Preliminary communication: The synthesis of new mesogenic 1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-carboxylate esters via a novel ring-closure 

Two new 5-substituted 1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-carboxylate esters have been synthesized via ring closure of appropriate tricarbonyl precursors using Lawesson's reagent. The chemistry described is the first report of such methodology in the organic literature. The new materials display broad smectic C phases and show considerable potential for use in electrooptic display devices.