Facile synthesis of new Pd(II) and Cu(II) based metallomesogens from ligands containing thiophene rings

Very simple synthetic procedures, involving use of tin/amine complex afford two new mesogenic thiophene derivatives. These can chelate palladium(II) or copper(II) producing the corresponding metallomesogens. The liquid crystal properties of all compounds were investigated by calorimetry, polarizing microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Molecular and crystal structure of one ligand and two complexes were analyzed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Connections between structural features and phase behaviour are discussed.