Synthesis of pentafluoro-λ6-sulfanyl substituted acetylenes for novel liquid crystals

Synthetic routes towards SF5-substituted acetylenes as novel liquid crystal molecules were studied. Key steps of the synthetic sequence were based upon radical addition of SF5Cl to double and triple bonds of the corresponding liquid crystal precursors followed by dehydrochlorination of the corresponding products. The physical properties of the new liquid crystals 10a–c were investigated.

Graphical abstractNew, acetylenic liquid crystals with a pentafluoro-λ6-sulfanyl function as a terminal group were prepared and their physical properties were examined.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We studied synthetic routes to SF5-substituted acetylenes as novel liquid crystal molecules. ► We investigated physical properties of the new SF5-substituted liquid crystals. ► The SF5-group is one of the most useful terminal groups for polar liquid crystals with low birefringence.