Banana-shaped Achiral Ferroelectric (Antiferroelectric) Liquid Crystals

The banana-shaped achiral liquid crystals discovered in recent years are a new kind of liquid crystals with electro-optical (ferroelectric, antiferroelectric) property. The molecules have distinct bent shape, show the mesomorphic properties differing from those of the calamitic molecules. Although the molecules are achiral, their polar arrangements form ferroelectricity (antiferroelctricity), and have high spontaneous polarizations. Till now, some series with Schiff-base or benzoate units have been found having ferroelectricity (antiferroelectricity). The molecular structures, properties and the research situation were introduced.