Induction of a nematic columnar phase in a discotic hexagonal ordered phase forming system

The induction of a nematic columnar phase in a discotic hexagonal ordered phase forming system is achieved by mixing hexakispentyloxytriphenylene 1 with a long chain derivative of trinitrofluorenone 3. The difference in chain length has a strong influence on the packing behaviour due to steric effects. The long hydrocarbon chains of the acceptor introduce a strong asymmetry into the electron donor acceptor complex. It could be shown by differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy and X-ray measurements that a nematic columnar phase is formed. In this mesophase the triphenylenes form columns but no hexagonal or orthorhombic lattice is built up. Each column behaves like a rod-like nematic mesogen. To prove that the long hexadecane alkyl chains of the acceptor are responsible for this induction, the acceptor 3 was mixed with the non-liquid-crystalline triphenylene derivative 2 containing six hexadecyloxy side groups. The long alkyl chains of the acceptor dissolve perfectly in the side chain region of the discs. No asymmetry is induced and the columns formed can be arranged on a hexagonal lattice resulting in a D ho phase.