Synthesis and thermotropic behavior of side chain polysiloxane bearing triphenylene moiety

Side chain discotic polysiloxane with 2,3,6,7-tetrakis(hexyloxy)-10-methoxytriphenylene-11-undecanoate moieties is synthesized by hydrosilylation reaction. The phase behavior and thermooptical properties of the polysiloxane and the side chain precursor 2,3,6,7-tetrakis(hexyloxy)-10-methoxytriphenylene-11-undecanoate are examined by polarizing optical microscopy, thermooptical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and wide angle X-ray scattering studies. A columnar planar alignment of LC in the layers has been determined. The pronounced alignment makes this polymer a promising material for application in optoelectronic devices. The differences in phase transitions and morphology between the triphenylene precursor and the discotic polysiloxane are discussed.