TCI M3140 trans,trans-4-Methoxy-4'-propyl-1,1'-bicyclohexyl is a liquid crystal material built on a bicyclohexyl skeleton, developed for electronic display research. The compound belongs to the bicyclohexane family, carrying a methoxy substituent at one terminus and a propyl chain at the other — a molecular architecture that produces the rigid rod-like shape characteristic of mesogens. In the laboratory, materials of this type serve as building blocks for nematic liquid crystal mixtures whose electro-optical behaviour is studied, measured, and optimised before being applied to display panels and other photonic devices that rely on the modulation of polarised light.
The characteristic that makes this material a preferred choice is the trans,trans configuration across both cyclohexane rings, which keeps the molecular geometry straight and well aligned and therefore supports the formation of a stable nematic phase. The fully saturated bicyclohexyl framework delivers low birefringence together with better resistance to ultraviolet light and heat than aromatic biphenyl-based mesogens. These properties are highly valued in mixtures that demand long service life and high electrical resistivity. The terminal methoxy group contributes polarity to the molecule, while the propyl chain provides the flexibility needed to tune phase behaviour within a formulation.
In Indonesian laboratories, materials of this class are handled mainly in university materials science groups, physics and chemistry departments, and research institutes working on display and photonic technology. They are typically used at small scale for preparing model nematic mixtures, characterising phase transitions, and running comparative electro-optical measurements. Work is normally carried out on an optical bench or in a sample preparation area, with the material weighed out in small portions and the remainder returned to controlled storage between experiments.
- Nematic mixture formulation — the rod-like bicyclohexyl mesogen acts as a base component whose proportion can be varied to adjust the phase range and overall electro-optical response of a research mixture.
- Birefringence studies — the saturated, non-aromatic core gives intrinsically low optical anisotropy, making this compound useful when researchers need to shift a mixture's refractive index difference toward lower values.
- Phase transition characterisation — the well-defined trans,trans geometry produces reproducible mesophase behaviour, allowing thermal and optical techniques to resolve transitions clearly in comparative studies.
- Display cell prototyping — mixtures containing this material can be filled into test cells so that switching behaviour, alignment quality, and response under applied voltage are evaluated before device-level work.
- Photostability and reliability testing — the absence of aromatic rings improves tolerance to ultraviolet exposure and heat, so this compound suits studies on mixture ageing and long-term electrical resistivity.
| Brand | TCI (Tokyo Chemical Industry) |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 97398-80-6 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Materials Science > Electronic Materials > Liquid Crystal (LC) Materials |
| Pack sizes | available in standard research-scale packs; please confirm the currently listed size before ordering |
| Physical form | — |
| Storage | keep in a cool, dry place in the tightly closed original container |
- Chemical name: trans,trans-4-Methoxy-4'-propyl-1,1'-bicyclohexyl
Store the material in its original tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and strong oxidising agents. Amber glass or the supplier's original packaging is suitable, since prolonged light exposure is best avoided for liquid crystal materials. Handle in a well-ventilated area or fume hood using gloves, safety glasses, and a laboratory coat, and avoid contact with skin and eyes as well as inhalation of any vapour. Weigh out only the quantity needed and reseal the container promptly to limit moisture uptake and contamination. Because optical measurements are sensitive to impurities, use clean, dry spatulas and glassware throughout. Consult the manufacturer's safety data sheet before first use and dispose of residues according to applicable laboratory chemical waste procedures.
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