# Synthesis and Mesomorphic Properties of New Fluorinated Schiff Base Liquid Crystals

Authors: Sie-Tiong Ha; Teck-Leong Lee
Journal: ISRN Materials Science
 (2014)

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## Abstract

Two new compounds, 4-alkanoyloxybenzylidene-4
′-fluoroaniline and 4-fluorobenzylidene-4
′-n-alkanoyloxyaniline comprising a terminal fluorosubstituent were studied. The fluoro substituent contributes to the molecular polarizability, thus affecting intermolecular interactions and hence resulting in smectic mesomorphism. The mesomorphic properties were studied using differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical microscopy techniques. The mesomorphic properties of compounds studied are strongly dependent on the orientation of the imine (CH=N) linkage. The former Schiff base exhibited smectic A phase whereas the latter compound did not display any mesophase. Reversed imine linkage has caused depression of mesomorphic property in the compound studied (4-fluorobenzylidene-4
′-n-alkanoyloxyaniline). The mesomorphic properties of the present compounds were compared with other structurally related series to establish the chemical structure-mesomorphic property relationship.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Liquid crystals (LCs) have many practical applications in scientific and technological areas, in particular as display devices, OLEDs, anisotropic networks, photoconductors, and semiconductor materials [1–3]. Strong demand of new LCs for applications has led to the synthesis of wide range of mesogens, in particular, thermotropic liquid crystals [4, 5]. Most thermotropic liquid crystals belonged to the calamitic molecules which have a rigid core that consisted of two or more phenyl rings and one or more flexible terminal alkyl chains. Schiff base is one of the most well-known linking groups used in connecting the rigid core groups. Although it provides a stepped core structure, it maintains molecular linearity, therefore providing better stability and inducing formation of mesophase [6, 7]. Numerous works have been reported in this area ever since the discovery of MBBA which exhibited room temperature nematic phase [8]. Recently, ester type of Schiff bases has received considerable attentions owing to their interesting properties and substantial temperature range [9–18].Structure-property relationship is essential knowledge for molecular modifications of the synthesis of new mesogens with targeted properties and future practical applications [6]. Typical terminal substituents exhibiting LC properties are those with electronegative atoms, such as halogens. Halogens are polar substituents possessing strong dipole moments, thus having the ability to promote mesomorphic properties [19–21]. The increased dipole moment enhances the stability of the lattice and melting temperatures [7]. As the ionic radius of the terminal substituent increases, the molecules tend to orientate in a parallel arrangement [22]. Thus, smectic polymorphism is not unusual for mesogens with a terminal halogen substituent, and this has been frequently observed as the length of the alkyl or alkoxy chains increases [20, 23]. However, the present compound with fluoro substituent exhibited single mesophase.In this continuation study, we aim to change the orientation of imine linkage on the existing system and to study the influence of reversed imine linkage on mesomorphism of Schiff bases. The involved compounds are 4-alkanoyloxybenzylidene-4′-fluoroaniline and 4-fluorobenzylidene-4′-n-alkanoyloxyaniline (Figure1). FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR, EI-MS, and elemental analysis were employed to elucidate the molecular structure of the title compound whereas the liquid crystal properties were determined by DSC and POM analysis. In spite of the structural similarity, the smectic nature of the series is quite different. In addition, the relationship between the molecular structure and liquid crystal properties (see Table 1) is also discussed in this paper.Table 1
Mesomorphic data of structurally related compounds.
Compound
Structure
Phase transition (°C)
F-AB [26]
Cr (55.1)* SmB 62.2 SmA 65.2 I
Cl-AB [19]
Cr 61.0 SmB 87.7 SmA 98.5 I
Br-AB [19]
Cr 89.0 SmB 104.0 SmA 113.0 I
F-ABOH [27]
Cr 64 SmA 76 I
Cl-ABOH [27]
Cr 67 SmA 123 I
Br-ABOH [27]
Cr 73 SmA 132 I
I-ABOH [27]
Cr 109 SmA 133 I
8FBAA
Cr 76 I
8ABFA
Cr (42.4)* SmA 66 I
8BACl [28]
Cr (80.2)* SmB 84.0 SmA 104.8 I
8BABr [29]
Cr 89.6 SmB 94.4 SmA 110.6 I
8BAI [30]
Cr 86.6 SmB 110.7 SmA 115.2 I
(
)
*indicates monotropic phase.Figure 1
Molecular structure and phase transition temperature (°C) of fluorinated liquid crystals. Note: associated enthalpy changes (ΔH, kJ mol−1) are expressed in parentheses.


