Abstract: This invention provides a novel alkanoyl ester compound represented by general formula (I): ##STR1## (wherein A is of --, --O--, ##STR2## B is ##STR3## l and m are 1 or 2 provided that both are not simultaneously 2, k and n are an integer of 1 or more, respectively, provided that k>n, and R is an alkyl group), a liquid crystal composition containing this compound, a novel alkanoylphenyl compound or a novel alkanoylbiphenyl compound as an intermediate for the production of the above compound, and a method of producing the same. These novel alkanoyl ester compounds are excellent in the stability against light and the like and can take a liquid crystal state at a wide temperature range. Particularly, these compounds form liquid crystals of ferroelectricity having a large spontaneous polarization and a fast response rate by introducing an optically active group into the compound, so that they develop a very excellent effect as a starting material for optoelectronics and its related elements.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel halogen-containing ester compound represented by the following general formula (I): ##STR1## (wherein R is an alkyl group, A is selected from a single bond, --O--, --COO-- and --CO--, both of X and Y are halogen atoms or either one of X and Y is a halogen atom and the other is a hydrogen atom, each of m and n is 0 or 1, m+n=0 or 1, each of k and l is an integer of 1 or more, provide k<l), a liquid crystal composition and a light switching element each containing the above compound as well as a novel fluorophenol compound represented by the following general formula (II): ##STR2## (wherein each of k and l is an integer of 1 or more, provided k<l) as an intermediate for the synthesis of the above ester compound and a method of producing the same.

Abstract: This invention provides novel biphenyl compounds represented by the following general formula (I): ##STR1## (wherein R is an alkyl group, A is selected from the single bond, --COO--, --OCO--, --OCOO-- and --CO--, and each of m and n is an integer of 1 or more, provided m<n), optically active bodies thereof, liquid crystal compositions containing at least one of these compounds, light switching elements comprising at least one of the above compounds as a constituent element, and a method of producing the compound.