Synthesis and Liquid Crystal Behaviors of 2,4-Dioxo-3-pentyl 4-decyloxy Cinnamate Rhodium(I) Complexes

The title complexes have been synthesized by the reaction of [RhCl(CO)₂]₂ or [RhCl(COD)]₂ (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) with the organic ligand 2,4-dioxo-3-pentyl 4-decyloxy cinnamate 2. The complex 3 based on dicarbonylrhodium(I) shows nematic phase, while the complex 4 containing rhodium(I) bound to a COD ligand is a nonmesogen. The relationship between molecular structures and liquid crystal behavior has also been discussed by means of computer-aided molecular modeling.