Abstract: Cyclohexane derivatives of the formula ##STR1## wherein the rings A and B are identical or different and are each a 1,4-disubstituted phenyl or cyclohexyl ring; X is --CO--O -- or --O--CO--; R.sub.1 is alkyl of 1-8 carbon atoms; and R.sub.2 is alkyl of 1-8 carbon atoms, and when the ring B is phenyl, R.sub.2 is alkyl, alkoxy or alkanoyloxy, each of up to 8 carbon atoms, or --CN, have valuable liquid crystalline properties.

Abstract: The optically active medium of an electro-optical cell sandwiched between a pair of crossed polarizers is a thin layer of liquid crystal with a positive dielectric anisotropy and a negative anisotropy of the diamagnetic susceptibility. The medium is positioned between two planar transparent electrodes across which a potential difference establishes, in the liquid crystal layer, an electric field perpendicular to the electrode layers. A magnet is provided for establishing in the medium a magnetic field that has a predetermined orientation relative to the electric field. When both fields are parallel, the threshold voltage of the cell is increased. The presence of such a magnetic field, when the electric field is switched off, reduces the turn-off time of the cell. When the fields are perpendicular to each other, the color of the display can be controlled in accordance with the magnitude of the magnetic field.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein X is --R, --OR or --O--CO--R and R is alkyl of 1-12 C-atoms, are useful as liquid crystals or as solvents for measuring n.m.r., u.v. or visible spectra in anisotropic media.

Abstract: Novel liquid crystals have the formula ##STR1## wherein two of the rings A, B and C are aromatic and the third is a trans-1,4-disubstituted cyclohexane ring and R is alkyl or alkoxy each of 1 - 12 C-atoms. These compounds are particularly useful as additional components in liquid crystal dielectrics whereby the clear point of the dielectric is raised and the viscosity thereof is not deleteriously affected.

Abstract: Novel liquid crystals have the formula ##STR1## wherein one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is cyano and the other is R, OR, OCOR or OCOOR, in which R is alkyl containing up to 12 carbon atoms.The novel compounds can be used alone and in mixtures with each other and/or other conventional liquid crystals.

Abstract: Biphenyl derivatives of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and are straight-chain alkyl of 2 - 12 carbon atoms and collectively have at least 5 carbon atoms, are added to known liquid crystalline materials to significantly lower the viscosity thereof.

Abstract: A liquid crystalline dielectric composition contains 0.001-5% by weight of a monocyclic or bicyclic amino compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each are hydrogen or collectively are CH.sub.2 --(CH.sub.2 --Z--CH.sub.2).sub.p --CH.sub.2 ; X is --CH.sub.2 or --CO--; Y is --Z--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 -- or ##STR2## Z is O, S, or NH; m and n are 0, 1 or 2; p is 1, 2 OR 3; OR AN ACID ADDITION SALT OR METAL SALT CHELATE COMPLEX THEREOF.

Abstract: Biphenyl derivatives of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is --CO--O-- or --O--CO--, R.sub.1 and R.sub.4 are alkyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and one of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is CN and the other is H, are useful for lowering the dielectric anisotropy of liquid crystalline dielectrics.

Abstract: Organic solvents containing less than 0.2 atom percent of .sup.13 C and which preferably are at least partially deuterated are produced from .sup.13 C-depleted gaseous carbon compounds and are advantageously employed as solvents for .sup.13 C NMR spectroscopy.

Abstract: Organic solvents containing less than 0.2 atom percent of .sup.13 C and which preferably are at least partially deuterated are produced from .sup.13 C-depleted gaseous carbon compounds and are advantageously employed as solvents for .sup.13 C NMR spectroscopy.