The effect of the shape of a mesogenic group on the structure of supramolecular aggregates based on wedge-shaped and cone-shaped dendrons

Abstract

This review addresses the key principles underlying the formation of liquid crystalline phases based on wedge-shaped and cone-shaped dendrons of different chemical nature. Despite rich phase diversity of the above systems, the development of a mesophase can be reliably predicted by the geometric model, which compares the shape of a wedge dendron with the radial density distribution in the relevant Voronoi polyhedra. 2D columnar phases formed by chiral [7]-heterohelicene molecules with long aliphatic side chains are described in detail. The as-formed columnar aggregates are shown to possess a helical 13₂ symmetry and are composed of thirteen blocks, and each block involves six molecules. In this case, the internal structure of the first-level (lower) supramolecular aggregate appears to be different from that of the helical supramolecular structure.