Benzyl 4-iodoperfluorobutanoate was synthesized by partial pyrolysis of perfluoroglutaryl chloride in the presence of potassium iodide followed by esterification. This compound gives access to mesogenic molecules with alkyl chain, perfluoroalkyl central bridge, and biphenyl moieties. Segregation of these chemical fragments depends on the molecular design. The molecule with a central alkyl chain forms smectic A layers (123-145° C) with interdigitation ...
