Abstract: An optically active lactic acid derivative represented by the following formula (Ia) or (Ib): ##STR1## wherein R is a linear, branched or cyclic saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 1-16 carbon atoms,R.sup.1 is an alkyl group having 4-16 carbon atoms,m and n are respectively 1 or 2,k is 0 or 1, andC* is an asymmetric carbon atom.A liquid crystal composition containing the lactic acid derivative and a liquid crystal device using the liquid crystal composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid crystalline compound useful as a component of liquid crystal compositions for TN mode display elements and having a large positive .DELTA..epsilon. value and also a low viscosity for the .DELTA..epsilon. value and a liquid crystal composition containing the compound are provided, which compound is expressed by the formula ##STR1## wherein n represents an integer of 0 to 20.

Abstract: A method of making liquid crystalline compounds of the formula ##STR1## where A represents a cyclohexane ring, n has values of 1, 2 or 3, R1 is an alkyl radical, R2 is an alkyl, alkoxy, or alkylcyclohexyl or cyanide radical, and X1 is lower alkyl and X2, X3 and X4 is alkyl and preferably methyl, ethyl or propyl, hydrogen, halogen and preferably fluorine or cyanide and to the compound.

Abstract: 2-phenylpyridine derivatives represented by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein when Y is R--, Z is one of R--, RO--, ##STR2## when Y is RO--, Z is one of straight chain pentyl, ##STR3## and when Y is one of Z is one of R--, RO-- and --CN; when Y is --CN, Z is one of RO--, ##STR4## and R is a straight chain alkyl group from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, are disclosed. The 2-phenylpyridine derivatives in accordance with the invention are particularly well-suited for use in nematic liquid crystal compositions for reducing the steepness and response time of the liquid crystal compositions in a liquid crystal display device.

Abstract: A compound having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is --N.sup.+ H.sub.3 as found in claim 1 and R.sup.2 is either the same as F.sup.1 or hydrogen. "A" is an oxidizing anion, and X is selected to provide a neutral charge balance for the compound. A method of making a compound of the indicated structure from a compound of similar structure by an anion exchange process is also disclosed. Finally, propellant formulations incorporating the novel compounds of the present invention as fuels and oxidizers are disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device comprises a pair of substrates and a ferroelectric liquid crystal disposed between the substrates. At least one of the pair of substrates has an alignment control film formed of an aliphatic polyimide resin having a function of aligning said plurality of layers preferentially in one direction. The aliphatic polyimide resin film stably provides a uniform alignment state with a large tilt angle than a conventional alignment control film of polyimide or polyvinyl alcohol over a long period. The liquid crystal device also provides a color tone of black in its darkest state.

Abstract: A liquid crystalline compound and a liquid crystal composition containing the compound usable for liquid crystal display devices are provided, which liquid crystalline compound is expressed by the formulaR.sup.1 --A.sup.1 --B.sup.1 --A.sup.2 --B.sup.2 --A.sup.3.sub.n (CH.sub.2).sub.m CH.dbd.CF.sub.2wherein R.sup.1 is H or 1-20C alkyl or alkenyl wherein one --CH.sub.2 --group or two --CH.sub.2 -- groups not adjacent to each other may be substituted by --O--; the position and number of the double bond may be optionally chosen; A.sup.1, A.sup.2 and A.sup.3 each are ##STR1## and the H of the ##STR2## may be substituted by F, Cl or methyl; B.sup.1 and B.sup.2 each are --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 O--, --OCH.sub.2 -- or a single bond; n is 0 or 1; and m is 0-20.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new liquid crystal display element with static or multiplex control with a low multiplex ratio and an operating voltage below 3.3 volts, containing a liquid crystal dielectric, wherein the operating temperature range extends from -30.degree. C. to +80.degree. C. and the viscosity of the dielectric at 20.degree. C. is less than 40 mPa.s.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition comprising at least one first component compound of formula (I), at least one second component compound of formula (II) and at least one third component compound of formula (III), ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is alkyl of 1 to 8 carbons; R.sup.2 is H or F; R.sup.3 is alkyl or alkoxy each of 1 to 8 carbons; and R.sup.4 is F, --CN, alkyl or alkoxy each of 1 to 8 carbons, the first, second and third component compounds contained in respective amounts of 20-40 wt. %, 10-40 wt. % and 20-50 wt. % and in a total amount of 70 wt. % or more in the composition is provided to improve a steepness of transmission vs. voltage curve in a SBE mode display cell which is operated at a high level of multiplexing.

