Thermotropic cubic mesophases

Thanks to important recent progress in the synthesis of mesomorphic molecules, thermotropic cubic phases have become more and more widespread. Many new examples of the Ia3¯d bicontinuous cubic phase have been discovered. Moreover, a multi-continuous Im3¯m cubic phase is up to now specific to thermotropic mesophases, and its exact structure is still under debate. Spectacular architectures built by the packing of supramolecular soft spheres have also been recently discovered. Studies of the macroscopic properties of these soft materials are just beginning, including their stability under pressure or their ability to form numerous facets.