Unconventional Approaches to Prepare Triazine-Based Liquid Crystal Dendrimers

Most triazine-based liquid crystalline (LC) dendrimers reported thus far are the main-chain LC macromolecules with long flexible chains at their periphery and attached to internal rigid or semi-rigid frameworks. Their formation of mesogenic phases often depends on the intermolecular face-to-face π–π interactions between dendritic molecules, which are unusual. Their mesogenic phases can also be formed by incorporation of mesogenic units to the dendritic skeletons through long flexible chains, as most side-chain LC dendrimers, in which the peripheral mesogenic units generally play the important roles. For main-chain triazine-based dendrimers, their morphology is maintained by restricted freedom of rigid or semi-rigid connecting units, and their formations of LC phases are therefore not straightforward to be controlled. In this review, we thus describe modulating of the intermolecular face-to-face π–π interactions between the triazine-based dendritic molecules, with the aim of forming LC phases through molecular design.


Introduction
Since the discovery of dendrimers in the late 1970s, [1] there has been substantial development in their synthesis and study of their physical properties. Dendrimers generally consist of a central core, linking bridges and peripheral groups. They can be efficiently prepared by iterative processes through convergent, divergent, and combined approaches as demonstrated in Scheme 1 [2]. Although dendrimers may have a branched architecture and three-dimensional spatial arrangement, their morphology is still predictable. Formed by controllable step-by-step and iterative processes, dendrimers are a class of macromolecules with several characteristics that polymers do not have, such as monodispersity, controllable sizes, and internal cavities [2]. In particular, various types of functionally designed groups can be attached at the periphery of dendrimers to give desired properties for this type of macromolecule. Therefore, dendrimers have been extensively investigated and are currently applied in various fields, including drug delivery [3][4][5][6][7][8][9], catalysis [10][11][12][13][14][15][16], light harvesting [17][18][19][20][21][22], and porous materials [23][24][25][26][27].
With mesogenic units in the dendritic framework, dendrimers have also been observed to exhibit liquid crystal (LC) behaviors on thermal treatment. Compared with traditional LC usually with low molecular weight, LC dendrimers often have a higher molecular weight and exhibit columnar mesophases on thermal treatment and are 2-D regular materials, thus yielding better self-assembling ability in a long-range domain and which have usefulness as solvating candidates in opto-electronic devices [28][29][30][31][32][33][34]. LC dendrimers can generally be divided into side-chain dendrimers in which the mesogenic units are incorporated at the periphery of molecules and main-chain dendrimers in which the mesogenic moieties are designed as linking moieties within the internal framework. Most LC dendrimers are side-chain LCs with flexible cores or linking units and peripheral mesogenic units linked Scheme 1. Preparation of dendrimers by the convergent, divergent, and combined approaches.
With mesogenic units in the dendritic framework, dendrimers have also been observed to exhibit liquid crystal (LC) behaviors on thermal treatment. Compared with traditional LC usually with low molecular weight, LC dendrimers often have a higher molecular weight and exhibit columnar mesophases on thermal treatment and are 2-D regular materials, thus yielding better self-assembling ability in a long-range domain and which have usefulness as solvating candidates in opto-electronic devices [28][29][30][31][32][33][34]. LC dendrimers can generally be divided into side-chain dendrimers in which the mesogenic units are incorporated at the periphery of molecules and main-chain dendrimers in which the mesogenic moieties are designed as linking moieties within the internal framework. Most LC dendrimers are side-chain LCs with flexible cores or linking units and peripheral mesogenic units linked to the internal dendritic structures through long flexible chains. The mesogenic units are important in inducing their LC behavior, and this type of LC dendrimer mostly consists of PMAMA (polyamidoamine), PPI (polypropylimine), Si-de-Scheme 1. Preparation of dendrimers by the convergent, divergent, and combined approaches.
Cyanuric chloride, a simple heterocycle with three reactive sites on its ring, can be used as a branching unit for efficiently preparing dendrimers. For instance, the first chloro substituent can be replaced by alkylamines at 0 • C, and subsequently, the second and the third substituents can undergo similar substitutions at room temperature and above 60 • C, respectively (Scheme 2) [49,50]. The triazine-based dendrimers were first prepared by Takagi [51] and later investigated by others [52,53]. Little progress on LC dendrimers based on the triazine unit has been reported since then. To the best of our knowledge, in 2008, Lai and co-workers were the first to report LC dendrimers on the basis of the 1,3,5-triamino-s-triazine unit [54]. Kotha and colleagues also prepared 1,3,5-triphenyl-striazine-based dendrimers, which exhibited a columnar phase after being mixed with 1:1 molar ratio of trinitrofluorenone [55]. However, there has been less study of triazine-based LC dendrimers, and most are main-chain types of LC dendrimers. Induction of the LC phases of triazine-based dendrimers can be achieved by manipulating the molecular morphology of the dendrimer themselves or by adding extra components to form an LC dendritic mixture by intermolecular H-bond or face-to-face π-π interactions. By reviewing this system, we hope to guide future work in this field. based on the triazine unit has been reported since then. To the best of our know 2008, Lai and co-workers were the first to report LC dendrimers on the basis of t triamino-s-triazine unit [54]. Kotha and colleagues also prepared 1,3,5-triphen zine-based dendrimers, which exhibited a columnar phase after being mixed with lar ratio of trinitrofluorenone [55]. However, there has been less study of triazin LC dendrimers, and most are main-chain types of LC dendrimers. Induction o phases of triazine-based dendrimers can be achieved by manipulating the molecu phology of the dendrimer themselves or by adding extra components to form an dritic mixture by intermolecular H-bond or face-to-face π-π interactions. By re this system, we hope to guide future work in this field. Scheme 2. Reaction of amines with cyanuric chlorides at different temperatures.

