Fluorine effects on the mesogenic properties of liquid crystals for active matrix LCD

FLUO 9

Peer Kirsch, peer_kirsch@merck.co.jp, Liquid Crystals Technical Center, Merck Ltd. Japan, 4084 Nakatsu, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa, 224-0033, Japan
The ubiquitous presence of LCDs in all kinds of electronic devices indispensable for our daily lives is firmly linked to fluoroorganic chemistry. Fluorinated building blocks determine and optimize the mesogenic and electrooptic properties as well as long-term reliability of nematic liquid crystals in flat panel TV sets, mobile phones or car navigation systems. In the past, aromatic fluorination patterns have been used to adjust dielectric anisotropy or to optimize the nematic phase range. More recently, aliphatic fluorination has moved into the focus of materials designers' attention, being a highly effective tool to improve and optimize the whole spectrum of application relevant properties. However, compared to its aromatic counterpart, the design of specific aliphatic fluorination patterns poses a significant synthetic challenge.