Abstract: An intermediate useful in the production of liquid crystal esters has a molecular structure ##STR1## in which of the groups R' and R" one is fluorine and the other is hydrogen, and in which R is an alkyl group having more than one carbon atom, an aryl substituted alkyl group or a cyclohexyl substituted alkyl group.These compounds may be prepared from the corresponding alkoxy compounds ##STR2## where R'" is a protective alkyl group such as methyl. These compounds may be used in the production of liquid crystal esters by a conventional esterification with carboxylic acids, or acid derivative, eg chloride, eg containing the radical ##STR3## where X is an alkyl group and ##STR4## is a benzene or cyclohexane ring.