Iron complexes metallomesogens

In addition, structures with an iron complex in place of the central ring in series such as 17,18, and 19 may also exhibit nematic, SmC, and columnar mesophases. These new metallomesogens are of interest because they are easily prepared in optically pure forms and therefore can lead to ferroelectric properties in the chiral SmC form. For example, complex 21 with n = 11 exhibits SmC and cholesteric properties (Cr 52.5°C SmC 111°C N 119 I), while only a hexagonal columnar phase is observed with n = 12 (Cr60.5°C 112.5 I)... 

Seredyuk et al. used a two-step procedure to obtain metallomesogens with a synchronous spin transition and a solid-to-mesophase transition. They started with the selection of an iron(II) complex with triazole ligands... 

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