Abstract: An unsymmetrical dioxazine compound represented by the formula (1-1) or (1-2) below, a dichroic dye, a liquid crystal composition containing the same, and a liquid crystal display element fabricated with the same: (In the formula, each of Y1 to Y3 stands for a group represented by the formula (2) or (3) ; X stands for H or the like; h is an integer of 0 to 2; A stands for phenylene or the like; E stands for phenylene or the like; G stands for H, F, or the like; i is an integer of 1 to 2; j is an integer of 0 to 2, each of J and M stands for phenylene or the like; and Q stands for H, F or the like.

Abstract: A novel triphenodioxazine compound represented by the formula (1), a process for preparing the same, use of the compound as a dichroic dye, and liquid crystal composition containing the compound are disclosed. The compound is useful as a dichroic dye having a narrow light absorption band and a high dichroic ratio. (In the formula, each of Y1 to Y4 stands for a group represented by the formula (2) or (3); h is an integer of 1 to 2; A stands for phenylene or the like; E stands for phenylene or the like; G stands for H, F, or the like; i is an integer of 1 to 2; j is an integer of 0 to 2, each of J and M stands for phenylene or the like; and Q stands for H, F or the like.

Abstract: Provide is a novel phenylacetylene compound (1) which has a large anisotropy of refractive index, tends to be mixed with other liquid crystals, and is more advantageous in stability to light, a liquid crystal composition and a liquid crystal element usable for an optical shutter, a display element, ##STR1## A.sup.1 to A.sup.12 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and at least one is an alkyl group.