| abstract |
Provided is a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of the following properties or having an appropriate balance between at least two of the following properties, the properties being a high upper limit temperature of the nematic phase, a low lower limit temperature of the nematic phase, low viscosity, appropriate optical anisotropy, large negative dielectric anisotropy, large specific resistance, high stability with respect to ultraviolet rays, and high stability with respect to heat. Also provided is an AM element exhibiting properties such as short response time, large voltage retention rate, low threshold voltage, large contrast ratio, and long life. This liquid crystal composition exhibits large negative dielectric anisotropy, has a nematic phase, and contains a compound which contributes to the high stability with respect to heat or ultraviolet rays. Said composition contains, as a first component, a specific compound exhibiting large negative dielectric anisotropy, and may contain, as a second component, a specific compound having a high upper limit temperature or low viscosity, and, as a third component, a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy. |