LC Dendrimers with C2 Symmetry
The LC dendrimer with a C2-symmetry on the basis of a 1,3,5-triamino-s-triaz was first reported by Lai and colleagues [54]. They prepared the fourth genera dendrimer 1 by the convergent approach (Figure 1), with a single molecular w ~12,479. Compound 1 is a monotropic material, showing no mesophase during but a columnar hexagonal phase between ~160 and ~143 °C on cooling. Additiona pound 1 did not show any significant absorbance beyond 280 nm in the UV-vis s and started to decompose at 300 °C under nitrogen by TGA analysis, which i portant characteristic required for opto-and electro-applications. However, the th eration triazine-based dendrimer 2 did not exhibit mesogenic behavior on therm ment, isotropic at ~133 °C on heating, and crystallized at ~98 °C on cooling. Co simulations for the conformations of dendrimers 1 and 2 showed that the steric eff the peripheral skeleton of 1 is more significant than that of 2 [54], i.e., the dendr formation of 1 is less coplanar due to congestion between the branched mainfram reducing the face-to-face π-π interactions between dendritic molecules and form columnar phase on thermal treatment. Compared with traditional disk molecu drimer 1 with a C2-symmetry having a columnar LC phase on cooling, is unusua hibit columnar mesophases, the traditional C2-symmetry molecules may consist o rocyclic core [56,57]. Introducing a chiral core to result in helical stacking colu modulating the intermolecular π-π interaction between molecules is another a [58].

Scheme 2.
Reaction of amines with cyanuric chlorides at different temperatures.

LC Dendrimers with C 2 Symmetry
The LC dendrimer with a C2-symmetry on the basis of a 1,3,5-triamino-s-triazine unit was first reported by Lai and colleagues [54]. They prepared the fourth generation LC dendrimer 1 by the convergent approach (Figure 1), with a single molecular weight of 12,479. Compound 1 is a monotropic material, showing no mesophase during heating but a columnar hexagonal phase between~160 and~143 • C on cooling. Additionally, compound 1 did not show any significant absorbance beyond 280 nm in the UV-vis spectrum and started to decompose at 300 • C under nitrogen by TGA analysis, which is an important characteristic required for opto-and electro-applications. However, the third generation triazine-based dendrimer 2 did not exhibit mesogenic behavior on thermal treatment, isotropic at~133 • C on heating, and crystallized at~98 • C on cooling. Computer simulations for the conformations of dendrimers 1 and 2 showed that the steric effect from the peripheral skeleton of 1 is more significant than that of 2 [54], i.e., the dendritic conformation of 1 is less coplanar due to congestion between the branched mainframe, thus reducing the face-to-face π-π interactions between dendritic molecules and forming the columnar phase on thermal treatment. Compared with traditional disk molecules, dendrimer 1 with a C2-symmetry having a columnar LC phase on cooling, is unusual. To exhibit columnar mesophases, the traditional C2-symmetry molecules may consist of a macrocyclic core [56,57]. Introducing a chiral core to result in helical stacking columns by modulating the intermolecular π-π interaction between molecules is another approach [58].

LC Dendrimers with C 3 Symmetry
In addition, deforming the planarity of trigonal disk molecules to reduce face-toface π-π interactions in traditional molecules can also lead to the formation of columnar mesophases [59]. Therefore, changing the shape of the rigid cores can be an efficient approach for preparing dendrimers with columnar LC phases, and thus two C3-symmetry dendrimers based on a triazine unit have been reported ( Figure 2) [60]. Dendrimer 3, with a molecular weight of~9248, is a monotropic material, which did not exhibit any mesogenic behavior on heating but showed a columnar phase between~137 and~100 • C on cooling. Dendrimer 4 exhibited a columnar phase from~141 to~173 • C on heating and from~168 to~136 • C on cooling.
As demonstrated by dendrimers 1 and 2, high molecular weight deforms the planar mainframe of dendritic molecules and leads to the formation of LC phases on thermal treatment. However, the molecular weight of dendrimer 4 (~4423) is much smaller than that of dendrimer 2 (~6034). Apparently, the C 2 -to-C 3 approach significantly changes  (1) and (2) with C2-symmetry.

