Abstract: An optically active 2-fluoro-1-alkanol compound represented by the formula (Ia): ##STR1## wherein R is an alkyl group having 1-16 carbon atoms, and C* is an asymmetric carbon atom; and an optically active compound derived from the fluoroalkanol and represented by the formula (Ib): ##STR2## wherein R and C* are the same as above, m is 1 or 2, n is 0 or 1, and A is a releasable substitutent. Because of the fluorine atom directly attached to an asymmetric carbon atom, these compounds are particularly effective in increasing a spontaneous polarization, improving a electric field responsive characteristic of a liquid crystal composition, and controlling the liquid crystal state.

Abstract: An optically active 2-fluoro-1-alkanol compound represented by the formula (Ia): ##STR1## wherein R is an alkyl group having 1-16 carbon atoms, and C* is an asymmetric carbon atom; and an optically active compound derived from the fluoroalkanol and represented by the formula (Ib): ##STR2## wherein R and C* are the same as above, m is 1 or 2, n is 0 or 1, and A is a releasable substituent. Because of the fluorine atom directly attached to an asymmetric carbon atom, these compounds are particularly effective in increasing a spontaneous polarization, improving a electric field responsive characteristic of a liquid crystal composition, and controlling the liquid crystal state.