Technologically promising, room temperature luminescent columnar liquid crystals derived from s-triazine core: molecular design, synthesis and characterization

Three fold Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWS) reaction of triphosphonate with achiral/chiral 3,4,5-tris(alkoxy)benzaldehydes yield novel achiral/chiral star-shaped liquid crystals (LCs), in which three fluorophore arms such as 1,2,3-tris(alkoxy)-5-styrylbenzenes are tethered to a central s-triazine core. These LCs, the first of their kind, display a columnar liquid crystalline phase over a wide temperature range existing between well below and above the room temperature, which is evidenced by optical and calorimetric studies. Besides, they show photoluminescence both in solution and mesomorphic states. Thus, given their self-organization into fluid one-dimensional columnar array coupled with light generating capability, these organic ordered-fluids can be regarded as novel media for advanced technological applications.