| abstract |
An optically active compound represented by the formula (I): <IMAGE> (I) wherein R is a straight or branched chain alkyl or alkoxy group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, <IMAGE> is a 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene group, <IMAGE> is a 1,4-phenylene or 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, X is a mono-, di- or tri-fluoromethyl group, W is a straight or branched chain or cyclic alkylene group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms or a straight or branched chain alkenylene group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, Y is a bond or -COO-, and Z is a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, a phenyl group or a hydrogen atom, which is useful as a component of ferroelectric liquid crystal compositions or as a device utilizing said composition. |