LC Dendrimers with C3 Symmetry
In addition, deforming the planarity of trigonal disk molecules to reduce face-to-face π-π interactions in traditional molecules can also lead to the formation of columnar mesophases [59]. Therefore, changing the shape of the rigid cores can be an efficient approach for preparing dendrimers with columnar LC phases, and thus two C3-symmetry dendrimers based on a triazine unit have been reported ( Figure 2) [60]. Dendrimer 3, with a molecular weight of ~9248, is a monotropic material, which did not exhibit any mesogenic behavior on heating but showed a columnar phase between ~137 and ~100 °C on cooling. Dendrimer 4 exhibited a columnar phase from ~141 to ~173 °C on heating and from ~168 to ~136 °C on cooling.  As demonstrated by dendrimers 1 and 2, high molecular weight deforms the planar mainframe of dendritic molecules and leads to the formation of LC phases on thermal  (1) and (2) with C2-symmetry. Figure 1. Structures of dendrimers (1) and (2) with C2-symmetry.

LC Dendrimers with C3 Symmetry
In addition, deforming the planarity of trigonal disk molecules to reduce face-to-face π-π interactions in traditional molecules can also lead to the formation of columnar mesophases [59]. Therefore, changing the shape of the rigid cores can be an efficient approach for preparing dendrimers with columnar LC phases, and thus two C3-symmetry dendrimers based on a triazine unit have been reported ( Figure 2) [60]. Dendrimer 3, with a molecular weight of ~9248, is a monotropic material, which did not exhibit any mesogenic behavior on heating but showed a columnar phase between ~137 and ~100 °C on cooling. Dendrimer 4 exhibited a columnar phase from ~141 to ~173 °C on heating and from ~168 to ~136 °C on cooling.

Figure 2. Structures of dendrimers (3) and (4) with C3-symmetry.
As demonstrated by dendrimers 1 and 2, high molecular weight deforms the planar mainframe of dendritic molecules and leads to the formation of LC phases on thermal

LC Dendrimers with the Loss of C 2 Symmetry by Changing the Peripheral Groups
Reducing the intermolecular face-to-face π-π interactions between the molecules of triazine-based dendrimer seems to be a good strategy for forming mesogenic phases on thermal treatment. According to literature [61], mixing two pure components can reduce the molecular interaction in the solid state, and thus lowers the melting point of the mixture. For example, the m.p. of (R)-(−)-2-amino-1-propanol is~24-26 • C, which is the same as that of (S)-(+)-2-amino-1-propanol, but the m.p. of the 1:1 mixture of these two components drops to~8-10 • C. Accordingly, four triazine-based LC dendrimers were prepared ( Figure 3) [62]. Dendrimer 5, with the loss of the C2-symmetry, exhibited a columnar phase from~95 tõ 152 • C on heating and from~147 to~64 • C on cooling. Dendrimer 6, also with the loss of the C2-symmetry, is a monotropic material, only showing a columnar phase between 123 and~145 • C on heating. Dendrimers 7 and 8, with a C2-symmetry, did not exhibit any mesogenic phase on thermal treatment. Dendrimer 7 became isotropic at~132 • C on heating and crystallized at~117 • C on cooling; and dendrimer 8 became isotropic at 229 • C on heating and solidified at~221 • C on cooling. Dendrimers 5, 6, 7, and 8 all have similar molecular weights of~2368,~2030,~2813, and~2363, respectively. Based on the molecular simulation investigations [62], they are almost co-planar and the congestions between their dendritic frameworks are negligible. However, dendrimers 5 and 6 are isomeric. As shown in Figure 4, dendrimers 5 or 6, in principle, can be produced from the combination of the corresponding Cl-dendron and piperazino-dendron, respectively. Each dendron consists of at least four isomers, and therefore, dendrimers 5 and 6 have many isomers in their solid stackings, reducing their intermolecular face-to-face π-π interactions and forming LC phase during the thermal process.
ture. For example, the m.p. of (R)-(−)-2-amino-1-propanol is ~24-26 °C, which is the sam as that of (S)-(+)-2-amino-1-propanol, but the m.p. of the 1:1 mixture of these two compo nents drops to ~8-10 °C. Accordingly, four triazine-based LC dendrimers were prepare ( Figure 3) [62]. Dendrimer 5, with the loss of the C2-symmetry, exhibited a columnar phas from ~95 to ~152 °C on heating and from ~147 to ~64 °C on cooling. Dendrimer 6, also wit the loss of the C2-symmetry, is a monotropic material, only showing a columnar phas between ~123 and ~145 °C on heating. Dendrimers 7 and 8, with a C2-symmetry, did no exhibit any mesogenic phase on thermal treatment. Dendrimer 7 became isotropic at ~13 °C on heating and crystallized at ~117 °C on cooling; and dendrimer 8 became isotropic a ~229 °C on heating and solidified at ~221 °C on cooling. Dendrimers 5, 6, 7, and 8 all hav similar molecular weights of ~2368, ~2030, ~2813, and ~2363, respectively. Based on th molecular simulation investigations [62], they are almost co-planar and the congestion between their dendritic frameworks are negligible. However, dendrimers 5 and 6 are iso meric. As shown in Figure 4, dendrimers 5 or 6, in principle, can be produced from th combination of the corresponding Cl-dendron and piperazino-dendron, respectively Each dendron consists of at least four isomers, and therefore, dendrimers 5 and 6 hav many isomers in their solid stackings, reducing their intermolecular face-to-face π-π in teractions and forming LC phase during the thermal process.   (5) and (6) without a C2-symmetry and structures of dendrimer (7) and (8) with a C2-symmetry.  (5) and (6) without a C2-symmetry and structures of dendrimers (7) and (8)