## 2. Experimental

Octanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, 4-fluorobenzaldehyde, 4-aminophenol, 4-fluoroaniline, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-dimethylaminopyridine, and N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide were of analytical grade and used without further purification. The intermediate and title compounds were prepared according to previously reported methods [10, 11].Electron ionization mass spectrum (EI-MS) was recorded using a Finnigan MAT95XL-T mass spectrometer operating at 70 eV ionizing energy. Samples were introduced using a direct inlet system with a source temperature of 200°C. FT-IR data were acquired with a Perkin Elmer 2000-FTIR spectrophotometer in the frequency range of 4000–400 cm−1 with samples embedded in KBr pellets. 1H and 13C NMR spectra were recorded in CDCl3 using a Bruker Avance 300 MHz NMR Spectrometer with TMS as the internal standard. Thin layer chromatography analyses were carried out using aluminum backed silica gel plates (Merck 60 F254) and were examined under shortwave UV light.The phase transition temperatures were measured using a Mettler Toledo DSC823 differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) at a scanning rate of 10°C min−1. Liquid crystalline properties were investigated by Carl Zeiss polarizing optical microscope attached to a Linkam Hotstage. The texture of the compounds was observed using polarized light with crossed polarizers; the sample being prepared as a thin film sandwiched between a glass slide and a cover. A video camera (Video Master coomo20P) was installed on the polarizing microscope and coupled to a video capture card (Video Master coomo600), allowing real-time video capture and image saving.


### 2.1. Synthesis of 4-Fluorobenzylidene-4′-hydroxyaniline (OHFBAA)

Equal amounts (5 mmol) of 4-fluorobenzaldehyde and 4-aminophenol, along with 30 mL of methanol, were refluxed for three hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered. The yellow product was washed with methanol.


### 2.2. Synthesis of 4-Fluorobenzylidene-4′-n-dodecanoyloxyaniline (12FBAA)

OHFBAA (4 mmol), 3 mmol of dodecanoic acid, DMAP (0.6 mmol), and DCC (3 mmol) were mixed and stirred at room temperature for six hours in appropriate amount of THF (see Scheme1). Solvent of reaction mixture was removed by evaporation till dryness. Precipitate obtained was recrystallized several times with hexane and ethanol whereupon pure compound was isolated.Scheme 1
Synthetic route towards the formation title compound.EI-MS, IR, and1H and 13C NMR data of the representative compound 12FBAA are given as follows.IR (KBr)v
max
⁡ cm−1 2954, 2915, 2849 (C–H aliphatic), 1753 (C=O ester), 1628 (C=N), 1203, 1094 (C–O ester). 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ/ppm 0.9 (t, 3H, CH
3–), 1.3–1.5 (m, 16H, CH3–(CH
2)8–), 1.8 (m, 2H, –CH
2–CH2–COO–), 2.6 (t, 2H, –CH
2–COO–), 7.1–7.3 (m, 6H, Ar–H), 7.9 (m, 2H, Ar–H), 8.4 (s, 1H, –CH=N–). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ/ppm 172.39 (C=O ester,) 158.82 (–C=N–), 149.34, 148.96, 132.52, 130.85, 122.22, 121.69, 116.08, 115.79 for aromatic carbons, 34.42 (–COO–CH2–), 31.90 (–COO–CH2–CH2–), 29.59, 29.45, 29.32, 29.25, 29.12 for methylene carbons [–(CH2)6CH2CH2CH3], 24.96 (–CH2CH2CH3), 22.67 (–CH2CH3), 14.09 (–CH3). EI-MS m/z (rel. int. %): 397(3) (M)+, 215(100).


## 2.1. Synthesis of 4-Fluorobenzylidene-4′-hydroxyaniline (OHFBAA)

Equal amounts (5 mmol) of 4-fluorobenzaldehyde and 4-aminophenol, along with 30 mL of methanol, were refluxed for three hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered. The yellow product was washed with methanol.


