| abstract |
2-phenylpyridine derivatives having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein Y is ##STR2## and Z is a straight chain alkyl group having from 1 to 16 carbon atoms, ##STR3## R' is a straight chain alkyl group having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, R 2 is a straight chain alkyl group having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, n is an integer from 1 to 10 and * is an asymmetric carbon are provided. The derivatives are stable, have low viscosity, excellent electro-optical response properties and broaden the ferroelectric temperature range when added to ferroelectric liquid crystal compositions. |