4,4'-bipyridine is studied. The complex shows appearance of two distinct phases which otherwise are not present in any of these constituents. Polarizing optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry indicate that the mixture displays liquid crystalline properties. X-ray diffraction studies confirm the presence of hydrogen bonds.