Design, synthesis, and characterization of 1,3,5-tri(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)benzene-based fluorescent supramolecular columnar liquid crystals with a broad mesomorphic range.

A new kind of supramolecular columnar liquid crystal T-A with a broad mesomorphic range (up to 164.9 °C), good thermal stability, and strong fluorescence is designed and formed by the H-bonding between 1,3,5-tri(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)benzene (T) and serial gallic acid derivatives (A). Two components are easily available because of simple routes, common reactions, high yields, commercial starting materials, and inexpensive catalysts. The introduction of the 1,2,3-triazole structure into component A makes the textures different and is slightly disadvantageous for the T-A complexes.