Phasing up to matters: Hexagonal columnar mesophases have been formed by polysilacage compounds based on 1‐alkyl‐2,3,5,6,7,8‐hexasilabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes that contain neither aromatic rings nor long alkyl chains. These mesophases have been characterized by polarizing optical photomicroscopy (see picture), differential scanning calorimetry, and diffraction studies.

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New liquid-crystalline poly(aminourethane)s (LCPU(T)) were synthesized by the polyaddition of a mesogenic diol and tolylene-2,4-diisocyanate. The mesogenic diol, containing an azobenzene group, formed a monotropic nematic phase in the narrow temperature region. LCPU(T) clearly exhibited a nematic phase on the heating and cooling processes. The fiber and film of LCPU(T) bended through trans–cis isomerization upon UV irradiation at room temperature. LCPU(T) formed a liquid-crystalline polymer–metal complex exhibiting a smectic A phase.

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