Pyridine-Based Three-Ring Bent-Shape Supramolecular Hydrogen Bond-Induced Liquid Crystalline Complexes: Preparation and Density Functional Theory Investigation

: A series of new supramolecular three-ring bent-shape Schiff base liquid crystal (LC) complexes were prepared and studied. On one side, two alkoxy chain lengths of the carboxylic acids were used, namely eight and sixteen carbons. Moreover, on the other side, terminal small compact groups, which substituted aniline, with different polarities were utilized. Furthermore, the hydrogen-bonding interactions in the formed complexes were elucidated by Fourier-transform infrared (FT–IR) spectroscopy. The mesomorphic thermal and optical characteristics of the samples were determined by differential thermal analysis (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM). The complexes exhibited enantiotropic and dimorphic mesophase behaviors. The results indicate that the polarity of the compact groups and the lengths of the alkoxy chains greatly impacted the mesomorphic characteristics and thermal stabilities of the mesophases. The observed values of the enthalpy changes ( ∆ H) associated with the crystalline smectic-A (T Cr-SmA ) transitions were extremely small compared with the conventional values that characterize supramolecular hydrogen-bonded liquid crystalline complexes. ∆ H, which corresponded to the nematic isotropic transitions (T N-I ), varied from 0.13 to 9.54 kJ/mol depending mainly on the polarity of the groups that were para-attached to the aniline moiety. Finally, the theoretical results obtained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations were discussed. The DFT geometrical structures showed non-coplanar structures. The mesomorphic range was correlated with the calculated dipole moment, polarizability and the aspect ratios of the investigated compounds. action was veriﬁed by FT–IR spectroscopy by different approaches, especially through the existence of the three Fermi peaks. The mesomorphic thermal and optical characteristics of the samples indicated that they were dimorphic regardless of the small compact polar groups or the alkoxy chain lengths (except for the C16 –Cl complex, which was monomorphic). The results reveal that the polarities of the two compact polar groups, as well as the lengths of the alkoxy chains, strongly affected the mesomorphic characteristics and thermal stabilities of the mesophases of the supramolecular complexes. Interestingly, the observed values of ∆ Hs coupled with the crystalline mesomorphic transitions were signiﬁcantly small (1.12–5.07 kJ/mol), thereby indicating weak hydrogen bonding in the crystalline solid-formed complexes, contrary to the values in the literature for crystalline mesomorphic transitions (20–100 kJ/mol). However, ∆ Hs, which corresponded to the mesomorphic-isotropic transitions, varied from 0.06 to 9.54 depending on the polarity of the small compact para-groups that were attached to the aniline moiety. The incorporation of the compact ﬂuorine atom exerting the highest negative inductive effect promoted the formation of the SmA mesophase. The enhanced SmA mesophase in the ﬂuoro derivatives compared with those of the other halogen-substituted candidates might be caused by the highly parallel interaction that was probably promoted by the attachment of the ﬂuorine atom to increase the overall mesophase range (37.3 ◦ C). The results indicate that the nematic mesophase range of the Me complexes decreased as the length of the terminal alkoxy chain increased with the enhancement of the stability of the SmA mesophase. This decrease in the nematic range could be attributed to the increased terminal association of the alkoxy chain, which facilitated the enhanced backing of the molecules. Finally, DFT calculations were discussed and the polar groups’ effect on the calculated parameters and the mesomorphic behavior was illustrated. The DFT geometrical structures revealed non-coplanar structures with a bent shape due

