Synthesis and mesomorphic behavior of benzothiazole-based liquid crystals having terminal methoxyl group

A homologous series of benzothiazole derivatives, 6-methoxy-2-(4-alkanoyloxybenzylidenamino)benzothiazoles, were synthesized and characterized using FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Enantiotropic nematic phase was observed throughout the entire series. Smectic C phase only emerged from the decanoyloxy derivative onwards. The terminal methoxyl group and the ester linkage influenced the mesomorphic behavior of the present series.