| abstract |
α-hydroxyketone derivatives represented by the general formula (I) which are novel optically active compounds; liquid crystal compositions, such as chiral smectic or chiral nematic compositions, containing the derivatives; and liquid crystal devices using the compositions. General Formula (I)n wherein A and B are independently a radical represented by the general formula (II):n wherein R 2 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, which may contain -0- and may be substituted by a cyano group and/or a halogen atom,n are independently a single bond,n etc., X and Y are independently a single bond, or -CH 2 CH 2 -, etc., or an aliphatic hydrocarbon having 1 to 16 carbon atoms; R 1 is an alkyl group, a phenyl group, or a cyclohexyl group; n is 0 or 1; and the asterisk ( * ) indicates an asymmetric carbon atom. |