Photoisomerizable chiral compounds derived from isosorbide and cinnamic acid

J. Lub, W.P.M. Nijssen, R. T. Wegh, I. De Francisco, M. P. Ezquerro, B. Malo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

39 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The syntheses of derivatives of isosorbide and cinnamic acid are described. These chiral compounds are photoisomerizable. The Z-isomers could also be obtained after irradiation of these E-isomeric cinnamic derivatives. The Z-isomers were found to have a much lower helical twisting power than the E-isomers. These compounds are very suitable for use in cholesteric colour filters for liquid crystal displays. This was investigated by functionalizing the E-isomeric derivatives with two acrylate groups. The reflection wavelength of cholesteric layers made with these diacrylates can be tuned by means of UV irradiation because the pitch of the cholesteric layer increases on isomerization to the Z-isomer. Subsequent photopolymerization results in cholesteric films with excellent thermal stability.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1031-1044
Number of pages14
JournalLiquid Crystals
Volume32
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2005
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Photoisomerizable chiral compounds derived from isosorbide and cinnamic acid'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this