Esters of (S)-1,2-propanediol and (R,R)-2,3-butanediol — Chiral Compounds Inducing Cholesteric Phases with a Helix Inversion ·

Abstract

Mesogenic chiral esters of optically active (S)-1,2-propanediol and (R,R)-2,3-butanediol were synthesized. The compounds, added to a nematic phase induce cholesteric phases exhibiting a helix inversion with temperature variation. This effect is independent of the molecular structure of the nematic solvent. The inversion temperature varies only slightly with concentration but can be influenced by the mesogenic substituent.