Polysubstituted triphenylenes with active groups. Molecular parameters, synthesis, structure, and mesomorphism

Abstract

Molecular parameters of hexaalkoxytriphenylenes with different substituents on the periphery of the triphenylene nucleus of known and hypothetical structures are calculated. The probability of a discophase for compounds of this series is estimated from molecular parameters. Several compounds of this series having polar groups (NO₂, NH₂) in the 1 position of the triphenylene nucleus have been synthesized. The compounds synthesized were investigated by thermopolarizing microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The data on the mesomorphism of the new compounds are in good agreement with our prediction that alkoxytriphenylenes with polar groups have a discophase. It is established that introduction of an electron-accepting group at position 1 of the triphenylene nucleus expands the temperature range of existence of the discophase to room temperature. On the contrary, introduction of an electron-donating group narrows this interval. Compounds of this series presumably have a hexagonal columnar structure.