2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-Octakis(.beta.-hydroxyethyl)porphyrin (octaethanolporphyrin) and its liquid crystalline derivatives: synthesis and characterization

A synthesis is reported of 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octakis({beta}-hydroxyethyl)porphyrin (octaethanolporphyrin) and a series of its octaalky ether derivatives. A number of the octakis(alkoxyethyl)porphyrins exhibit a discotic liquid crystalline phase, and all exhibit an isotropic liquid phase. These materials can be prepared as ordered thin films for testing as large-area organic semiconductor devices.