Synthesis, characterisation, and study of unsymmetrical homologous series of nematogenic liquid crystal compounds possessing imine linkage

A novel homologous series of compounds with imine linkage has been synthesised. The structure of every proposed compound was elucidated using FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and elemental analysis. The prepared compound’s mesomorphic behaviour was observed using a polarising optical microscope. The transition temperatures and the phase transition enthalpy change data values were recorded using differential scanning calorimetry. Nematic phases were observed in heating and cooling cycles by varying terminal alkoxy chain length (<i>n</i> = 1–10, 12, 14, 16) at one side. The structure–property relationship was carefully studied to understand the effect of terminal alkyl chain length, lateral group substituent, and azomethine linkage on the mesomorphic properties. To assess the thermal stability of all prepared compounds, a thermogravimetry study was performed.