Synthesis and characterization of chiral compounds containing cationic groups as chiral dopants in liquid crystals

► We designed and synthesized two novel chiral molecules containing cationic groups as functional surfactants for host liquid crystals (LCs). ► The novel chiral molecules containing cationic groups had good optical activity. ► Cationic polar groups did not affect optical rotation direction, but could influence the molar rotation of chiral compounds. ► These chiral molecules could convert nematic phase liquid crystals to cholesteric phase liquid crystals.