| abstract |
Provided are a liquid crystal compound represented by the general formula (I) which is stable against heat, light, etc., shows a nematic phase in a wide temperature range, has a low viscosity, a high optical anisotropy and an appropriate elastic constant K33 (K33: bend elastic constant), and further has suitable negative dielectric anisotropy and excellent compatibility with another liquid crystalline compound; and a liquid crystal composition containing the compound. In the formula, R1 and R2 are hydrogen, alkyl or the like; the ring A1 is trans-1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene or the like; L1 to L4 are hydrogen or fluorine, with the proviso that at least three of them are fluorine; when the ring A1 is trans-1,4-cyclohexylene or the like, Z1 is a single bond, -(CH2)2- or the like; when the ring A1 is 1,4-phenylene, Z1 is -(CH2)2- or the like. |