4′-Pentyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile, widely known as 5CB (CAS 40817-08-1), is a liquid crystal that shows a nematic phase at room temperature. Its molecule is a 1,1'-biphenyl core carrying a cyano group and a pentyl chain at the 4,4'-positions. It is supplied by Ossila as a white liquid with a purity above 98% by 1HNMR, making it a common choice for optical electronics work such as liquid-crystal displays (LCDs).
On heating, 5CB moves from the crystalline state to the nematic state at 22.5 °C and becomes isotropic at 35.0 °C; the literature mesomorphic range is 18.0 to 35.0 °C. In binary mixtures with 7CB, the differing chain lengths increase disorder, and the nematic-to-crystalline transition is not observed, indicating favorable synergism compared with pure 5CB.
Adding ZnO nanoparticles to 5CB has been reported to sharply lower both the threshold voltage and the driving voltage, which can help cut the power consumption of liquid crystal displays.
- Research and development of liquid-crystal displays and other optical electronic devices.
- Studies of reducing threshold and driving voltage in liquid crystal devices using ZnO nanoparticle additives.
- Investigation of phase behaviour and interaction parameters in cyanobiphenyl binary mixtures such as 5CB/7CB.
- Dielectric studies of carbon nanotube dispersions in liquid crystals.
- Spin coating studies of liquid crystal films and dewetting behaviour.
| Brand | Ossila |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 40817-08-1 |
| Molecular formula | C18H19N |
| Purity | >98% (1HNMR) |
| Category | — |
| Pack sizes | 10 g, 25 g, 50 g |
| Physical form | White liquid |
| Storage | — |
- Product code: M2361A1
- Molecular Weight: 249.36
- Synonyms: 5CB, 4-Cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl, 4-Pentyl-4-cyanobiphenyl
- Classification / Family: Biphenylcarbonitrile, Room Temperature Liquid Crystals
- Refractive Index: n20/D 1.532 (lit.)
- Mesomorphic Range: 18.0 to 35.0 °C (lit.)
- Density: 1.008 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
- Boiling Point: 215 °C/3.0 mmHg
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