Comparative Analysis of Fluorine-Containing Mesogenic Derivatives of Carborane, Bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, Cyclohexane, and Benzene using the Maier–Meier Theory

Two series of related three-ring nematoges with Δε > 0 and containing 12-vetex carborane (A), 10-vertex carborane (B), bicyclo[2.2.2]octane (C), cyclohexane (D) and benzene (E) were prepared and investigated as additives to 6-CHBT nematic host and in the pure form (series 2). Dielectric results were analyzed with the Maier–Meier relationship to gain an understanding of behavior of additives in nematic solutions. Molecular parameters for each nematogen were obtained at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory in the host’s dielectric medium, and dielectric data was used as the only experimental parameter to calculate apparent order parameter S app and the Kirkwood factor g. The results demonstrated that compounds in series 1 stabilize the nematic phase (high S app) of the host more than additives in series 2 (low S app), and carbocycles C and D are more effective (higher S app) than carborane analogues A and B (lower S app). The method provides insight into behavior of additives in nematic solutions and is useful for comparative analysis of a series of compounds or a series of hosts.