Rotational model for nematic phase stability of fluorinated phenylbicyclohexane liquid crystals

J Mol Model. 2008 Nov;14(11):1043-52. doi: 10.1007/s00894-008-0341-9. Epub 2008 Jul 23.

Abstract

A mechanical molecular rotation model for liquid crystal (LC) systems is employed to evaluate phase transition temperature of fluorinated phenylbicyclohexane isomeric LC compounds. Results show that when a fluorine atom is substituted along the molecular long axis, an LC molecule acquires high rotational speed and its rotation becomes stable, thereby resulting in a better thermal stability of the nematic phase. A novel explanation is proposed for the behavior of the nematic-isotropic phase of the LC system when a heavy atom is substituted along the molecular long axis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cyclohexanones / chemistry*
  • Fluorine Compounds / chemistry*
  • Liquid Crystals / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Phase Transition
  • Rotation
  • Temperature
  • Transition Temperature

Substances

  • Cyclohexanones
  • Fluorine Compounds
  • bicyclohexanone