LC Dendrimers with the Loss of C2 Symmetry by Changing the Central Cores
Partially changing the peripheral group to break C2-symmetry of molecules can lead dendrimers to contain isomers, and face-to-face π-π interactions between dendritic mol ecules are thus modulated to form the LC phase with thermal treatment. This strategy can also be applied to central linkers of dendrimers. With the peripheral group fixed by th dialkylamino units, the central linker is modulated as C5H10, C4H8, C3H6, and C2H4 (Figur 5) [63]. Dendrimers 9 and 11, with the odd-number carbon linker in the dendritic core, ar LCs. Dendrimer 9 was observed to exhibit a columnar phase from ~109 to ~168 °C on heating and from ~146 to ~87 °C on cooling. Dendrimer 11 showed a columnar phase be tween ~107 and ~144 °C on heating and between ~115 and ~81 °C on cooling. Dendrimer

LC Dendrimers with the Loss of C 2 Symmetry by Changing the Central Cores
Partially changing the peripheral group to break C 2 -symmetry of molecules can lead dendrimers to contain isomers, and face-to-face π-π interactions between dendritic molecules are thus modulated to form the LC phase with thermal treatment. This strategy can also be applied to central linkers of dendrimers. With the peripheral group fixed by the dialkylamino units, the central linker is modulated as C 5 H 10 , C 4 H 8 , C 3 H 6 , and C 2 H 4 ( Figure 5) [63]. Dendrimers 9 and 11, with the odd-number carbon linker in the dendritic core, are LCs. Dendrimer 9 was observed to exhibit a columnar phase from 109 to~168 • C on heating and from~146 to~87 • C on cooling. Dendrimer 11 showed a columnar phase between~107 and~144 • C on heating and between~115 and~81 • C on cooling. Dendrimers 10 and 12 with the even-number carbon linker in the dendritic core are not liquid crystalline. The solid-phase-to-isotropic-phase (solid-to-iso) transition temperatures for dendrimers 10 and 12 are~132 and~147 • C, respectively, on heating, and the isotropic-phase-to-solid-phase (iso-to-solid) transition temperatures for 10 and 12 arẽ 100 and~90 • C, respectively, on cooling.
also be applied to central linkers of dendrimers. With the periphera dialkylamino units, the central linker is modulated as C5H10, C4H8, C3 5) [63]. Dendrimers 9 and 11, with the odd-number carbon linker in th LCs. Dendrimer 9 was observed to exhibit a columnar phase from heating and from ~146 to ~87 °C on cooling. Dendrimer 11 showed a tween ~107 and ~144 °C on heating and between ~115 and ~81 °C on c 10 and 12 with the even-number carbon linker in the dendritic core a line. The solid-phase-to-isotropic-phase (solid-to-iso) transition tem drimers 10 and 12 are ~132 and ~147 °C, respectively, on heating, and to-solid-phase (iso-to-solid) transition temperatures for 10 and 12 are spectively, on cooling. Molecular weights for dendrimers 9-12 are similar: ~6050, ~603 respectively. A computer simulation for molecular conformations of showed that 9 is asymmetrical and 10 is symmetrical along with the c diagram can show their differences [63]. As shown in Figure 6, den carbon linker in the dendritic core, allows the dendronic halves to b Molecular weights for dendrimers 9-12 are similar:~6050,~6036,~6022, and~6008, respectively. A computer simulation for molecular conformations of dendrimers 9 and 10 showed that 9 is asymmetrical and 10 is symmetrical along with the central linkers, and a diagram can show their differences [63]. As shown in Figure 6, dendrimer 10, with a 4-carbon linker in the dendritic core, allows the dendronic halves to be located at the anti-position of the C 4 H 8 linker to reduce repulsions between Hs (at C 2 and C 3 ) and the dendronic halves. Therefore, the molecular conformation of 10 is almost symmetrical. Accordingly, dendrimer 11 with a 3-carbon linker leads both the dendronic halves to exist in the syn-position of the C 3 H 6 linker to reduce corresponding repulsions; in this conformation, two isomers of dendrimer 11 should exist since the left dendronic half may be on the top or bottom of the right dendronic half ( Figure 6). Because of the isomeric effect, the intermolecular face-to-face π-π interactions are reduced in the solid stacking, and the columnar phases of dendrimers 9 and 11 are thus formed on thermal treatment. To further understand the isomeric effect on influencing their stackings in LC state, their molecular volumes (V m ) and cell volumes (V cell ) were calculated on the basis of powder-XRD data of dendrimers 9 and 11 [63]. Since the calculated volumes are temperature-dependent, and the XRD data for 9 and 11 were collected at different temperatures, the V m /V cell ratios, instead of V m or V cell , were compared to remove the temperature factor. The V m /V cell ratios of 9 and 11 were calculated to be~1.03 and~0.95, respectively. For the non-mesogenic compounds 10 and 12, crystalline XRD data were also used for calculation, assuming that both formed the columnar hexagonal crystalline phase; the V m /V cell ratios of 10 and 12 were estimated to be~0.92 and~0.87, respectively. the XRD data for 9 and 11 were collected at different temperatures, the Vm/Vcell ra stead of Vm or Vcell, were compared to remove the temperature factor. The Vm/Vcell 9 and 11 were calculated to be ~1.03 and ~0.95, respectively. For the non-mesogen pounds 10 and 12, crystalline XRD data were also used for calculation, assuming t formed the columnar hexagonal crystalline phase; the Vm/Vcell ratios of 10 and estimated to be ~0.92 and ~0.87, respectively. The ratios of Vm/Vcell for 9 and 11 are larger than those for 10 and 12, indica the stackings of 9 and 11 in the solid state are somewhat looser than those of 10 This further indicates that the isomeric effect on dendrimers can probably modu face-to-face π-π interactions between dendritic molecules.
