Self-assembly of C(3)(h) and C(s) symmetric keto-enamine forms of tris(N-salicyl-ideneanilines) into columnar phases: a new family of discotic liquid crystals.

A new class of discotic liquid crystals derived from tris(N-salicylideneanilines) existing exclusively in their C3h and Cs keto-enamine tautomeric forms is reported. These compounds self-assemble to form columnar liquid crystalline phases with a small core-core separation as evidenced by X-ray diffraction studies.