Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of new Schiff base esters with different alkyl chains

A new series of Schiff base esters, 4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene-4′-alkanoyloxyanilines containing even number of carbons at the end group of the molecules (Cn−1H2n−1COO, n = 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) were synthesized. The present compounds were monotropic liquid crystals. It was also found that the end groups of the molecules had effect on the mesomorphic properties.