Abstract: Hexasubstituted cyclohexane compounds of the formula I ##STR1## in which Z.sup.1, Z.sup.2, Z.sup.3, X.sup.1, X.sup.2, A.sup.1, A.sup.2 and A.sup.3, p, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, m and (n+m) have the meanings given in claim 1, are suitable as components of discotic liquid-crystalline phases.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved laminates useful in the manufacture of multi-layer printed wiring boards (MLPWB) and laminates. Such improved composites contain at least one layer which is formed from a liquid crystal polymer selected from the group consisting of poly(para-phenylene benzobisthiazole), poly(paraphenylene benzobisoxazole), poly(2,5-benzothiazole), poly(2,5-benzoxazole), and mixtures thereof. The presently preferred liquid crystal polymer comprises poly(para-phenylene benzobisthiazole). The negative coefficient of thermal expansion and high modulus of elasticity of the liquid crystal polymers enable a laminate and MLPWB to be manufactured therefrom having a tailored coefficient of thermal expansion, broadly ranging from about 0 to 15 ppm/.degree. C. MLPWBs constructed of polymeric core layers also are possible utilizing the preferred liquid crystal polymers of the present invention.

Abstract: An optically active-2-methylbutyrate capable of imparting a spontaneous polarization value to achiral smectic compositions and also constituting ferroelectric liquid crystal compositions exhibiting a fast response at room temperature, and a liquid crystal composition containing the same, and further a light-switching element therefrom, are provided, which optically active-2-methylbutyrate is expressed by the formula ##STR1## wherein R represents a linear or branched alkyl group or alkoxy group, each of 1 to 18 carbon atoms; A represents ##STR2## wherein X represents any one of F, Cl, Br or cyano group; and * indicates an optically active carbon atom.

Abstract: 4-Alkoxybenzenethiol, bis-(4-alkoxyphenyl)disulfide, and mesomorphic compound deviced therefrom represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is an alkyl or alkoxy group having 1-18 carbon atoms, R* is an alkyl group having 4-12 carbon atoms including an asymmetric carbon atom, 1=1 or 2, and m=0 or 1.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition includes a tolan liquid crystal compound having a large optical anisotropy, another tolan liquid crystal compound having a large optical anisotropy and a high N-I point, a low-viscosity polycyclic liquid crystal compound (wherein the rings are directly bonded together) having an alkyl or alkoxy group, and a polycyclic liquid crystal compound (wherein the rings are directly bonded together) having a large optical anisotropy and a cyano group with a large dielectric anisotropy .DELTA..epsilon.. These compounds are mixed so as to obtain a positive dielectric anisotropy.

Abstract: A novel phenylprimidinecarboxylate derivative which, when used as a component of liquid crystal compositions, can raise the clearing point of the mesomorphic range of the liquid crystal compositions and/or increase the dielectric anisotrophy value of the compositions, and a liquid crystal compositions containing the derivative are provided, which derivative is expressed by the formula ##STR1## wherein X.sup.1 represents an alkyl or alkoxy each of 1-10 C; X.sup.2 represents a 4-substituted phenyl having an alkyl, of 1-10 C, F, Cl, Br or --CN at 4-position or a 3,4-disubstituted phenyl having f, Cl, Br or CN at 4-position and F, Cl or Br at 3-position; and either one of L or M represents .dbd.N-- and the other represents --C.dbd..

Abstract: A phenyl-pyrimidine liquid crystal compound represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and each represent an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and X and Y each represent one of a single bond, --O--, --OCO--, --COO-- and --OCOO--, provided that one of X and Y is --OCOO--.

Abstract: Fast-switching displays with memory properties are provided, which can display digits, symbols, and images, and which contain as chemically and thermally stable ferroelectric liquid crystalline substances, according to the invention, liquid crystalline derivatives which contain a chiral alkyl halide residue corresponding to the general formula ##STR1## are used in mixtures of one another as well as in conjunction with other liquid crystalline or non-crystalline liquid substances.

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: 1,3-Cyclopentylene compounds of the formula IR.sup.1 -A.sup.1 -Z.sup.1 -A.sup.2 --(Z.sup.2 -A.sup.3).sub.n -R.sup.2 Iin which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, A.sup.1, A.sup.2, A.sup.3, Z.sup.1, Z.sup.2 and n have the meaning given herein, can be used as components of liquid-crystalline phases.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently of one another are R, OR, OCOR, COOR or OCOOR,is alkyl with 1 to 15 C atoms, wherein one or more CH.sub.2 groups which are not adjacent and are not linked by O can also be replaced by --O--, --CO--, --O--CO--, --CO--O--, --CH--halogen, --CHCN-- and/or --CH.dbd.CH--,A.sup.1, A.sup.2 and A.sup.3 each independently of one another are 1,4-phenylene or trans-1,4-cyclohexylene,m, n and o are each 0 or 1,m+n+o is 0, 1 or 2,Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 each independently of one another are --CH.sub.2 --O--, --OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 -- or a single bond andX is F, Cl, Br, I or CN,with the provisos given in claim 1, can be used as components of ferroelectric liquid crystal phases.