Ionic liquid-crystalline polymer-based quaternary phosphonium salt

ABSTRACTA series of quaternary phosphonium salts based on ionic liquid-crystalline polymers which were synthesised by triphenylphosphine and brominated polysiloxanes containing cholesteryl mesogens. The chemical structures, liquid crystalline properties and antimicrobial performance of [ChP]Brs were investigated by a series of test methods. [ChP]Brs showed smectic A mesophase with a wide temperature range of liquid crystalline phase in the heating and cooling cycles. The glass transition temperature and clearing point temperature decreased with the increase of triphenylphosphine content. While the increase of phosphorus content lead to the increase of antibacterial properties of polymers. The liquid crystal polymer provides full spatial support for complete contact between phosphorus ions and bacteria, So that the quaternary phosphonium salt can be fully sterilised.