Abstract: Disclosed in this invention are the phenylpyrimidine derivatives represented by the general formula I: ##STR1## the alcohols represented by the formula: ##STR2## usable as starting material for the preparation of the phenylpyrimidine derivatives, and the processes for preparing such derivatives. The phenylpyrimidine derivatives of the formula I according to the present invention have very excellent properties as a liquid crystal compound and can be utilized effectively for the production of liquid crystal elements.

Abstract: Optically active naphthalene derivatives including optically active naphthylcarboxylic acid derivative, hydroxynaphthalene derivative, alkoxynaphthylalkanol derivative and alkylnaphthylalkanol derivative have the following structural formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 denotes an alkyl group of 3-20 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 denotes an alkyl group of 1-20 carbon atoms optionally substituted with halogen atom(s) or an alkoxyalkyl group of 2-20 carbon atoms optionally substituted with halogen atom(s), X denotes --COO-- or --OCO--, k, l and m denotes 0 or 1 respectively, n denotes an integer of 0-6, p denotes 0 or 1, and the asterisk indicates an asymmetric carbon atom, with the proviso that when k is 0, l and m are not 1 at the same time, and when k is 1, m is 1, and when n is 0 and m is 1, X is --COO--.

Abstract: Disclosed are herein optically active benzene derivatives represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## preparation processes therefor, liquid crystal composition containing such benzene derivatives as liquid-crystalline compound, and a light switching element using said liquid crystal composition as liquid crystal element, wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, x, y, z, m, p and s are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are optically active carboxylic acid or acid halide compounds of formula III: ##STR1## Wherein R.sub.2 represents an optically active alkyl or alkoxyalkyl group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms optionally substituted by halogen atoms; R' represents a hydroxyl group or a halogen atom; k is 0 or 1; and n represents an integer of 1 to 6.

Abstract: An optically active pyrimidine compound represented by general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents a fluoroalkyl group having 1 or 2 carbon atom(s), R.sup.1 represents an alkyl group having 1-15 carbon atoms or an alkoxyalkyl group having 2-15 carbon atoms, both the alkyl and alkoxyalkyl groups being optionally substituted by halogen atom, Y represents --O--, --COO-- or --OCO--, A represents: ##STR2## wherein X represents a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom, m and s each represent 0 or 1, and the C* means an asymmetric carbon atom; a process for producing said pyrimidine compound; and a liquid crystal composition containing said pyrimidine compound.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are optically active phenols of formula (V) which are useful as precursors for esters used in liquid crystalline crystalline mixtures: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.2 represents an optically active alkyl or alkoxyalkyl group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms optionally substituted by halogen atoms; k represents a number of 0 or 1; n represents a number of 1 to 6.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention are the optically active aromatic compounds having a trifluoromethyl group useful as a component of ferroelectric liquid crystal compositions, a process for preparing the above compounds, liquid crystal compositions having the above compounds as an active ingredient, and liquid crystal elements using the above compositions. The optically active aromatic compounds of the Present invention represented by the formula: ##STR1## have the very excellent properties as a liquid crystal material and are useful for the preparation of liquid crystal compositions and the liquid crystal elements using such compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are herein optically active ester derivatives represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## (wherein R.sub.1 represents an alkyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 represents an optically active alkyl or alkoxyalkyl group having 3 to 15 carbon atoms optionally substituted by halogen atoms; Y represents --O--, --COO-- or --OCO--; X represents --COO-- or --OCO--; l represents a number of 1 or 2; k and m each represents a number of 0 or 1; n represents a number of 1 to 6), preparation processes therefor, liquid crystal materials containing such ester derivatives as active ingredient, and a light switching element using said liquid crystal materials as liquid crystal element.