PURPOSE: To obtain a liquid crystal element which has a wide working temperature range, a high switching speed, and a switching threashold voltage in a proper range, needs very small power and gives a large contrast by using a liquid crystal composition containing a particular carboxylic acid ester compound.
CONSTITUTION: In a liquid crystal element in which a liquid crystal substance is packed in the clearance of a cell formed between two facing base plates, a liquid crystal composition containing at least one carboxylic acid ester compound represented by formula I is used as the liquid crystal substance. In the formula I, R is a 3-20 C alkyl group, a 3-20 C alkoxy group or a 3-20 C halogenated alkyl group; X and Y are each independently -COO-, -OCO- or a single bond; A and B are each independently a group of formula II, III or IV or a single bond; R* is a 4-20 C optically active group having at least one asymmetric carbon atom; and m and n are each independently an integer of 0-2 (not both of m and n are zero at the same time).
HAMA HIDEO
MIYAKOSHI TERUICHI
YAMANAKA TORU
