Dye wastes represent one of the most problematic groups of pollutants because they can be easily identified by the human eye and are not easily biodegradable. This literature review paper highlights and provides an overview of dye waste treatments performed over the three years period from 2008–2010. Noteworthy processes for the treatment of dye waste include biological treatment, catalytic oxidation, filtration, sorption process and combination treatments.

A series of new calamitic liquid crystals, 4-{[(pyridin-4-yl)methylidene]amino}phenyl 4-alkoxybenzoates comprising a heterocyclic (pyridine) and two phenyl rings core system, terminal alkoxy chain, imine and ester linkers were synthesised and characterised. This series consists of nine members wherein the members differ by the length of alkoxy chain (C_nH_2n+1O–, where n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18). Spectral analysis results were in accordance with the expected structure. Their thermotropic behaviours were studied by using differential scanning calorimetry, optical polarising microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction techniques. A single mesophase (nematic) was observed for the first three members of the series (n = 2, 4 and 6). As the alkoxy chain increased to n = 8 and n = 10, the nematic phase appeared together with an additional smectic A (SmA) phase. When moving from n = 12 until the highest members (n = 18), the nematic phase disappeared and these compounds only exhibited a single mesophase (SmA).

Two homologous series of 2-(4-alkanoyloxybenzylidenamino)benzothiazoles and 2-(2-hydroxy-4-alkanoyloxybenzylidenamino)benzothiazoles were synthesised and characterised. Their molecular structures differed wherein the latter comprised a lateral hydroxyl group, unlike the former. Spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, ¹H & ¹³C NMR and mass spectrometry together with elemental analysis were employed to elucidate the molecular structures. The transition temperatures and their mesophases were determined by differential scanning calorimetry, optical polarising microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Members with decanoyloxy till hexadecanoloxy chain in the series without the lateral hydroxyl group each exhibited a smectic A phase, while those in the series with the lateral hydroxyl group were non-mesogenic. The mesomorphic properties of the present series were compared with other structurally related series to establish the chemical structure–mesomorphic properties relationship.

A series of new rod-shaped mesomorphic compounds, 6-ethoxy-2-(4-alkanoyloxybenzylidenamino)benzothiazoles, consisting of a 2,6-disubstituted benzothiazole core and a Schiff base central linkage, were synthesized and their structures were ascertained via elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques. Their mesomorphic properties were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. All compounds showed enantiotropic mesomorphism. Whilst the lower members of the series, hexanoyloxy and octanoyloxy derivatives exhibited nematic phase, the higher members (decanoyloxy, dodecanoyloxy, tetradecanoyloxy, hexadecanoyloxy and octadecanoyloxy derivatives) exhibited nematic and smectic C phases.

A series of new chalcone derivatives with a general formula of C₁₁H₂₇COOC₆H₄COCH=CHC₆H₄X where X=F, Cl, Br, and NO₂ were well synthesized and crystallized from organic solution. The physical properties as well as the chemical formulations of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, and ¹H and ¹³C NMR). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM) techniques were employed to study their transition temperatures and mesophase characteristics. DSC thermograms of compounds with fluoro and nitro substituents displayed direct isotropization and recrystallization during heating and cooling processes. Chloro and bromo analogues exhibited Cr₁‐to‐Cr₂ transition within the crystal phase region. It was also found that enone linkage showed fewer tendencies to exhibit mesomorphic property compared to imine linkage. However, when enone linkage is combined with other central linkages and additional phenyl rings, it turns conducive to mesomorphism.

Two new compounds, 4-alkanoyloxybenzylidene-4′-fluoroaniline and 4-fluorobenzylidene-4′-n-alkanoyloxyaniline comprising a terminal fluorosubstituent were studied. The fluoro substituent contributes to the molecular polarizability, thus affecting intermolecular interactions and hence resulting in smectic mesomorphism. The mesomorphic properties were studied using differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical microscopy techniques. The mesomorphic properties of compounds studied are strongly dependent on the orientation of the imine (CH=N) linkage. The former Schiff base exhibited smectic A phase whereas the latter compound did not display any mesophase. Reversed imine linkage has caused depression of mesomorphic property in the compound studied (4-fluorobenzylidene-4′-n-alkanoyloxyaniline). The mesomorphic properties of the present compounds were compared with other structurally related series to establish the chemical structure-mesomorphic property relationship.