Structural characterization of new fluorinated mesogens obtained through halogen-bond driven self-assembly

We describe the synthesis and characterization of new trimeric complexes obtained upon halogen-bond driven self-assembly of 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene or α,ω– diiodoperfluoroalkanes, acting as XB-donors, with an alkoxystilbazole derivative functionalized with a methacrylate terminal group, acting as XB-acceptor. Despite the fact that the starting materials are not mesomorphic in nature, the obtained halogen-bonded complexes exhibit monotropic LC behaviour with smectic A phases possibly resulting from segregation between fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon chains. The obtained supramolecular mesogens possess reactive groups suitable for incorporation into liquid crystalline elastomeric actuators.