Mesomorphic behaviour and structural properties of new lanthanide alkanoates

Abstract

The mesomorphic behavior and structural properties for six lanthanide alkanoates, namely La(III)(C16H33COO), Pr (III)(C16H33COO)3, Gd (III)(C16H33COO)3, Ho (III)(C16H33COO)3, Tm (III)(C16H33COO)3, La (III)(C18H37COO)3, has been studied by polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dielectric spectroscopy, small and wide angle X-ray scattering. Depending on the compound up to three mesophases had been detected. However, these mesophases are found ar relatively high temperatures and are pretty viscous that complicates the studies. The established properties of the compounds under investigation contribute to better understanding of the structure-property relationship of such class of mesomorphic compounds. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.