New 1,2,4‐ and 1,3,4‐oxadiazole materials: synthesis, and mesomorphic and luminescence properties

The synthesis and liquid crystalline properties of new series of 1,2,4‐ and 1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives (2a–f and 5a–f respectively) are reported. These compounds contain only one terminal flexible alkoxy chain, the other terminal substituent is a protecting benzyl group. All compounds of series 2 exhibit an enantiotropic nematic phase. The homologue with the longest chain (2f) displays an enantiotropic dimorphism smectic A– nematic. None of the compounds of series 5 shows mesomorphism and only crystal–isotropic transitions were observed. The liquid crystalline properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy and X‐ray measurements. Luminescence properties, in chloroform solution, of 2f and the series 5 compounds were evaluated. Good photoluminescence quantum yields for compounds of series 5 were observed. Compound 2f, incorporating the 1,2,4‐oxadiazole ring shows a very strong reduction in emissive properties.