As indicated previously, the repulsion between dendronic halves and the H or C3) significantly influences the conformation of dendrimer 10. If the central lin was methylated on nitrogen, then the repulsion between Me and the Hs (at C should increase, although the repulsion should be smaller than that between dronic halves and the corresponding Hs (at C2 or C3). However, this should conv eral of the dendronic halves at the anti-position of C4H8 linker to the syn-position. cally, dendrimer 13 should have three isomers in the solid state, as shown in Figu although most of the 13 exists as the form of isomer 13-I and, as expected, dend exhibited a columnar phase on thermal treatment (Figure 8). The mesogenic range ~111 to ~123 °C on heating and from ~115 to ~94 °C on cooling. Accordingly, de 14 has three isomers in the solid state but showed only a columnar phase between ~72 °C on cooling without showing any mesogenic behavior on heating. The ratios of V m /V cell for 9 and 11 are larger than those for 10 and 12, indicating that the stackings of 9 and 11 in the solid state are somewhat looser than those of 10 and 12. This further indicates that the isomeric effect on dendrimers can probably modulate the face-to-face π-π interactions between dendritic molecules.
As indicated previously, the repulsion between dendronic halves and the Hs (at C 2 or C 3 ) significantly influences the conformation of dendrimer 10. If the central linker of 10 was methylated on nitrogen, then the repulsion between Me and the Hs (at C 2 or C 3 ) should increase, although the repulsion should be smaller than that between the dendronic halves and the corresponding Hs (at C 2 or C 3 ). However, this should convert several of the dendronic halves at the anti-position of C 4 H 8 linker to the syn-position. Specifically, dendrimer 13 should have three isomers in the solid state, as shown in Figure 7 [64], although most of the 13 exists as the form of isomer 13-I and, as expected, dendrimer 13 exhibited a columnar phase on thermal treatment (Figure 8). The mesogenic range is from 111 to~123 • C on heating and from~115 to~94 • C on cooling. Accordingly, dendrimer 14 has three isomers in the solid state but showed only a columnar phase between~94 and 72 • C on cooling without showing any mesogenic behavior on heating.
The solid-to-iso transition temperatures of dendrimers 10 and 12 on heating are~132 and~147 • C, respectively, which are higher than those of corresponding dendrimers 13 and 14 (~118 and 123 • C, respectively). This indicates that methylation of nitrogen in the central linker affects their molecular morphology and somewhat loosens their solid stacking. Based on the powder-XRD data of dendrimers 13 and 14, their ratios of V m /V cell were also calculated. The V m /V cell ratio of 13 was~0.92, similar to that of 10 (~0.92) and the V m /V cell ratio of 14 was~0.80, which is smaller to that of 12 (~0.87).     (13) and (14).
The solid-to-iso transition temperatures of dendrimers 10 and 12 on heating are ~132 and ~147 °C, respectively, which are higher than those of corresponding dendrimers 13 and 14 (~118 and 123 °C, respectively). This indicates that methylation of nitrogen in the central linker affects their molecular morphology and somewhat loosens their solid stacking. Based on the powder-XRD data of dendrimers 13 and 14, their ratios of Vm/Vcell were also calculated. The Vm/Vcell ratio of 13 was ~0.92, similar to that of 10 (~0.92) and the Vm/Vcell ratio of 14 was ~0.80, which is smaller to that of 12 (~0.87).
Although methylation of nitrogens in the central linker of dendrimers converts nonmesogenic 10 and 12 to become mesogenic 13 and 14, respectively, the isomeric effect seems to not be significant in reducing intermolecular face-to-face π-π interactions, allowing dendrimers 13 and 14 to be looser in the solid stacking than dendrimers 10 and 12. Based on the optimal conformation of 13 [64], it was discovered that four intramolecular H-bond interactions arise between Na (a = 7, 8,9,10) and H (at Cb ; b = 1, 4, 5, 6), respectively, as shown in Figure 9. Accordingly, only two intramolecular H-bond interactions arise between Na (a = 5, 6) and H (at Cb; b = 1, 4,) in dendrimer 10. Therefore, dendrimer 13 that mostly exists in the form of 13-I should be more rigid and is less distorted than dendrimer 10, and therefore the void space inside the solid stacking of 10 should be larger than that inside the dendritic framework of 13-I. However, because of the isomeric effect, the face-to-face π-π interactions between dendritic molecules of 13 is reduced and therefore its dendritic framework is fluffier. As a result, dendrimers 10 and 13 have almost the same Vm/Vcell ratio (~0.92) on the basis of balancing the two conflicting factors. When the central linker is shortened, congestion from dendritic halves of 12 is more vigorous and the distortion allows dendrimer 12 to become more porous. Therefore, the Vm/Vcell ratio of 12 (~0.87) is larger than that of 14 (~0.80).  (13) and (14).
