JP2021063156A - Light-scattering type liquid crystal composition, light-control element containing the same, and smart window including the element - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a light-scattering type liquid crystal composition showing high light-scattering property at an appropriate applied voltage in a reverse mode type light-control element, a light-control element using the above composition, and a smart window including the above light-control element.SOLUTION: The light-scattering type liquid crystal composition essentially comprises a polymerizable compound as a first component and a liquid crystal compound having negative dielectric anisotropy as a second component, in which the polymerizable compound essentially comprises three compounds such as a compound expressed by formula (i). In the formula (i), Pi1 and Pi2 each independently represent a polymerizable group; Si1 and Si2 each independently represent a spacer group or the like; Xi1 and Xi2 each independently represent -O-, -S-, or the like; Zi1 represents -O-, -S- or the like; Ai1 and Ai2 each independently represent an aromatic ring, an alicyclic ring or the like; and ni1 represents an integer of 1 to 9.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

The present invention relates to a light scattering type liquid crystal composition, a dimming element containing the same, and a smart window including the same.

In recent years, along with the diversification or high performance of display applications, it has not only a transparent display and a liquid crystal display with a high contrast ratio, but also a dimmable light shutter function that can arbitrarily adjust the degree of light transmission-light scattering. Realization of dimming elements and the like is expected. The development of a dimming material for realizing the dimming element has become an important issue.

An example of a dimming material is a light scattering type liquid crystal display element using a light transmitting-light scattering type dimming element material. The light scattering type liquid crystal display element uses a polymer network type liquid crystal, and a liquid crystal in which a composite layer in which a non-polymerizable liquid crystal material and a polymer forming a polymer network are phase-separated from each other is formed. It is an element method. Further, the light scattering type liquid crystal display element does not require an optical film such as a polarizing plate because it is a display method that utilizes the contrast ratio between the transparent state and the cloudy state. Therefore, there is an advantage that a bright display can be realized as compared with a liquid crystal display element in TN, STN, IPS or VA mode using a polarizing plate. Furthermore, since the element configuration is simple, it is applied to optical shutter applications such as dimming glass and segment display applications such as watches. At present, in order to realize high-definition display, application to projector applications, reflective display applications, etc. is being studied in combination with an active drive display element.

Development is underway for the practical application of next-generation displays with unprecedented designs, such as transmissive displays and flexible displays. Examples of the liquid crystal element expected to be applied to these next-generation displays include a reverse mode type light scattering type liquid crystal element described in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2. The light scattering type liquid crystal display element is generally a normal mode type light scattering type liquid crystal element (because the difference in the refractive index at the interface between the liquid crystal phase and the polymer network or the director is randomly oriented when no voltage is applied). A display that becomes a light scattering state and changes from a director light scattering state to a transmission state when a voltage is applied) and a reverse mode type light scattering type liquid crystal element (a transparent state when no voltage is applied and a scattering state when a voltage is applied). It is classified into two types, the element), and the reverse mode type has the feature of being superior in transparency in the transparent state.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-119302 Patent No. 5017963

In the reverse mode type light scattering type liquid crystal element described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a liquid crystal material having negative permittivity anisotropy is used, and the liquid crystal material is oriented perpendicularly to the substrate when no voltage is applied. It is designed to be configured. However, the conventional light scattering type liquid crystal elements represented by the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2 have a problem that a higher level of light scattering property at the time of applying a voltage, which is required for a next-generation display, cannot be obtained. Further, in the conventional light scattering type liquid crystal element, a strong anchoring force is generated by the interaction between the mesogen group in the polymer network and the liquid crystal molecule, so that the liquid crystal molecule is difficult to drive and is necessary to ensure high scattering property. Since the applied voltage becomes large, it is difficult to obtain high light scattering property at an appropriate applied voltage.

Therefore, the present invention provides a light scattering type liquid crystal composition that exhibits high light scattering property at an appropriate applied voltage in a reverse mode type dimming element, a dimming element using the same, and a smart window provided with them. The purpose is.

As a result of diligent studies to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that it is important to use a light scattering type liquid crystal composition in which a specific polymerizable compound is combined, and to complete the present invention. I arrived.

That is, the present invention contains, as the first component, a compound represented by the general formula (i), a compound represented by the general formula (ii), and a compound represented by the general formula (iii). A light-scattering liquid crystal composition containing the second component and a liquid crystal compound having a negative dielectric anisotropy.

