Stabilization of the Columnar Mesophase of Perylenediimide by Racemic Triple Tails.

Whereas perylene tetracarboxdiimides derived from amino-n-alkanes if at all only show monotropic (thermodynamically unstable) mesogenic self-assembly, the hexagonal columnar liquid crystalline state can be stabilized over a broad temperature range with doubly branched, doubly racemic alkyl residues. An improved tendency to homeotropic surface orientation is observed, and the orientation of the liquid crystalline domains is maintained upon cycling through the crystalline state at room temperature.