Dimeric substituted copper phthalocyanine liquid crystals. Synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties

The synthesis and the characterization (gel permeation chromatography, FAB mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy) of a bisphthalocyanine derivative substituted with twelve (2-ethylhexyl)oxy side chains are described. This compound and the corresponding copper complex are shown to form mesophases, probably related to a nematic order. Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies demonstrate a highly anisotropic rotation of the molecule in solution; in the mesophase, both intramolecular antiferromagnetic and intermolecular ferromagnetic couplings have been observed