Alkyl- and Alkoxy- Aroylhydrazinato Metal Complexes - Unusual X-Ray Diffraction Within the Smectic C Phase

Two homologous series of novel nickel containing liquid crystalline complexes have been synthesised 1-3. The effect of changing chain length and chain type on phase behaviour is reported here. Optical microscopy, DSC and x-ray scattering is used to identify the phase structures. X-ray scattering from the smectic C phase shows unusual diffraction patterns with the intermolecular scattering larger than would be expected.