Liquid-crystalline polymers containing heterocycloalkanediyl groups as mesogens, 6. Liquid-crystalline poly[trans-11-{4-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-dioxan-2-yl]-2,6-dimethylphenoxy}undecyl methacrylate] and poly[trans-11-{4-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-dioxan-2-yl]-2,6-dimethylphenoxy}undecyl acrylate]

The synthesis and characterization of poly[trans-11-{4-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-dioxan-2-yl]-2,6-dimethylphenoxy}undecyl methacrylate] and poly[trans-11-{4-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-dioxan-2-yl]-2,6-dimethylphenoxy}undecyl acrylate] is presented. Both polymers exhibit nematic mesophases and do not present side-chain crystallization. At temperatures higher than 160°C the 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl groups undergo a thermally induced trans-cis isomerization. A radical mechanism is proposed for this isomerization.