| abstract |
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): n n n n n n n n n n wherein R 1 and R 2 are each independently selected from the group: H, F, Cl and CH 3 ; n1 and n2 are each independently integers 3 to 20; q and r are each independently integers 0, 1 or 2, with the proviso that q+r is ≧1; D is a divalent chiral radical selected from the group: n n n n n n n n n n wherein R 3 is a C1 to C6 straight or branched chain alkyl group; and each B 1 and B 2 is a divalent radical independently selected from the group: R 4 -substituted-1,4-phenyl, wherein R 4 is H, —CH 3 or —OCH 3 ; 2,6-naphthyl; and 4,4′-biphenyl; with the provisos that when q+r=3, at least one of B 1 and B 2 is R 4 -substituted-1,4-phenyl; and when q+r=4, at least two of B 1 and B 2 are R 4 -substituted-1,4-phenyl. The invention further relates to liquid crystal compositions comprising compounds of formula (I) and polymer networks derived from the polymerization of the liquid crystal compositions. |