## 2.2. Synthesis of 4-Fluorobenzylidene-4′-n-dodecanoyloxyaniline (12FBAA)

OHFBAA (4 mmol), 3 mmol of dodecanoic acid, DMAP (0.6 mmol), and DCC (3 mmol) were mixed and stirred at room temperature for six hours in appropriate amount of THF (see Scheme1). Solvent of reaction mixture was removed by evaporation till dryness. Precipitate obtained was recrystallized several times with hexane and ethanol whereupon pure compound was isolated.Scheme 1
Synthetic route towards the formation title compound.EI-MS, IR, and1H and 13C NMR data of the representative compound 12FBAA are given as follows.IR (KBr)v
max
⁡ cm−1 2954, 2915, 2849 (C–H aliphatic), 1753 (C=O ester), 1628 (C=N), 1203, 1094 (C–O ester). 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ/ppm 0.9 (t, 3H, CH
3–), 1.3–1.5 (m, 16H, CH3–(CH
2)8–), 1.8 (m, 2H, –CH
2–CH2–COO–), 2.6 (t, 2H, –CH
2–COO–), 7.1–7.3 (m, 6H, Ar–H), 7.9 (m, 2H, Ar–H), 8.4 (s, 1H, –CH=N–). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ/ppm 172.39 (C=O ester,) 158.82 (–C=N–), 149.34, 148.96, 132.52, 130.85, 122.22, 121.69, 116.08, 115.79 for aromatic carbons, 34.42 (–COO–CH2–), 31.90 (–COO–CH2–CH2–), 29.59, 29.45, 29.32, 29.25, 29.12 for methylene carbons [–(CH2)6CH2CH2CH3], 24.96 (–CH2CH2CH3), 22.67 (–CH2CH3), 14.09 (–CH3). EI-MS m/z (rel. int. %): 397(3) (M)+, 215(100).


## 3. Results and Discussion

Structural identification of 12FBAA was carried out by using spectroscopic techniques (IR,1H and 13C NMR, and EI-MS). Molecular ion peak at m/z 397 suggested molecular formula of C25H32FNO2, which supported the proposed structure of 12FBAA.


### 3.1. FTIR,1H NMR, and 13C NMR Spectral Studies

Based on FT-IR spectrum of 12FBAA, absorption peak at 2954, 2915, and 2849 cm−1 can be assigned to aliphatic (CH3 and CH2) groups. Three absorption peaks due to the ester group were observed at 1753, 1203, and 1094 cm−1. Absorption peak of imine (C=N) group was observed at 1622 cm−1. In the 1H NMR spectrum (Figure 2), two triplets at δ = 0.9 ppm and δ = 2.6 ppm were, respectively, ascribed to the methyl and methylene protons (–CH
2COO–Ar), while the multiplet between δ = 1.3–1.5 ppm was assigned to the methylene protons of the long alkyl chain {–(CH2)8–}. The multiplet signals between δ = 7.1–7.9 ppm were indicative of the aromatic protons. The singlet observed at the most downfield region, δ = 8.4 ppm, supported the presence of the imine linking group [18]. The molecular structure of 12FBAA was further verified by using 13C NMR spectroscopy (Figure 3). The peak at δ = 14.09 ppm was attributed to the methyl carbon while the peaks between δ = 22.67–34.42 ppm represented the methylene carbons of the long alkyl chain. Twelve aromatic carbons are resonated between δ = 115.79–149.34 ppm. The peaks at δ = 158.82 ppm and δ = 172.39 ppm confirmed the presence of the azomethine carbon and the carbonyl group in the molecule.Figure 2
1H NMR spectrum of 12FBAA.13C NMR spectrum of 12FBAA (a) full spectrum, (b) expanded spectrum for aliphatic region, and (c) expanded spectrum for aromatic region.
(a)
(b)
(c)


### 3.2. Mesomorphic Properties

12ABFA exhibited interesting thermotropic properties and its melting behavior was carefully monitored by POM during both heating and cooling scans. The results from the POM observation were verified by the DSC measurements. Optical photomicrograph and DSC thermogram of 12ABFA are shown in Figures4 and 5 as representative illustration. The transition temperatures, enthalpy changes, and phase sequences are summarized in Figure 1. Phase identification was based on the optical textures, and the magnitude of isotropization on enthalpies is consistent with the assignment of each mesophase type, using the classification systems reported by Sackmann and Demus [24] and Gray and Goodby [25]. Under POM, focal conic fan-shaped and homeotropic textures of a smectic A (SmA) phase was observed during the cooling cycle (Figure 4).Figure 4
Optical photomicrograph of 12ABFA showing the coexistence of fan-shaped and homeotropic textures. It showed characteristics of SmA phase.Figure 5
DSC thermogram of 12ABFA.


### 3.3. Influence of Alkyl Chain Length on Mesomorphic Properties

Members from thenABFA series are monotropic smectogen whereby mesophase (SmA) was only observed during the cooling scan. In monotropic mesogens, the melting points were always equal to or higher than the clearing points, hence exhibiting supercooling properties. As for nFBAA series, both members did not possess mesomorphic properties.As the alkyl chain length increases, the melting point shows ascending trend. It has been reported that melting point within a homologous series vary depending on molecular mass wherein molecule with lower mass possesses lower melting point in comparison to member with higher mass [6]. Melting point increases when polarizability of the compounds within the same series increases.


