Bimetallomesogens: Formation of calamitic or columnar mesophases by μ-exogenous-bridged groups in N,N′-(propan-2-oI)-bis(4-alkoxysalicylaldimine)copper(n) complexes

A new type of dicopper(n) complex derived from u-exogenous 3,4,5-trialkoxybenzoate- or acetate-bridged N,N′-(propan-2-ol)-bis(4-alkoxysalicylaldimines) prepared by the condensation of 2-hydroxy-4-alkoxybenzaldehydes with l,3-diaminopropan-2-oI are reported; the formation of mesomorphic phases was found to be dependent upon the bridging groups used, acetate-bridged compounds formed a smectic A (SmA) phase and benzoate-bridged compounds formed a hexagonal columnar (Col_h) phase.