Liquid crystals containing ''open'' analogues of the mesomorphic amide 1,4,7-triazacyclononane, i.e., 3,4-bis(alkoxy)-benzoyl substituted diethylenetriamine, are reported, showing that the closed-ring structure of the central core is not essential for mesomorphism in these compounds. The Figure shows the pronounced pseudo-focal-conic texture observed under the polarizing microscope for the decyl derivative.