Structure properties relationships of liquid crystal bent core organic semiconductors based on benzo[2,1-b:3,4-b′]dithiophene-4,5-dione

Abstract

We report the synthesis of a new diketone bridged dithiophene end-capped with the mesogenic functionalities: 2,7′-bis(alkoxy-biphenyl) and 2,7′-bis(alkoxy-phenyl)-benzo[2,1-b:3,4-b′]dithiophene-4,5-dione. Optical and electrochemical properties in solution were investigated by UV-visible absorption and cyclic voltammetry. Liquid crystal properties of these new materials were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, optical polarizing microscopy, and X-ray diffraction studies. Both compounds exhibit layered phases though there are differences in the organisation of the phase structures. Thin films were implemented as active layers into organic thin-film transistors to evaluate the charge transport properties.