A binaphthyl derivative with a wide temperature range of a blue phase

We prepared a binaphthyl derivative possessing two 2,3-difluoro-1,4-diphenylbenzene units, and then investigated the phase transition behaviour. On cooling, the compound was found to exhibit a phase sequence of iso liq-blue phase-smectic phase. The temperature of the blue phase with a cubic structure was about 30 K. An electric-field-induced phase transition was observed in the blue phase. On heating, the compound exhibited marked phase separation. Some regions showed a phase sequence of cryst-chiral nematic (N*)-blue phase (BP)-iso liq, whereas others showed that of cryst-iso liq. The temperature range of coexisting crystal and iso liq phases was about 29 K. The phase separation is quite unusual for a single compound. The phase-transition behaviour is discussed in terms of the molecular shape of the binaphthyl derivative.