PURPOSE: To obtain a new compound hopeful of favorable molecular orientation because of developing phase transition from N* phase to SmA phase and SmCA* phase during temperature falling process, thus useful for liquid crystal elements, etc.
CONSTITUTION: This liquid crystal compound is expressed by formula I (R is a 1-20C alkyl; X is O, COO, etc.; A1 and A2 are each a cyclic group such as phenyl or biphenyl; Y is OCO, SCH2, etc.; Z is S, Se, etc.; Q is of formula II or III), e.g. [4-(ferrocenylselenocarbonyl)phenyl-4'-n-decy1oxybiphenyl-4 carboxylate]. The compound of formula I is obtained by reaction between a halide of formula R-X-A1-Y-A2-COB (B is a halogen) and a ferrocene derivative of formula Q-ZLi in an organic solvent such as THF at relatively low temperatures. The above halide can be prepared, for example, by reaction of 4'-n-decyloxybiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid with oxalyl chloride, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and oxalyl chloride, successively, in this order.
HAGIWARA TAKASHI
SUZUKI GIICHI
YAMAKAWA NORIKO