Synthesis and properties of copper(II) and oxovanadium(IV) complexes derived from polar Schiff's bases

The synthesis and mesogenic behaviour of copper(II) and oxovanadium(IV) complexes derived from Schiff's bases substituted with polar groups and of their corresponding ligands are reported. The polar groups studied are F, CF3, CN, and CH2CN in the 3 or 4 position of the aniline moiety. The ligands exhibited smectic C, smectic A and nematic phases, whereas the complexes showed smectic A and nematic phases, and in some cases oxovanadium(IV) complexes exhibited a smectic crystal phase.