Abstract: An optically active chiral nematic compound of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein n varies from 1-5, and R.sub.1 is a radical selected from the group consisting of an n-alkyl group, an n-alkoxy group, an n-acyloxy group, an n-alkyl carbonato group, a cyano group, and a nitro group. Where R.sub.1 contains an alkyl group, it includes from 1 to 8 carbon atoms. The above compound comprises an amount of 0.2 to 2 weight percent in a mixed ester liquid crystal composition with a nematic temperature range of at least 0.degree. to 50.degree. C, said chiral and mixed ester compositions being miscible in each other. A nematic mixed ester liquid crystal composition comprising (a) a mixture of specific alkylphenyl benzoates and (b) a mixture of cyanophenyl benzoates. All of the foregoing compositions being useful as liquid crystals for electro-optical display devices and the like.