Para-Azoxyanisole Explained

para-Azoxyanisole (PAA) is an organic, aromatic compound. Its chemical formula is C₁₄H₁₄N₂O₃. In a solid state, it appears as a white powder, but when heated it forms a liquid crystal. As one of the first known and most readily prepared liquid crystals,^[1] PAA has played an important role in the development of liquid crystal displays.^[2]

Its liquid crystal range is from 118 °C to 136 °C. The solid to nematic transition is at 118 °C and the nematic to isotropic liquid transition at 136 °C.^[1]

Notes and References

1. Phase Transitions of Liquid Crystal PAA in Confined Geometries. Shao, Y. . Zerda, T. W. . Journal of Physical Chemistry B. 1998. 102. 18. 3387–3394. 10.1021/jp9734437.
2. Liquid Gold: The Story of Liquid Crystal Displays and the Creation of an Industry, Joseph A. Castellano,