Synthesis of organic liquid crystals containing selectively fluorinated cyclopropanes

This paper describes the synthesis of a series of organic liquid crystals (LCs) containing selectively fluorinated cyclopropanes at their termini. The syntheses used difluorocarbene additions to olefin precursors, an approach which proved straightforward such that these liquid crystal candidates could be efficiently prepared. Their physical and thermodynamic properties were evaluated and depending on individual structures, they either displayed positive or negative dielectric anisotropy. The study gives some guidance into effective structure–property relationships for the design of LCs containing selectively fluorinated cyclopropane motifs.