| abstract |
Disclosed is an optically active compound represented by the formula:n wherein R 1 and R 2 are alkyl, alkenyl or alkoxyalkyl, which may be substituted by halogen, X and U are a direct bond, -0-, -COO- or -OCO-, Y and Z are a direct bond, -COO-, -OCO-, -CH 2 0- or -OCH 2 -, A 1 and A 2 are phenylene, cyclohexylene or a phenylene-or cyclohexylene-containing group, p and q are 0 or 1, C* is an asymmetric carbon atom, with the proviso that when Z is a direct bond, q is 0, R 2 is alkyl, Y is a direct bond, -OCO- or -OCH 2 -. The optically active compound is used as a ferroelectric liquid crystal or an additive to a ferroelectric or non-ferroelectric liquid crystal. |