Synthesis and Properties of Liquid Crystals Containing the 4-Pyridone and Methylene-1,4-Dihydropyridine Structure Unit

Mesogens that contain a methylene-1,4-dihydropyridine have been prepared from 4-(1H)-pyridone precursors. These heterocyclic substructures are very versatile and permit elaboration into a wide variety of novel liquid crystals. A range of synthetic methodologies for the synthesis of these materials are discussed and, in particular, we compare behavior of homologous series with alkyl, perfluoroalkyl and alkoxy tails.