Liquid–crystalline metallodendrimers

The state of the art of liquid–crystalline metallodendrimers, i.e. metal-containing dendritic molecules displaying mesomorphic properties, is reviewed. This class of metallomesogens is an emerging and potentially important sub-area of liquid–crystalline dendrimers since they combine within one single molecule the outstanding conformational properties and structural versatility of dendrimers, the self-organizing abilities of liquid–crystalline materials and the intrinsic physical properties of the metallic ions (optical, magnetic, electronic, …). Designs and synthetic strategies used for the preparation of LC metallodendrimers, their various molecular structures and topologies, along their mesomorphic and other physical properties will be discussed. New trends in this area will also be evoked.