Abstract: Optically active compounds of formula (I), where X has a structure (II) and B is C.sub.1-12 alkyl, a chiral group or a group having a general structure (III), where R and R' are H, C.sub.1-12 alkyl, alkoxy, alkylcarbonyloxy, or alkoxycarbonyl, each ring (IV) and (V) is the same or different, A and D are single bonds or bridging groups, each a and d is 0 or 1; Z, Z' are CN, Cl, F, Br or CF.sub.3 ; provided when Z is CN or Cl, then when B is alkyl X-Y is not (VI) or (VII). Ferroelectric smectic liquid crystal mixtures containing these compounds are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel chiral cyano-containing compounds suitable for use in ferroelectric smectic liquid crystal mixtures.

Abstract: Compounds which may be used as a dopant or host in a ferroelectric chiral smectic liquid crystal mixture. The compounds are characterized in that they are derivates of an X-hydroxy carboxylic acid and contain the chiral unit (I), in which Ro may be alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, formula (II), where b may be 0 to 3 and the phenyl ring may be substituted, and a is 0 or 1. The chiral unit is combined with a range of mesogenic combinations of groups. Lactic acid derivatives are described in detail (i.e. Ro.dbd.methyl) together with various preparative routes, for example the compound formula (III), which has dopant properties in a range of hosts.

Abstract: Amides having the following structure: ##STR1## used in ferroelectric smectic liquid crystal mixtures, especially as pitch compensators and liquid crystal compositions containing them.

Abstract: Novel lactic acid derivatives which may be used as a component of a ferroelectric smectic liquid crystal mixture, which derivatives have the general formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is alkyl or alkoxy and R.sub.2 is alkyl. Liquid crystalline compositions containing these compounds are also described.