The diffraction pattern of the PPPTP crystal (left) shows scattering from both the lateral intermolecular spacing between PPPTP molecules (on the equator) and the repeat distance normal to the strata (4.5 nm; meridional scattering). This diffraction pattern defines the "supramolecular" structure in the PPPTP crystal shown schematically below.

By following the X-ray scattering from PPPTP crystals as a function of temperature, we can follow the changes in the mesogen packing, from crystal to the smectic-A phase, as well as the packing in the nematic phase of PPPTP. Below we illustrate the evolution of the temperature dependence of diffraction pattern as PPPTP evolves from crystal -> smectic-A -> nematic -> isotropic.

And lastly we show schematic arrangements of this "hockey-stick"-shaped mesogen in its various phases. Herein we have shown that we can ascertain with a high degree of precision the nature of the supramolecular arrangements of a liquid crystal molecule in a variety of phases and via such studies we can quantitatively understand the relationship between molecular structure and propensity for liquid crystal formation.