New mesogenic Schiff base esters comprising benzothiazole moiety: Synthesis and mesomorphic properties

A homologous series of Schiff base esters, 6-methoxy-2-(2-hydroxy-4-alkanoyloxybenzylidenamino)benzothiazoles, comprising a benzothiazole moiety as the core was synthesized. All the members of this series exhibited an enantiotropic nematic phase. The azomethine linkage along with the lateral hydroxyl and terminal methoxyl groups were found to exert an effect on the mesomorphic properties.