Novel supramolecular liquid crystals: synthesis and mesomorphic properties of calix[4]arene-cholesterol derivatives

The first calix[4]arene-cholesterol liquid crystals were designed and synthesized in yields of 50-80%. Structural and conformational characterization of these new compounds had been achieved by NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. Their liquid crystalline behaviors were studied by polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction. All calix[4]arene derivatives with two or four cholesterol units show excellent mesomorphic properties of the columnar molecular arrangement of the calixarenes bowlic columns with cholesterol units as ancillary lateral columns. The long spacer and more cholesterol units were favorable for excellent mesophase.