| abstract |
Disclosed is a liquid crystalline compound which is stable toward heat, light or the like, exhibits a nematic phase in a broad temperature range, has a small viscosity, large optical anisotropy and a proper coefficient of elasticity (K 33 ), and further has proper negative dielectric anisotropy and excellent compatibility with other liquid crystalline compounds. Also disclosed is a liquid crystal composition containing the liquid crystalline compound. Further disclosed is a liquid crystal display element comprising the liquid crystal composition.nSpecifically disclosed is a liquid crystalline compound represented by formula (a).nFor example, Ra and Rb independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms; ring A 1 and A 2 independently represent 1,4-phenylene or trans-1,4-cyclohexylene; L 1 , L 2 , L 3 and L 4 independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, wherein at least three of L 1 , L 2 , L 3 and L 4 represent a fluorine atom; and Z 1 and Z 2 independently represent a single bond, -(CH 2 ) 2 -, -CH=CH-, -CH 2 O- or -OCH 2 -. |