Smectic A phase in a new bent-shaped mesogen based on a 2,3-naphthalene central core with an acute-subtended angle

A new bent-shaped molecule which consists of an acute-angled central core and all-ester linking groups has been prepared: 2,3-naphthylene bis[4-(4-n-dodecyloxybenzoyloxy)benzoate]. Its mesomorphic properties have been investigated by DSC, polarizing microscopy, and X-ray diffraction measurements. Moreover, we have carried out detailed electro-optical investigations including birefringence, switching current response, IR dichroism, and second-harmonic generation (SHG) measurements. On the basis of the experimental data a plausible model for the mesophase alignments has been proposed.