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What are liquid crystals? Do any metal complexes show this property?
Ulex replies
Liquid crystals are a phase of matter whose order is intermediate between that of a liquid and that of a crystal. The molecules are typically rod-shaped and their ordering is a function of temperature.
There are metal complexes that act as liquid crystals. Thjey are typically complexes in which the ligands are organic with long hydrocarbon chains. Metal containing liquid crystals are of interest due to the range of interesting properties that result from the present of the metal atom. These properties can include magnetism, colour and special electric properties.
Risk assessment
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updated: 25 January 2006
