Self-assembled 1,2-bis[4-(4-(10-decyloxy)phenylazo)]benzoylhydrazine dimer and its hydrogen-bonded complexes

Abstract

We report the synthesis and investigation of a new self-assembled benzoylhydrazine-based compound, namely 1,2-bis[4-(4-(10-decyloxy)phenylazo)]benzoylhydrazine and their hydrogen-bonded complexes with different carboxylic acid derivatives, of which some exhibit liquid crystalline properties and some are non-mesogens. The conversion of the non-liquid crystalline target compound that is free from carboxylic acid to liquid crystalline complexes containing various carboxylic acids can probably be rationalised through the breaking of intermolecular hydrogen bonding within the supramolecular assembly by carboxylic acid dopants. The enhancement of liquid crystalline properties of benzoylhydrazine compounds with respect to various carboxylic dopants is documented. Other salient features can be exemplified by the formation of discotic columnar phase as shown by the azo-linkage containing 4-(4-(10-decyloxy)phenylazo)benzoic acid-doped complex.