Hydrogen bonds are probably the most valuable among the second-order bonds owing to their essential role in supramolecular compounds. The term "hydrogen bond" was first employed by Pauling [13], who postulated that hydrogen bonds exhibited an electrostatic characteristic. This concept evolved over six decades before Steiner and Singer [14] (in the early 1990s) defined hydrogen bonding as any attraction of the type "X-H···A", where H and A possess partially positive and partially negative charges, respectively. The charge on The mesophase and optical analysis for the three rings 1:1 ((C8) complexes were investigated. Transition temperatures (T) and their associated enthalpies (∆H) of all mesophase transitions, as derived from DSC measurements, for all prepared ((I-V)Cn) complexes are summarized in Table 1. The existence of the prepared supramolecular hydrogen-bonded complexes was revealed by FT-IR (Figure 1a-c). The measurements were performed for the free acids (Cn) and Schiff bases (I-V), as well as for their corresponding supramolecular complexes [(I-V)Cn]. Figure 1a reveals a signal at 1682.7 cm −1 , which corresponded to the C=O group of the alkoxy acid in its free form (-COOH).
In our system, the H-bond donor is the para-alkoxy benzoic acid and H-bond acceptor is the pyridine ring participating in the substituted Schiff bases. The hydrogen bonds between the nitrogen atom of the pyridine Schiff base portion (I) and the hydrogen donor (para-octyloxy benzoic acid (C8)) of the supramolecular complex (I/C8) shifted the stretching vibrations of the C=O group from 1682.7 to 1668.7 cm −1 , which was attributed to the existence of hydrogen-bonding in prepared supramolecular complexes. This evident redshift in the wavenumber values (lowered by 14.0 cm −1 ) indicated that the formation of the I/C8 complex exerted an intensively negative effect on the C=O ester of the acid.
The FT-IR results were further expanded to prove the existence of hydrogen bonding in the complexes through the presence of the three Fermi resonance-induced vibrational bands, which accompanied the formation of hydrogen bonds in the complexes. The vibrational bands at 2919.3, 2852.7, and 1912.8 cm −1 (Figure 1c) were attributed to the A-, B-, and C-type Fermi bands, respectively. The appearance of the A-type band and the disappearance of the stretching vibration of the free OH group at~3500 cm −1 confirmed the contribution of the OH component of the carboxylic group to hydrogen bonding [61]. Additionally, the band at 2852.7 cm −1 (Figure 1c) could be attributed to the O-H in-plane bending vibration, as well as its associated fundamental stretching (B type). The third band at 1912.8 cm −1 (type-C Fermi band) corresponded to the interaction between the overtone of the torsional effect and the fundamental stretching vibration of the OH group.
A blue shift was observed in the peak maximum of the etheric C-O bond in the acid during the formation of the complex. The peak maximum of the C-O bond in the acid was revealed at 1252.9 cm −1 (Figure 1a), while it was observed at 1254.9 cm −1 in the complex ( Figure 1c).
Moreover, a significant blue shift of the wavenumber from 1593.4 cm −1 (Figure 1b) to 1603.8 was observed in the complex (Figure 1c), and it corresponded to the -CH=N-Schiff base characteristic peak. This evident increase in the absorption peak that characterized the azomethine group (10.4 cm −1 ) could be considered as an additional confirmation of hydrogen-bonding in the supramolecular complexes.
Furthermore, the mesophase, as well as the optical analyses, of the 1:1 three-ring ((I-V)Cn) complexes were investigated. The transition temperatures (Ts) and associated ∆Hs, during the mesophase transitions, as derived by the DSC measurements, are summarized in Table 1. The mesophase and optical analysis for the three rings 1:1 ((C8) complexes were investigated. Transition temperatures (T) and their associated enthalpies (∆H) of all mesophase transitions, as derived from DSC measurements, for all prepared ((I-V)Cn) complexes are summarized in Table 1. Figure 2a shows the DSC thermograms of sample C8-Me at a heating rate of 10.0 • C/min. The first heating run was carried out from room temperature up to 150 • C to avoid any possible thermal degradation. However, the second heating run covers the temperature range from room temperature to 18 • C. All samples revealed thermal stabilities at the investigated range of temperature. We discussed the results that were obtained from only the second heating run. The temperature dependence of the heat capacity exhibited an endothermic peak at 75 • C, which corresponded to a crystalline nematic (Cr-SmA) phase transition. At elevated temperatures, a second endothermic peak, which revealed a smectic-A-nematic (SmA-N) transition, was observed at 100.5 • C. Finally, a nematic-isotropic (N-I) transition was observed at 144.3 • C. Upon cooling, the nematic phase peak maximum appears at 140.5 • C and the SmA mesophase peak maximum appears at 93.7 • C. The crystalline solid is formed at 58.4 • C, indicating a supercooling behavior. In addition, the types of the different mesophase textures were distinguished by POM. Figure 2b represents the nematic mesophase texture of sample C8-Me at 120 • C.  Figure 2a shows the DSC thermograms of sample C8-Me at a heating rate of 10.0 °C/min. The first heating run was carried out from room temperature up to 150 °C to avoid any possible thermal degradation. However, the second heating run covers the temperature range from room temperature to 18 °C. All samples revealed thermal stabilities at the investigated range of temperature. We discussed the results that were obtained from only the second heating run. The temperature dependence of the heat capacity exhibited an endothermic peak at 75 °C, which corresponded to a crystalline nematic (Cr-SmA) phase transition. At elevated temperatures, a second endothermic peak, which revealed a smectic-A-nematic (SmA-N) transition, was observed at 100.5 °C. Finally, a nematic-isotropic (N-I) transition was observed at 144.3 °C. Upon cooling, the nematic phase peak maximum appears at 140.5 °C and the SmA mesophase peak maximum appears at 93.7 °C. The crystalline solid is formed at 58.4 °C, indicating a supercooling behavior. In addition, the types of the different mesophase textures were distinguished by POM. Figure 2b represents the nematic mesophase texture of sample C8-Me at 120 °C. The analogous series of the C8 chain lengths of the attached polar groups were investigated regarding Ts with respect to the forms of the polar groups. Figure 3 shows a representative of the prepared hydrogen-bonded supramolecular complexes. The polar  The analogous series of the C8 chain lengths of the attached polar groups were investigated regarding Ts with respect to the forms of the polar groups. Figure 3 shows a representative of the prepared hydrogen-bonded supramolecular complexes. The polar groups exhibited dimorphic SmA and N behaviors. The electron-releasing Me group exhibited SmA and N mesophase ranges of 24.7 and 43.8 • C, respectively (a total mesomorphic range of 68.5 • C). However, the halide derivatives exhibited overall mesomorphic ranges of 37.3, 27.8, 23.2 • C for F, Cl, and Br, respectively, which indicated a systematic decrease in the range as a function of decreasing electronegativity and increasing size of the halide substituent. However, the highly electron-withdrawing NO 2 group exhibited a mesomorphic range of 58.6 • C. The wider mesophase ranges of the Me and NO 2 derivatives could be explained by the hyperconjugation and resonance effects, respectively. Both effects could increase the π-cloud loop and enhance the degree of π-π stacking in the Me and NO 2 complexes compared with in the fluoro, chloro, and bromo derivatives. The attachment of the halide atom was compared with the mesomorphic properties, as shown in Figure 3. The Cl-substituted complex exhibited an N range of 20.4 • C, which corresponded to the end-end interaction due to the increased dipole moment that was exerted by the strong negative inductive effect of the chloride group. The incorporation of the small compact fluorine atom with the highest negative inductive effect enhanced dimorphic mesophases, as well as N and smA. However, the SmA phase of the fluoro-substituted complex was the most stable among the halogen candidates bearing an octyloxy terminal group (the observed SmA range was 22.8 • C). The highly parallel interaction, which could be promoted by the fluorine atom, could be responsible for the enhanced smectic mesophase and the moderate total mesophase range (37.3 • C). The attachment of the nitro group increased the π-π loop to consolidate the SmA and N mesophases. The reported SmA and N mesophase ranges were 23.7 and 34.9 • C, respectively, which corresponded to a relatively broad total mesomorphic temperature range (58.6 • C).

