Single- and Two-Colour Tilings by X-Shaped Bolaamphiphiles

Abstract

T-shape molecules with three incompatible moieties have been proved to be extremely versatile in forming complex liquid crystalline phases, e.g. honeycomb structures consisting of polygonal shaped columns. Recently, X-shaped bolaamphiphiles, where two instead of one side groups are laterally attached to the rigid aromatic core, have been synthesized. When the two side groups are of the same type, honeycomb structures similar to those observed in T-shaped molecules are observed.

As an innovational series of new material, X-shaped bolaamphiphiles molecules, are synthesized recently, the research gained another interest of how these bolaamphiphiles molecules construct liquid crystal of which the molecules possess two different side groups. After studying this new series material, honeycomb structures were observed again with triangular, square and mixed triangular-square columns. In addition, in some phases segregation of the two side groups into different columns has also been spotted leading to unique two-coloured honeycomb structures, e.g. chess-board structures.

Further, new materials have been also tested under various temperatures, structure transformation has also been observed, e.g. changing from square-triangle columns at low temperature to single square columns at high temperature.