Abstract: The present invention relates to a new catalyst system for fluorous biphasic catalysis processes which comprises functionalized polymeric beads, monodisperse SiO2 or SiO2 flakes associated with the catalyst. These functionalized particles are used as a support for catalysts in fluorous biphasic catalysis (FBC).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new catalyst system for fluorous biphasic catalysis processes which comprises functionalized polymeric beads, monodisperse SiO2 or SiO2 flakes associated with the catalyst. These functionalized particles are used as a support for catalysts in fluorous biphasic catalysis (FBC).

Abstract: A liquid crystal ester has a structure: ##STR1## where X and Y are fluorine or hydrogen at least one being hydrogen, and Z is either:(a) ##STR2## where R.sub.2 is alkyl, alkoxy, alkylcarbonyloxy or alkoxycarbonyloxy(b) ##STR3## where R.sub.3 is an alkyl group. The ester may be prepared by a conventional esterification from the corresponding phenol ##STR4## and the corresponding acid chloride Z--COCl. The ester may be used in mixtures with other liquid crystal compounds for use in known electro-optic devices.

Abstract: An intermediate useful in the production of liquid crystal esters has a molecular structure ##STR1## in which of the groups R' and R" one is fluorine and the other is hydrogen, and in which R is an alkyl group having more than one carbon atom, an aryl substituted alkyl group or a cyclohexyl substituted alkyl group.These compounds may be prepared from the corresponding alkoxy compounds ##STR2## where R'" is a protective alkyl group such as methyl. These compounds may be used in the production of liquid crystal esters by a conventional esterification with carboxylic acids, or acid derivative, eg chloride, eg containing the radical ##STR3## where X is an alkyl group and ##STR4## is a benzene or cyclohexane ring.