Orientational Order in Liquid Crystal Complexes Based on Lanthanides

Abstract

In this study, we have for the first time determined the degree of an orientational order S for a series of liquid-crystal complexes based on lanthanides (Eu⁺³, Gd⁺³, Tb⁺³, Dy⁺³) with the same ligand composition in the temperature range of existence of the nematic phase by using experimental refractometry results. We have also found an even-odd alternative S as number of protons in the ions complexing agent has consecutively increased. The obtained values of S have been compared with the corresponding degrees of order of the calamite organic liquid crystals.