Synthesis and phase transition behaviour of novel liquid crystal trimers

Novel oligomeric compounds in which three mesogenic moieties are connected via 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid or 3,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid were prepared and the physical properties investigated. Some of the compounds were found to have a tendency to form glassy states. With respect to 4‐cyanobiphenyl‐4′‐yl 4‐octyloxy‐2‐(3,4‐bis{6‐[4‐(5‐octylpyrimidine‐2‐yl)phenyloxy]hexyloxybenzoyloxy)benzoate, it is possible to obtain a supercooled nematic phase despite it deviating from a strongly rod‐like structure. We discuss intermolecular interactions between neighbouring mesogenic parts for the appearance of the nematic phase.