Mesogenic 4-alkoxy-2-hydroxy-4’-formylazobenzenes

Homologous 4-alkoxy-2-hydroxy-4’-formylazobenzenes (Alk = C3H7, C6H11, C8H17) were synthesized and were shown to produce monotropic nematic liquid crystalline phase. The products were characterized by electron absorption and 1H and 13C NMR spectra. The effect of lateral hydroxy group on their mesomorphic properties was analyzed.