### 3.4. Structure-Mesomorphic Property Relationships

Molecular structure of organic compounds and their liquid crystalline properties are closely related. Table1 summarizes the transition temperatures, mesomorphic behavior, and molecular structures of 8FBAA, 8ABFA, and structurally related compounds reported in the literature [19, 26–30].Halogen groups at the terminal position showed strong influence on the mesomorphic properties of a molecule as indicated by the current work (Table1). It can be seen that the transitions temperatures of 8ABFA are lower than those of 8BACl, 8BABr, and 8BAI. Size of fluorosubstituent is smaller than the chloro-, bromo-, and iodosubstituents and therefore less easily polarized due to the electrons on this atom which are tightly held and located closer to the nucleus [31]. Lower molecular polarizability attributed to the smaller size of fluoro substituent decreased the phase stability in 8ABFA [15]. This phenomenon is supported by the similar characteristic observed for X-AB and X-ABOH series (where X = F, Cl, Br, I) wherein the melting and transition temperatures ascended as the size of halogen group increased.Secondly, polarisability of halogen terminal groups can also control the phase stability of liquid crystal molecules. Compound having lower polarisability halogen group (8ABFA and 8BACl) possessed less stable monotropic smectic phase than 8BABr and 8BAI which exhibited enantiotropic smectic phase. Similar pattern was also reported for X-AB series whereby F-AB (monotropic phase) possessed lower phase stability than Cl-AB and Br-AB (enantiotropic phase).Difference in the linking groups (ester group in 8ABFA and ether group in F-AB) between the phenyl ring and the alkyl chain can also cause change in the mesomorphic properties. The ether linking group provides greater linearity to molecules rather than the ester group, thus resulting in the wider phase range being observed in F-AB when compared to 8ABFA. In addition, 8ABFA possessed higher melting point than F-AB owing to theπ-electrons associated with the carbonyl group which provides greater intermolecular interactions among molecules [32].Influence of lateral hydroxyl group was relatively apparent on the mesomorphic properties of Schiff base. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding betweenortho-hydroxyl group and nitrogen atom has increased the molecular polarisability, and therefore compounds with hydroxyl group (X-ABOH series) possessed higher melting and clearing temperatures than their analogous compounds without hydroxyl group. However, the increased polarisability at the lateral of a molecule caused depression of SmB arrangement and thus impeding SmB formation in the X-ABOH series.The position of the imine linking group defines the direction of the carbonyl group. The different directions of the carboxyl groups between the phenyl and alkyl units cause remarkable changes on the dipole moment as that reported for some banana-shaped mesogens [33]. The smectic properties of the molecules are strongly affected by not only the electrostatic interactions but also the geometrical circumstances [34]. Furthermore, nFBAA series possessed higher melting point compared to nABFA having the same number of carbons (n) at the alkyl chain and subsequently impeded the mesophase formation. This suggests that the reversed imine linkage can also depress the thermal stability of a compound (nFBAA).


## 3.1. FTIR,1H NMR, and 13C NMR Spectral Studies

Based on FT-IR spectrum of 12FBAA, absorption peak at 2954, 2915, and 2849 cm−1 can be assigned to aliphatic (CH3 and CH2) groups. Three absorption peaks due to the ester group were observed at 1753, 1203, and 1094 cm−1. Absorption peak of imine (C=N) group was observed at 1622 cm−1. In the 1H NMR spectrum (Figure 2), two triplets at δ = 0.9 ppm and δ = 2.6 ppm were, respectively, ascribed to the methyl and methylene protons (–CH
2COO–Ar), while the multiplet between δ = 1.3–1.5 ppm was assigned to the methylene protons of the long alkyl chain {–(CH2)8–}. The multiplet signals between δ = 7.1–7.9 ppm were indicative of the aromatic protons. The singlet observed at the most downfield region, δ = 8.4 ppm, supported the presence of the imine linking group [18]. The molecular structure of 12FBAA was further verified by using 13C NMR spectroscopy (Figure 3). The peak at δ = 14.09 ppm was attributed to the methyl carbon while the peaks between δ = 22.67–34.42 ppm represented the methylene carbons of the long alkyl chain. Twelve aromatic carbons are resonated between δ = 115.79–149.34 ppm. The peaks at δ = 158.82 ppm and δ = 172.39 ppm confirmed the presence of the azomethine carbon and the carbonyl group in the molecule.Figure 2
1H NMR spectrum of 12FBAA.13C NMR spectrum of 12FBAA (a) full spectrum, (b) expanded spectrum for aliphatic region, and (c) expanded spectrum for aromatic region.
(a)
(b)
(c)