Theoretical Calculations (DFT) Molecular Geometry
Recently, we employed theoretical calculations to correlate experimental ones regarding liquid crystalline materials [62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73]. Thus, DFT calculations were conducted for the basis set, B3LYP 6-311g (d, p), for all the supramolecular analogous series of the complexes that were prepared with p-octyloxy benzoic acid ((I-V)C8). B3LYP level with the 6-311G (d, p) basis set is reasonable for molecular investigation of liquid crystalline materials [74][75][76][77]. The optimized geometrical structures of the investigated compounds were measured in the gas phase, employing Gaussian 9. To determine the lowest-energy geometries, structural optimization was employed to optimize all the compounds. This optimization method was applied to determine the geometrical structures of the lowest energy conformations of the compounds until a new lowest-energy geometrical structure, which is known as the convergence, was generated. Thereafter, the optimized structures were employed to measure the frequency and several significant thermodynamic parameters. The optimized molecular structures of the compounds were stable because of the absence of an imaginary frequency, as shown in Figure 4. Further, the non-coplanar structures (with a bent shape due to lateral hydrogen bonding and the twist angle of the Schiff base) of the pyridine CH=N bond were determined as the approximate molecular geometry. This twist angle was clearly influenced by the duration and electronic existence of the polar groups, as well as the degree of the extra conjugation in the structure. The highly electron-withdrawing nitro group of the V/C8 derivative exhibited the highest bent-shape angle between the acid and pyridine ring ( = 129.1 • ), which could be demonstrated regarding the electron attraction ability of the nitro group, which also decreased the strength of hydrogen bonding (the length of the hydrogen bond was 1.655 Å). Conversely, Compound IV/C8 bearing the compact fluorine atom possessed a bent-shape angle of = 127.7 • : the larger the halide atom, the larger the reported bent angle ( = 128.2 • and 128.9 • for the chloro and bromo derivatives, respectively). caused by the positive electron inductive effect of the Me group. Although these theoretical molecular geometries might rationally predict the preferred molecular structure in the gas phase, the presence of these compounds in the condensed phases of the liquid crystalline matter, which possessed a different lowest energy, and more elongated species were preferred [78]. Furthermore, the lengths of the flexible alkoxy terminal groups considerably impacted the mesomorphic behaviors. The stabilities and types of the enhanced liquid crystalline phases were significantly influenced by the length of the alkoxy group, and this was generally explained by the molecular shape [66].   Figure 5 present the expected plots of FMOs (highest occupied MO (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied MO (LUMO)) of the prepared compounds, (I-V)C8. Figure 6 reveals that the electron densities of the sites, which were involved in the formations of LUMOs, as well as the aromatic ring of alkoxybenzoic acid, which was involved in the formation of HOMOs, were localized on the pyridyl component. Conversely, the electron densities of FMOs were unaffected by the polar groups. Moreover, the presence of the polar groups exerted a major impact on the energy gap of FMOs. The FMO levels were affected by the attachment of the polar groups. Conversely, the V/C8 nitro derivative exerted the same effect. Dissimilar to the other groups, the addition of an electron to the withdrawing NO2 group reduced the HOMO and LUMO levels. The energy difference was minimized by the extra-conjugated nitro group. The co-planarity of the nitro group increased and caused an extra conjugation of the aromatic rings and a decrease in the energy gap of FMOs. Table 2. FMO Energies (eV) and their values for the prepared para-octyloxy benzoic acid supramolecular complexes (I-V)C8.  628 Å). This result could be explained in relation to the increased electron density in the nitrogen atom caused by the positive electron inductive effect of the Me group. Although these theoretical molecular geometries might rationally predict the preferred molecular structure in the gas phase, the presence of these compounds in the condensed phases of the liquid crystalline matter, which possessed a different lowest energy, and more elongated species were preferred [78]. Furthermore, the lengths of the flexible alkoxy terminal groups considerably impacted the mesomorphic behaviors. The stabilities and types of the enhanced liquid crystalline phases were significantly influenced by the length of the alkoxy group, and this was generally explained by the molecular shape [66].  