Although methylation of nitrogens in the central linker of dendrimers converts nonmesogenic 10 and 12 to become mesogenic 13 and 14, respectively, the isomeric effect seems to not be significant in reducing intermolecular face-to-face π-π interactions, allowing dendrimers 13 and 14 to be looser in the solid stacking than dendrimers 10 and 12. Based on the optimal conformation of 13 [64], it was discovered that four intramolecular H-bond interactions arise between N a (a = 7, 8,9,10) and H (at C b ; b = 1, 4, 5, 6), respectively, as shown in Figure 9. Accordingly, only two intramolecular H-bond interactions arise between N a (a = 5, 6) and H (at C b ; b = 1, 4,) in dendrimer 10. Therefore, dendrimer 13 that mostly exists in the form of 13-I should be more rigid and is less distorted than dendrimer 10, and therefore the void space inside the solid stacking of 10 should be larger than that inside the dendritic framework of 13-I. However, because of the isomeric effect, the face-to-face π-π interactions between dendritic molecules of 13 is reduced and therefore its dendritic framework is fluffier. As a result, dendrimers 10 and 13 have almost the same V m /V cell ratio (~0.92) on the basis of balancing the two conflicting factors. When the central linker is shortened, congestion from dendritic halves of 12 is more vigorous and the distortion allows dendrimer 12 to become more porous. Therefore, the V m /V cell ratio of 12 (~0.87) is larger than that of 14 (~0.80). The central linkers in triazine-based dendrimers significantly influence their morphology and consequently affect the formation of the mesophase during the thermal process. Instead of N-alkylation of an even-number carbon central linker, this strategy was also undertaken to an odd-number carbon central linker. As dendrimer 11 has already been observed to exhibit a columnar phase on thermal treatment, a strong CN polar group was incorporated in the central linker to investigate its influence on the mesogenic behavior. Dendrimers 15 and 16 were therefore further prepared for studying their LC properties ( Figure 10) [65]. Dendrimer 15 exhibited a columnar phase between ~102 and ~118 °C on heating and between ~115 and ~82 °C on cooling. Dendrimer 16 showed a columnar phase from ~88 to ~144 °C on heating and from ~138 to ~68 °C on cooling. Compared with The central linkers in triazine-based dendrimers significantly influence their morphology and consequently affect the formation of the mesophase during the thermal process. Instead of N-alkylation of an even-number carbon central linker, this strategy was also undertaken to an odd-number carbon central linker. As dendrimer 11 has already been observed to exhibit a columnar phase on thermal treatment, a strong CN polar group was incorporated in the central linker to investigate its influence on the mesogenic behavior.
Dendrimers 15 and 16 were therefore further prepared for studying their LC properties ( Figure 10) [65]. Dendrimer 15 exhibited a columnar phase between~102 and~118 • C on heating and between~115 and~82 • C on cooling. Dendrimer 16 showed a columnar phase from~88 to~144 • C on heating and from~138 to~68 • C on cooling. Compared with the DSC behaviors of 11, the solid-to-iso transition temperature of 15 (~118 • C) was lower than that of 11 (~144 • C) on heating, indicating that the alkylation on N in the central linker increased the steric congestion of triazine-based dendrimer and somewhat loosened their solid stacking as shown in the study of dendrimers 10, 12, 13 and 14. The solid-to-iso transition temperature of 16 (~144 • C) was similar to that of 11 (~144 • C), and the mesogenic range of 16 on cooling (from~138 to~68 • C) was broader than that of 11 (from~115 tõ 81 • C). The CN group in the central linker not only lowered the solidifying temperature but also raised the isotropic-phase-to-columnar-mesophase (iso-to-col) transition temperature on cooling. In principle, the steric congestion from benzyl moiety in the central linker of dendrimers 15 should not differ from and 4-cyanobenzyl moiety in 16, but their mesogenic behaviors on thermal treatment are significantly different. The strong polarity of the CN group strengthens intermolecular interactions between face-to-face dendritic molecules. For further understanding, the V m /V cell ratios of 15 and 16 were estimated on the basis of their powder-XRD data as~0.80 and~0.98, respectively. The V m /V cell ratio of dendrimer 16 was larger than that of 11 (~0.95), but that of dendrimer 15 was smaller, indicating that the loose order of their stacking is 16 > 11 > 15. As dendrimers 11, 15, and 16 all show a columnar phase in the mesogenic range, the face-to-face distances between two dendritic molecules (d slice ) for 11, 15, and 16 can be obtained from the powder-XRD data in a similar manner and are calculated to be 13.14, 13.28, and 13.68 Å, respectively. The V m /V cell ratios and d slice distances show that the strong polarity of CN group significantly increased the face-to-face distance between dendritic molecules within columns. This reasonably explains that the col-to-solid transition temperature on cooling of 16 is lower than those of 11 and 15. However, as indicated previously, the solid-to-iso transition temperature of 16 (~144 • C) is similar to that of 11 (~144 • C) on heating, which can also be ascribed to the strong polarity of the CN group. During the heating process, the strong intermolecular polar-to-polar interactions within columns led dendrimer 16 to have the same solid-to-iso transition temperature as 11, although the stacking of 16 was looser. Neither dendrimer 11 nor 15 contains any functional group in the central linker, but the d slice distance of 15 within columns is 13.28 Å, only slightly larger than that of 11 (13.14 Å). The more void space between dendritic molecules of 15 is occupied by the benzyl group, which results in the lower V m /V cell ratio of 15 (0.80) versus that of 11 (0.95). Since the d slice distances of 11 and 15 do not differ from each other, the mesophase ranges of both dendrimer are also similar to each other.

