The complexation of iron(iii) chloride with 1,4,7-tris[3,4-bis(decyloxy)-benzyl]-1,4,7-triazacyclononane leads to a liquid crystalline product, which forms a second mesophase after thermal treatment at around 70 8C above the first clearing temperature. Polarizing microscopy, DSC, and UV observations reveal a transformation, which was further investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy. In different temperature ranges, various octahedral, binuclear iron(iii) complexes are present along with a monomeric species. In the presence of water and oxygen, the iron(iii) center participates in a redox equilibrium.