Figure 5 present the expected plots of FMOs (highest occupied MO (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied MO (LUMO)) of the prepared compounds, (I-V)C8. Figure 6 reveals that the electron densities of the sites, which were involved in the formations of LUMOs, as well as the aromatic ring of alkoxybenzoic acid, which was involved in the formation of HOMOs, were localized on the pyridyl component. Conversely, the electron densities of FMOs were unaffected by the polar groups. Moreover, the presence of the polar groups exerted a major impact on the energy gap of FMOs. The FMO levels were affected by the attachment of the polar groups. Conversely, the V/C8 nitro derivative exerted the same effect. Dissimilar to the other groups, the addition of an electron to the withdrawing NO 2 group reduced the HOMO and LUMO levels. The energy difference was minimized by the extra-conjugated nitro group. The co-planarity of the nitro group increased and caused an extra conjugation of the aromatic rings and a decrease in the energy gap of FMOs.   Figure 6 shows the T of the analogous series of the C8 chain length as a function of the measured dipole moment. A high dipole moment corresponded to the highest electron-withdrawing NO2 group, and the hyperconjugated Me groups, I/C8 and V/C8, clearly induced the nematic and smectic ranges, respectively. This finding may be clarified by the enhancement of the parallel intermolecular interactions, which facilitated a high degree of ordering in the molecules in the smectic mesophase. Conversely, enhancement of the smectic mesophase might be caused by the high dipole moment that was associated with the small compact fluorine group. Although there was a slight difference between the measured dipole moments of Cl and Br, there was a significant difference between the  with the small compact fluorine group. Although there was a slight difference between the measured dipole moments of Cl and Br, there was a significant difference between the smectic mesophase ranges of II/C8 (7.4 °C) and III/C8 (22.8 °C), probably owing to the higher resonance effect of the Br atom compared with that of Cl, which increased the πloop, thus enhancing the side-side interactions (see Supplementary data Tables S1 and S2).   Figure 6 shows the T of the analogous series of the C8 chain length as a function of the measured dipole moment. A high dipole moment corresponded to the highest electron-withdrawing NO 2 group, and the hyperconjugated Me groups, I/C8 and V/C8, clearly induced the nematic and smectic ranges, respectively. This finding may be clarified by the enhancement of the parallel intermolecular interactions, which facilitated a high degree of ordering in the molecules in the smectic mesophase. Conversely, enhancement of the smectic mesophase might be caused by the high dipole moment that was associated with the small compact fluorine group. Although there was a slight difference between the measured dipole moments of Cl and Br, there was a significant difference between the smectic mesophase ranges of II/C8 (7.4 • C) and III/C8 (22.8 • C), probably owing to the higher resonance effect of the Br atom compared with that of Cl, which increased the π-loop, thus enhancing the side-side interactions (see Supplementary data Tables S1 and S2). Figure 7 reveals the effect of polarizability on Ts of the analogous series, (I-V)C8. The increases in the polarizabilities evidently reduced the total mesomorphic range (except that of the highly electron-withdrawing nitro group). This could be elucidated regarding the co-effectiveness of other factors, such as the dipole moment of the overall behavior. However, regarding the halides, the increase in the polarizability successfully reduced the nematic and smectic mesophase ranges. The increases in the polarizabilities evidently reduced the total mesomorphic range (except that of the highly electron-withdrawing nitro group). This could be elucidated regarding the co-effectiveness of other factors, such as the dipole moment of the overall behavior. However, regarding the halides, the increase in the polarizability successfully reduced the nematic and smectic mesophase ranges.    Figure 8 shows the relationship of calculated aspect ratios and mesophase range for the C8 and C16 analogous series, (I-V)C8 and (I-V)C16. The variation of the aspect ratio with respect to the chain length is not systematic either for the smectic or the nematic mesophase ranges. This result could be illustrated in terms of the accumulative effects of other factors such as the dipole moment, polarizability, etc., that could act together to show the enhanced mesophase range. Figure 7. Dependence of the mesomorphic range with the calculated polarizability. Figure 8 shows the relationship of calculated aspect ratios and mesophase range the C8 and C16 analogous series, (I-V)C8 and (I-V)C16. The variation of the aspect ra with respect to the chain length is not systematic either for the smectic or the nema mesophase ranges. This result could be illustrated in terms of the accumulative effects other factors such as the dipole moment, polarizability, etc., that could act together show the enhanced mesophase range.

Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP)
The charge-distribution map of the prepared para-octyloxy benzoic acid-derived pramolecular complexes (I-V)C8 was calculated by the same approach employing same basis sets according to MEP (Figure 9). The hydrogen-bonded component of the pramolecular complexes was assumed to be located in the region where the negativ charged atomic sites (the red region) were concentrated. However, it was predicted t the alkoxy chain moieties possessed the least negatively charged atomic sites regardl of the composition of the attached polar groups (the blue regions). The predicted char distribution maps might indicate the formation of the LC-enhanced mesophase.

Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP)
The charge-distribution map of the prepared para-octyloxy benzoic acid-derived supramolecular complexes (I-V)C8 was calculated by the same approach employing the same basis sets according to MEP (Figure 9). The hydrogen-bonded component of the supramolecular complexes was assumed to be located in the region where the negatively charged atomic sites (the red region) were concentrated. However, it was predicted that the alkoxy chain moieties possessed the least negatively charged atomic sites regardless of the composition of the attached polar groups (the blue regions). The predicted chargedistribution maps might indicate the formation of the LC-enhanced mesophase.

Materials and Methods
All the chemicals (>98% pure) were purchased from TCI Company, Japan. The Schiff bases were prepared and recrystallized two times from an ethanol/water mixture, after which their purities were confirmed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) (Scheme 1). Finally, the supramolecular complexes were prepared by mixing equimolar ratios of a par-

Materials and Methods
All the chemicals (>98% pure) were purchased from TCI Company, Japan. The Schiff bases were prepared and recrystallized two times from an ethanol/water mixture, after which their purities were confirmed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) (Scheme 1). Finally, the supramolecular complexes were prepared by mixing equimolar ratios of a particular Schiff base with para-alkoxy benzoic acid, followed by melting to ensure the formation of the complexes (Scheme 2).