Formation of LC Dendrimers by Intermolecular π-π Interaction
In addition to manipulating the morphology of dendritic molecules to form their LC Figure 10. Structures of dendrimers (15) and (16).

Formation of LC Dendrimers by Intermolecular π-π Interaction
In addition to manipulating the morphology of dendritic molecules to form their LC phase, mixing extra components to non-liquid-crystalline (non-LC) triazine-based dendrimers can lead to the mesophase formation. Dendrimers 17 and 18 were reported to be non-LC on thermal treatment ( Figure 11) [55]. Compound 17 became isotropic at~66 • C on heating but no transition was observed on cooling. Compound 18 became isotropic at 57 • C on heating and crystallized at~32 • C on cooling. After mixing with 1:1 molar ratio of trinitrofluorenone (TNF), the mixture of 17-TNF showed a columnar phase betweeñ 56 and~78 • C on heating but still no transition was observed on cooling. The mixture of 18-TNF exhibited a columnar phase from~51 to~102 • C on heating and from~97 • C to room temperature on cooling [55]. It is believed that TNF forms a complex mixture with 17 or 18 through the face-to-face π-π interactions, thereby adjusting the distance between dendritic molecules and showing LC phases on thermal treatment.

Formation of LC Dendrimers by Intermolecular π-π Interaction
In addition to manipulating the morphology of dendritic molecules to form their LC phase, mixing extra components to non-liquid-crystalline (non-LC) triazine-based dendrimers can lead to the mesophase formation. Dendrimers 17 and 18 were reported to be non-LC on thermal treatment ( Figure 11) [55]. Compound 17 became isotropic at ~66 °C on heating but no transition was observed on cooling. Compound 18 became isotropic at ~57 °C on heating and crystallized at ~32 °C on cooling. After mixing with 1:1 molar ratio of trinitrofluorenone (TNF), the mixture of 17-TNF showed a columnar phase between ~56 and ~78 °C on heating but still no transition was observed on cooling. The mixture of 18-TNF exhibited a columnar phase from ~51 to ~102 °C on heating and from ~97 °C to room temperature on cooling [55]. It is believed that TNF forms a complex mixture with 17 or 18 through the face-to-face π-π interactions, thereby adjusting the distance between dendritic molecules and showing LC phases on thermal treatment.

Formation of LC Dendrimers by Intermolecular H-Bond Interaction
Apart from the face-to-face π-π interactions, the LC dendritic mixtures can also be formed by the intermolecular H-bond interaction. Mixing 2,4-diamino-6-dodecyl-1,3,4-triazine with carboxylic acid-containing dendron in a 1:3 ratio generates H-bonded dendrimers 19 and 20, as shown in Figure 12 [66]. The acid-containing dendrons 21 and 22 did not exhibit any mesophase on thermal treatment. Compound 21 showed only a glassphase-to-isotropic-phase (glass-to-iso) transition temperature at~52 • C on heating, and compound 22 showed a glass-to-iso transition temperature at~46 • C on heating. Instead of a columnar phase, dendrimer 19 exhibited a nematic phase between~4 and~35 • C on heating, and dendrimer 20 was observed to exhibit a SmA phase from~43 and~70 • C on heating. Neither dendrimers nor dendrons were reported to show any mesophase on cooling. A carbazole unit was incorporated in dendrimers and dendrons for studying their photoconductivities, but the performances of dendrons 21 and 22 were slightly better than those of dendrimers 19 and 20, respectively. compound 22 showed a glass-to-iso transition temperature at ~46 °C on heating. Instead of a columnar phase, dendrimer 19 exhibited a nematic phase between ~4 and ~35 °C on heating, and dendrimer 20 was observed to exhibit a SmA phase from ~43 and ~70 °C on heating. Neither dendrimers nor dendrons were reported to show any mesophase on cooling. A carbazole unit was incorporated in dendrimers and dendrons for studying their photoconductivities, but the performances of dendrons 21 and 22 were slightly better than those of dendrimers 19 and 20, respectively.  (19) and (20) and and dendrons (21) and (22).

