Methimazolium-based ionic liquid crystals: Emergence of mesomorphic properties via a sulfur motif.

We describe the proficient synthesis and thermotropic mesomorphicity of thioether–functionalized imidazolium–type ionic liquids containing C 12 and C 18 chains associated with Br − and OTf − anions. The mesomorphic behavior and phase transition temperatures were studied by Polarizing Optical Microscopy (POM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS). The ionic liquids with bromide anion display Smectic A lamellar phase giving homeotropic and fan-shaped textures. The layered crystallographic structure is reported by Single-Crystal XRD. The electrochemical characteristics of the ionic liquids with C 18 side chain have been determined via Cyclic Voltammetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]