Design of chiral dimesogens containing cholesteryl groups; formation of new molecular organizations and their application to molecular photonics

Photoresponsive liquid crystals and organogels are finding increasing application in information technology and photonics. In this tutorial review, the authors describe how weak intermolecular interactions facilitate molecular organization of cholesterol-containing dimesogens to form such materials. Design considerations and photoresponsive properties of both organogels and glassy liquid crystals are discussed and their applications to molecular photonics highlighted. The review will be of value to readers interested in the development of new materials which respond to the different properties of light.