Possible Applications
As shown in the literature, the triazine-based LC dendrimers are thermally stable and nearly transparent beyond 280 nm in the UV/Vis range [54]. Moreover, these dendrimers are electrochemically stable in solution and can survive in acidic media for a period of time [52]. These characteristics are important and are often required for opto-and electroapplications. In addition, LC dendrimers often have a high molecular weight, exhibiting columnar phases on thermal treatment and thus exhibiting good self-assembling ability in a long-range domain. In solvating guest materials, such as carbon nanotubes and nanosize catalysts, the LC dendrimers can lead the physical properties of guest molecules to be significantly displayed [28][29][30][31][32][33][34]. As shown in the introduction, dendrimers have been shown to be useful in the fields of catalysis [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] and light harvesting [17][18][19][20][21][22]. With the Figure 12. Structures of dendrimers (19) and (20) and and dendrons (21) and (22).

Possible Applications
As shown in the literature, the triazine-based LC dendrimers are thermally stable and nearly transparent beyond 280 nm in the UV/Vis range [54]. Moreover, these dendrimers are electrochemically stable in solution and can survive in acidic media for a period of time [52]. These characteristics are important and are often required for opto-and electroapplications. In addition, LC dendrimers often have a high molecular weight, exhibiting columnar phases on thermal treatment and thus exhibiting good self-assembling ability in a long-range domain. In solvating guest materials, such as carbon nanotubes and nanosize catalysts, the LC dendrimers can lead the physical properties of guest molecules to be significantly displayed [28][29][30][31][32][33][34]. As shown in the introduction, dendrimers have been shown to be useful in the fields of catalysis [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] and light harvesting [17][18][19][20][21][22]. With the assistance of LC dendrimers, the guest molecules should be more regularly arranged, thus exhibiting their physical characteristics significantly.

Conclusions and Prospect
Three approaches have been described to prepare triazine-based dendrimers with mesogenic phase on thermal treatment. The first is to properly incorporate mesogenic units onto triazine and piperazine framework in a straightforward manner by molecular design.
The second approach is to mix components to form LC dendritic mixtures by adjusting intermolecular face-to-face π-π interactions, which is valuable for 1,3,5-triaminos-triazine-based LC dendrimers. The mixing approach allows versatile preparation of 1,3,5-triamino-s-triazine-based dendrimers, which were observed to form strong π-π interactions with tetrafluorbenzoquinone (TFB) in CH 2 Cl 2, and the red shift of absorbance from the dendrimer-TFB complexes in the UV-Vis spectra can be up to~180 nm [67].
Intermolecular H-bond interactions can also be applied to prepare 1,3,5-triamino-striazine-based dendrimers with the columnar phase. Figure 13 shows an example of a central core with a C 2 symmetry that can be efficiently prepared according to the litera-tures [62][63][64][65][66][67]. Incorporating special functional groups at the periphery of dendrons can give desired physical properties to the LC triazine-based dendritic mixtures. Although the photoconductivity of the resulting dendrimers from the mixtures of 2,4-diamino-6dodecyl-1,3,4-triazine and the corresponding dendrons is not better than those of dendrons alone, this property may be improved if columnar phases are formed on the thermal treatment of the dendritic mixtures since these columnar mesogens show better long-range self-assembling ability. Compound 23 may be likely to form columnar mesophases when treated with proper acid-containing dendrons.
triazine-based LC dendrimers. The mixing approach allows versatile preparation of 1,3,5triamino-s-triazine-based dendrimers, which were observed to form strong π-π interactions with tetrafluorbenzoquinone (TFB) in CH2Cl2, and the red shift of absorbance from the dendrimer-TFB complexes in the UV-Vis spectra can be up to ~180 nm [67].
Intermolecular H-bond interactions can also be applied to prepare 1,3,5-triamino-striazine-based dendrimers with the columnar phase. Figure 13 shows an example of a central core with a C2 symmetry that can be efficiently prepared according to the literatures [62][63][64][65][66][67]. Incorporating special functional groups at the periphery of dendrons can give desired physical properties to the LC triazine-based dendritic mixtures. Although the photoconductivity of the resulting dendrimers from the mixtures of 2,4-diamino-6-dodecyl-1,3,4-triazine and the corresponding dendrons is not better than those of dendrons alone, this property may be improved if columnar phases are formed on the thermal treatment of the dendritic mixtures since these columnar mesogens show better long-range self-assembling ability. Compound 23 may be likely to form columnar mesophases when treated with proper acid-containing dendrons.

Data Availability Statement:
The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

Conflicts of Interest:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement:
The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

Conflicts of Interest:
The authors declare no conflict of interest.