The synthesis and thermotropic behaviour of an ethyl cellulose derivative containing azobenzene-based mesogenic moieties

An ethyl cellulose derivative containing azobenzene-based mesogenic moieties was prepared by the reaction of 4-methoxyazobenzene-4′-oxyacetic acid and ethyl cellulose by esterification in the presence of N,N′-dicylcohexylcarbodiimide and 4-dimethylaminopyridine. Its chemical structure and liquid crystalline properties were characterized by FTIR, ¹H NMR, POM, DSC and WAXD. The degree of substitution of the cellulose backbone by the azobenzene-based mesogenic moieties is 0.9. The polymer is thermotropic and exhibits liquid crystalline behaviour over the temperature range 125-172°C.