PURPOSE: To obtain a new ester derivative effective in developing an optical switching element or a liquid crystal display element material.
CONSTITUTION: This ester derivative of formula I [R1 is a 1-20C alkyl or a 2-20C alkoxyalkyl: R2 is a 1-15C alkyl, a 2-15C alkoxyalkyl (which can be substituted with a halogen), H or F; X is COO or OCO; E is CH=CH or CE C; Z is H or F; A1 and A2 are each formula II, III, IV or V [(1) and (j) are each 0-3], etc.; (n) is 0-8; (m), (r), (s) and (t) are each 0 or l], e.g. optically active 4-decyloxyphenyl (+)-4-(6-acetyloxy-1-trans-heptenyl) phenylcarboxylate. The compound of formula I, e.g. a compound of formula I (X is especially OCO) is obtained by reacting phenols of formula VI with carboxylic acids of formula VII (R5 is OH or a halogen). The compound of formula I is useful as a liquid crystal, especially a component of a ferroelectric liquid crystal compound and/or a ferroelectric liquid crystal composition and can industrially and advantageously be produced.
MATSUMOTO TSUTOMU
MINAMII MASAYOSHI
