This paper clarifies the relationship between the molecular structures of chiral nematic liquid crystals and the shift in their reflection spectrum resulting from contact with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We also propose a mechanism to explain the red‐ or blue‐shift in the peak wavelength upon contact with VOC vapor. Furthermore, enhancement of the sensitivity of this method of VOC detection is discussed.

We clarified the relationship between the molecular structures of chiral nematic liquid crystals and their reflection spectrum upon contact with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We also proposed a mechanism involving red-or blue-shift of peak wavelength of selective reflection upon contact with VOC gases.