The dependence of mesomorphism of 1,3-diketonate V-oxo (vanadyl) complexes on the no. of side chains was studied. These complexes have a large dipole normal to the disk plane and are under study in an effort to generate discotic phases with polar order. Relatively complex phase behavior is obsd. when the vanadyl 1,3-diketonate complexes are appended with 4 chains. These complexities are most likely related to the order/disorder assocd. chains were prepd. by replacement of 2 of the Ph groups with Me or trifluoromethyl groups, and these complexes displayed only crystal phases. Complexes with 2 trialkyloxy phenyls and 2 dialkyloxy phenyls were synthesized and found to display a very stable Dhd phase. The presence of addnl. alkyloxy groups was found also to promote a linear chain structure, (i.e.-V=O–V=O–), in the crystal phase. [on SciFinder(R)]