A series of new dimesogenic compounds whose mesogens are of aromatic ester or amide type having a trifluoromethyl $(CF_3)$ substituent at the para-position of each terminal phenolic rings were prepared and their liquid crystalline properties were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and on a cross-polarizing microscope. The compounds have two identical mesogenic units bracketing a central decamethylene spacer. Trifluoromethyl group appears to favor the formation of smectic phases when it is attached to a phenoxy or anilide terminal. Its group efficiency for mesophase formation seems to be inferior to other common substituents. A thermodynamic analysis of the phase transitions was made and the results were explained in relation to the structures of the compounds.