4′-Alkylseleno-4-cyanobiphenyls, nSeCB: synthesis and substituent effects on the phase-transition and liquid crystalline behaviors

A homologous series of 4′-alkylseleno-4-cyanobiphenyls ( n SeCB) was synthesized and their phase-transition behaviors were investigated and compared with those of the alkyl, alkoxy, and alkylthio homologs.