NEW MATERIAL:An optically active compound having omega-substitued fatty acid ester skeleton expressed by formula I (rings A and B are formula V, VI, VII etc; X is H, halogen or cyano; R is 1W20C alkyl, alkoxyl or H; R* is 4W20C optically active alkyl; n is 1W5).
EXAMPLE: 1-Methylheptyl (R)-4-octyloxy-4'-biphenyloxyacetate.
USE: Useful as a component in liquid crystal compositions capable of exhibiting characteristics of high spontaneous polarization value (Ps), low viscosity as well as high rate of response and also as a reverse domain formation inhibitor and pitch regulator for chiral nematic liquid crystal compositions.
PREPARATION: An ω-bromoalkanoyl chloride expresed by formula II is reacted and esterified with an optically active alcohol to provided a compound expressed by formula III, which is then reacted with phenols, corresponding to the aimed substance and expressed by formula IV to afford the aimed compound expressed by formula I.
INUKAI TAKASHI
INOUE HIROMICHI
SAITO SHINICHI
ONO KOJI
