Synthesis and mesomorphic behavior of poly(methylsiloxane)s and poly(methylsiloxane-co-dimethylsiloxane)s containing oligooxyethylene spacers and mesogenic side groups

Summary The synthesis and characterization of poly(methylsiloxanes)s and poly(methylsiloxane-co-dimethylsiloxane)s containing either bis(ethylene oxide) or tris(ethylene oxide) flexible spacers and either 4-methoxy-4-hydroxybiphenyl a mixture containing a 1:1 ratio of 4-methoxy-4-hydroxy--methylstilbene and 4-hydroxy-4-methoxy--methylstilbene, or 4-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-dioxan-2-yl]phenol mesogenic groups, in all combinations, is presented. All polymers and copolymers display smectic mesomorphism. The dependence of phase transition temperatures on the spacer length and copolymer composition is described.