Comparative study of planar motion in monomeric and dimeric discotics

Deuterium NMR spectra are reported in powder samples of discotic monomer and dimer as a function of temperature in their column Col(ho) phases. To simulate the observed powder patterns, a threefold jump model is used in the monomer, while in the related dimer the libration motion of the monomeric core is described using the infinitesimal jump method under a restricting potential due to the spacer. By comparing the diffusive rates for the two samples, it is concluded that the planar motion in the dimer is at least 30 times smaller than that of the monomer. This could lead to an enhancement of charge and energy transport in discotic dimer systems.