The synthesis of a number of 1,1′-disubstituted ferrocene-containing compounds is described; the structures of the compounds containing the ferrocene unit are related to those of mesogenic systems containing a 1,4-disubstituted benzene ring or atrans-1,4-cyclohexyl ring. Direct comparisons are made between the aryl-, cyclohexyl- and ferrocene-containing compounds in order to assess the effect on transition temperatures of replacing a benzene or cyclohexyl ring with a ferrocene unit. In comparison with conventional ring systems the ferrocene unit causes substantial reductions in clearing temperatures.