Abstract: A series of planar, trans-stilbene derivatives of type A has been prepared. Although most of these substances exhibited nematic mesophases, all displayed melting points above 100'. In order to achieve nematic compounds with lower melting points, a series of related nonplanar stilbene derivatives (type B) was synthesized; the purpose of the methyl or chlorine group was to twist the benzene rings out of coplanarity in order to relieve steric ...
