Ion complexation-induced mesomorphic conversion between two columnar phases of novel symmetrical triads of triphenylene-calix[4]arene-triphenylenes

Two novel symmetrical triads of triphenylene-calix[4]arene-triphenylenes 6a and 6b bridged by hydrazone spacers were synthesized in high yields. They possessed interesting ion complexation-induced mesomorphic conversion between two columnar phases. The neat compounds 6a and 6b showed mesophase with calixarene’s bowlic column as cores. The Ag+-complexes of 6a and 6b exhibited mesophase with triphenylene column as cores.