A new class of nematic liq. crystals with triptycenes built into a p-dialkoxybis(phenylethynyl)benzene mesomorphic core were prepd. Triptycenes are appended on the center or terminal ring of the mesogen, leading to sym. liq. crystals and reduced symmetry liq. crystals, resp. Both types displayed monotropic behavior, with the asym. compds. having unusual phase behavior, lacking distinct crystn. transitions, and forming a glassy mesophase. A chiral analog is nonmesomorphic, but induced chiral nematic phases when doped into achiral triptycene-contg. analogs. Rotation is phys. hindered normal to the director and, hence, this new liq. crystal architecture may allow for the synthesis of a single component liq. crystal that displays a biaxial nematic phase. [on SciFinder(R)]