  Novel liquid crystalline (LC) compositions are suggested and studied as
elements of LC-nose. This allows for optical detection of several volatile
organic compounds (VOCs). Ethanol, toluene, pyridine and acetic acid were
detected by means of colorimetric and spectroscopic techniques during their
diffusion inside chiral elements of LC-nose. Selectivity to different VOCs is
enhanced by means of components of liquid crystal matrix with different
viscosity, affinities to the solvents, and abilities to form hydrogen bonding.
