Synthesis and characterization of a novel isosorbide and biphenyl derived mesogenic monomer

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of a novel mesogenic monomer derived from isosorbide and biphenyl materials. This material exhibits smectic mesophases at high temperatures and shows a high thermal stability. These characteristics make this monomer an ideal candidate for polymerization to form high performance mesogenic polymers and potential applications as a biocompatible polymer due to its sugar based building block.