Materials and Methods
All the chemicals (>98% pure) were purchased from TCI Company, Japan. Th bases were prepared and recrystallized two times from an ethanol/water mixtu which their purities were confirmed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) (Schem nally, the supramolecular complexes were prepared by mixing equimolar ratios ticular Schiff base with para-alkoxy benzoic acid, followed by melting to ensure mation of the complexes (Scheme 2).

Scheme 2. Preparation of the complexes [(I-V)Cn].
The FT-IR spectra were recorded on a spectrometer (Shimadzu, model: IR Japan). The samples were prepared as KBr pellets.

Materials and Methods
All the chemicals (>98% pure) were purchased from TCI Company, Japan. The Schif bases were prepared and recrystallized two times from an ethanol/water mixture, after which their purities were confirmed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) (Scheme 1). Fi nally, the supramolecular complexes were prepared by mixing equimolar ratios of a par ticular Schiff base with para-alkoxy benzoic acid, followed by melting to ensure the for mation of the complexes (Scheme 2). The FT-IR spectra were recorded on a spectrometer (Shimadzu, model: IRAffinity Japan). The samples were prepared as KBr pellets. The FT-IR spectra were recorded on a spectrometer (Shimadzu, model: IRAffinity, Japan). The samples were prepared as KBr pellets.
The phase changes in the materials were determined by DSC employing a calorimeter (Shimadzu DSC-60A, Japan). The specimens (2-3 mg) were encapsulated in aluminum pans and heated or cooled in a dry nitrogen atmosphere. The measurements were performed at a heating rate of 10.0 • C/min. Further, the samples were heated from room temperature to 150 • C and cooled back to room temperature at the same heating rate. Finally, the samples were reheated to 180 • C (the heating programs were conducted in an inert atmosphere (nitrogen gas). The accuracy of the temperature monitoring was <1.0 • C. The types of different mesophase textures were characterized using standard polarized optical microscope (POM, Wild, Germany).

Conclusions
Novel supramolecular three-ring Schiff base LC complexes were prepared and investigated. The prepared systems were designed so that the lengths of the alkoxy chain varied from eight to sixteen carbons on one side, while the terminal small groups that substituted the aniline ring exhibited different polarities. The hydrogen bonding inter-action was verified by FT-IR spectroscopy by different approaches, especially through the existence of the three Fermi peaks. The mesomorphic thermal and optical characteristics of the samples indicated that they were dimorphic regardless of the small compact polar groups or the alkoxy chain lengths (except for the C16-Cl complex, which was monomorphic). The results reveal that the polarities of the two compact polar groups, as well as the lengths of the alkoxy chains, strongly affected the mesomorphic characteristics and thermal stabilities of the mesophases of the supramolecular complexes. Interestingly, the observed values of ∆Hs coupled with the crystalline mesomorphic transitions were significantly small (1.12-5.07 kJ/mol), thereby indicating weak hydrogen bonding in the crystalline solid-formed complexes, contrary to the values in the literature for crystalline mesomorphic transitions (20-100 kJ/mol). However, ∆Hs, which corresponded to the mesomorphic-isotropic transitions, varied from 0.06 to 9.54 depending on the polarity of the small compact para-groups that were attached to the aniline moiety. The incorporation of the compact fluorine atom exerting the highest negative inductive effect promoted the formation of the SmA mesophase. The enhanced SmA mesophase in the fluoro derivatives compared with those of the other halogen-substituted candidates might be caused by the highly parallel interaction that was probably promoted by the attachment of the fluorine atom to increase the overall mesophase range (37.3 • C). The results indicate that the nematic mesophase range of the Me complexes decreased as the length of the terminal alkoxy chain increased with the enhancement of the stability of the SmA mesophase. This decrease in the nematic range could be attributed to the increased terminal association of the alkoxy chain, which facilitated the enhanced backing of the molecules. Finally, DFT calculations were discussed and the polar groups' effect on the calculated parameters and the mesomorphic behavior was illustrated. The DFT geometrical structures revealed non-coplanar structures with a bent shape due to lateral hydrogen bonding and the twist angle of the Schiff base. The mesomorphic range is affected by the polar attached group in terms of the dipole moment, polarizability and the aspect ratio change.