Abstract: An optically active benzoic acid derivative represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents a straight chain alkyl group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms; Q* represents an optically active branched chain alkyl group having an asymmetric carbon atom; and m and n each represents an integer of 0 or 1, provided that m is not 0 when n is 1, a process for the production thereof, and a liquid crystal device element using the same are disclosed. The benzoic acid derivative exhibits a chiral smectic phase over a wide temperature range, a large spontaneous polarization and a high speed response.

Abstract: An amine derivative having a liquid crystal property over a wide temperature range and a process for production thereof are disclosed, the amine derivative being represented by formula (I) ##STR1## wherein A represents ##STR2## X.sub.1 and X.sub.2, which may be the same or different, each represents ##STR3## Y represents --O-- or ##STR4## R.sub.1 and R.sub.3, which may be the same or different, each represents a straight chain or branched chain alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; m and n each represents 0 or 1; and p and q each represents 1 or 2, provided that p and q are 1 when n is 0, and p and q are not 2 at the same time when n is 1.

Abstract: A novel amino acid derivative is disclosed, which is produced using a relatively inexpensive amino acid as a starting material for an optically active moiety and shows a chiral nematic phase or a chiral smectic phase over a wide temperature range around room temperature. A process for producing the amino acid derivative is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optically active benzoic acid derivative represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents a straight chain alkyl group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms; Q* represents an optically active branched chain alkyl group having an asymmetric carbon atom; and m and n each represents an integer of 0 or 1, provided that m is not 0 when n is 1, a process for the production thereof, and a liquid crystal device element using the same are disclosed. The benzoic acid derivative exhibits a chiral smectic phase over a wide temperature range, a large spontaneous polarization and a high speed response.

Abstract: A novel amino acid derivative is disclosed, which is produced using a relatively inexpensive amino acid as a starting material for an optically active moiety and shows a chiral nematic phase or a chiral smectic phase over a wide temperature range around room temperature. A process for producing the amino acid derivative is also disclosed.