## 3.2. Mesomorphic Properties

12ABFA exhibited interesting thermotropic properties and its melting behavior was carefully monitored by POM during both heating and cooling scans. The results from the POM observation were verified by the DSC measurements. Optical photomicrograph and DSC thermogram of 12ABFA are shown in Figures4 and 5 as representative illustration. The transition temperatures, enthalpy changes, and phase sequences are summarized in Figure 1. Phase identification was based on the optical textures, and the magnitude of isotropization on enthalpies is consistent with the assignment of each mesophase type, using the classification systems reported by Sackmann and Demus [24] and Gray and Goodby [25]. Under POM, focal conic fan-shaped and homeotropic textures of a smectic A (SmA) phase was observed during the cooling cycle (Figure 4).Figure 4
Optical photomicrograph of 12ABFA showing the coexistence of fan-shaped and homeotropic textures. It showed characteristics of SmA phase.Figure 5
DSC thermogram of 12ABFA.


## 3.3. Influence of Alkyl Chain Length on Mesomorphic Properties

Members from thenABFA series are monotropic smectogen whereby mesophase (SmA) was only observed during the cooling scan. In monotropic mesogens, the melting points were always equal to or higher than the clearing points, hence exhibiting supercooling properties. As for nFBAA series, both members did not possess mesomorphic properties.As the alkyl chain length increases, the melting point shows ascending trend. It has been reported that melting point within a homologous series vary depending on molecular mass wherein molecule with lower mass possesses lower melting point in comparison to member with higher mass [6]. Melting point increases when polarizability of the compounds within the same series increases.


## 3.4. Structure-Mesomorphic Property Relationships

Molecular structure of organic compounds and their liquid crystalline properties are closely related. Table1 summarizes the transition temperatures, mesomorphic behavior, and molecular structures of 8FBAA, 8ABFA, and structurally related compounds reported in the literature [19, 26–30].Halogen groups at the terminal position showed strong influence on the mesomorphic properties of a molecule as indicated by the current work (Table1). It can be seen that the transitions temperatures of 8ABFA are lower than those of 8BACl, 8BABr, and 8BAI. Size of fluorosubstituent is smaller than the chloro-, bromo-, and iodosubstituents and therefore less easily polarized due to the electrons on this atom which are tightly held and located closer to the nucleus [31]. Lower molecular polarizability attributed to the smaller size of fluoro substituent decreased the phase stability in 8ABFA [15]. This phenomenon is supported by the similar characteristic observed for X-AB and X-ABOH series (where X = F, Cl, Br, I) wherein the melting and transition temperatures ascended as the size of halogen group increased.Secondly, polarisability of halogen terminal groups can also control the phase stability of liquid crystal molecules. Compound having lower polarisability halogen group (8ABFA and 8BACl) possessed less stable monotropic smectic phase than 8BABr and 8BAI which exhibited enantiotropic smectic phase. Similar pattern was also reported for X-AB series whereby F-AB (monotropic phase) possessed lower phase stability than Cl-AB and Br-AB (enantiotropic phase).Difference in the linking groups (ester group in 8ABFA and ether group in F-AB) between the phenyl ring and the alkyl chain can also cause change in the mesomorphic properties. The ether linking group provides greater linearity to molecules rather than the ester group, thus resulting in the wider phase range being observed in F-AB when compared to 8ABFA. In addition, 8ABFA possessed higher melting point than F-AB owing to theπ-electrons associated with the carbonyl group which provides greater intermolecular interactions among molecules [32].Influence of lateral hydroxyl group was relatively apparent on the mesomorphic properties of Schiff base. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding betweenortho-hydroxyl group and nitrogen atom has increased the molecular polarisability, and therefore compounds with hydroxyl group (X-ABOH series) possessed higher melting and clearing temperatures than their analogous compounds without hydroxyl group. However, the increased polarisability at the lateral of a molecule caused depression of SmB arrangement and thus impeding SmB formation in the X-ABOH series.The position of the imine linking group defines the direction of the carbonyl group. The different directions of the carboxyl groups between the phenyl and alkyl units cause remarkable changes on the dipole moment as that reported for some banana-shaped mesogens [33]. The smectic properties of the molecules are strongly affected by not only the electrostatic interactions but also the geometrical circumstances [34]. Furthermore, nFBAA series possessed higher melting point compared to nABFA having the same number of carbons (n) at the alkyl chain and subsequently impeded the mesophase formation. This suggests that the reversed imine linkage can also depress the thermal stability of a compound (nFBAA).



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