（上記一般式（ｉ）中、Ｐ^ｉ１及びＰ^ｉ２はそれぞれ独立して、重合性基を表し、
Ｓ^ｉ１及びＳ^ｉ２はそれぞれ独立して、スペーサー基又は単結合を表し、
Ｘ^ｉ１及びＸ^ｉ２はそれぞれ独立して、−Ｏ−、−Ｓ−、−ＯＣＨ_２−、−ＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−、−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯ−Ｓ−、−Ｓ−ＣＯ−、−Ｏ−ＣＯ−Ｏ−、−ＣＯ−ＮＨ−、−ＮＨ−ＣＯ−、−ＳＣＨ_２−、−ＣＦ_２Ｏ−、−ＯＣＦ_２−、−ＣＦ_２Ｓ−、−ＳＣＦ_２−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−ＣＯＯ−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＯＣＯ−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＯＯ−ＣＨ_２ＣＨ_２−、−ＯＣＯ−ＣＨ_２ＣＨ_２−、−ＣＯＯ−ＣＨ_２−、−ＯＣＯ−ＣＨ_２−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−Ｎ＝Ｎ−、−ＣＨ＝Ｎ−Ｎ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＦ＝ＣＦ−、−Ｃ≡Ｃ−又は単結合を表し（ただし、Ｐ^ｉ１−Ｓ^ｉ１−Ｘ^ｉ１−及びＰ^ｉ２−Ｓ^ｉ２−Ｘ^ｉ２−で表される基中には−Ｏ−Ｏ−を含まない。）、
Ｚ^ｉ１は、−Ｏ−、−Ｓ−、−ＯＣＨ_２−、−ＣＨ_２Ｏ−、−ＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−、−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯ−Ｓ−、−Ｓ−ＣＯ−、−Ｏ−ＣＯ−Ｏ−、−ＣＯ−ＮＨ−、−ＮＨ−ＣＯ−、−ＳＣＨ_２−、−ＣＨ_２Ｓ−、−ＣＦ_２Ｏ−、−ＯＣＦ_２−、−ＣＦ_２Ｓ−、−ＳＣＦ_２−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−ＣＯＯ−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＯＣＯ−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＯＯ−Ｒ^Ｚ１−、−ＯＣＯ−Ｒ^Ｚ１−、−Ｒ^Ｚ１−ＣＯＯ−、−Ｒ^Ｚ１−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−ＣＨ_２−、−ＯＣＯ−ＣＨ_２−、−ＣＨ_２−ＣＯＯ−、−ＣＨ_２−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＨ_２ＣＨ_２−、−Ｎ＝Ｎ−、−ＣＨ＝Ｎ−Ｎ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＦ＝ＣＦ−、−Ｃ≡Ｃ−又は単結合を表し（ただし、−Ｒ^Ｚ１−は、炭素原子数２〜６のアルキレン基を表す。）、
Ｚ^ｉ１のうち少なくとも一つは、−ＣＯＯ−Ｒ^Ｚ１−、−ＯＣＯ−Ｒ^Ｚ１−、−Ｒ^Ｚ１−ＣＯＯ−、及び−Ｒ^Ｚ１−ＯＣＯ−からなる群から選択される基であり、−Ｒ^Ｚ１−は、炭素原子数２〜６のアルキレン基であり、
Ｚ^ｉ１が複数存在する場合、Ｚ^ｉ１はそれぞれ同一であっても異なっていてもよいが、上記一般式（ｉ）中に存在するＺ^ｉ１のうち少なくとも一つは、−ＣＯＯ−Ｒ^Ｚ１−、−ＯＣＯ−Ｒ^Ｚ１−、−Ｒ^Ｚ１−ＣＯＯ−、及び−Ｒ^Ｚ１−ＯＣＯ−からなる群から選択される基であり、
Ａ^ｉ１及びＡ^ｉ２はそれぞれ独立して、芳香環、脂環、複素環及び縮合環から選択される二価の環式基を表し、
Ａ^ｉ１が複数存在する場合、当該複数存在するＡ^ｉ１はそれぞれ同一であっても異なっていてもよく、
ｎ^ｉ１はそれぞれ独立して、１〜９の整数を表す。）、

(In the above general formula (i), ^Pi1 and ^Pi2 each independently represent a polymerizable group.
S ⁱ¹ and S ⁱ² independently represent a spacer group or a single bond, respectively.
X ⁱ¹ and X ⁱ² _{are independent of -O-, -S-, -OCH 2-} , -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O. -CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -SCH _2- , -CF ₂ O-, -OCF _2- , -CF ₂ S-, -SCF _2- , -CH = CH- COO-, -CH = CH-OCO-, -COO-CH = CH-, -OCO-CH = CH-, -COO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -OCO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -COO-CH ₂ Represents −, −OCO−CH ₂₋ , −CH = CH−, −N = N−, −CH = N−N = CH−, −CF = CF−, −C≡C− or a single bond (however, -O-O- is not included in the groups represented by P ^i1- S ^i1- X ^i1- and P ^i2- S ^i2- X ^i2-),.
Z ⁱ¹ is -O-, -S-, -OCH _2- , -CH ₂ O-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O- CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -SCH _2- , -CH ₂ S-, -CF ₂ O-, -OCF _2- , -CF ₂ S-, -SCF _2- , -CH = CH-COO-, -CH = CH-OCO-, -COO-CH = CH-, -OCO-CH = CH-, -COO-R ^Z1- , -OCO-R ^Z1- , -R ^Z1- COO-, -R ^Z1- OCO-, -COO-CH _2- , -OCO-CH _2- , -CH _2- COO-, -CH _2- OCO-, -CH = CH-, -CH ₂ CH _2- , -N = N-, -CH = N-N = CH-, -CF = CF-, -C≡C- or a single bond (where -R ^Z1- is an alkylene with 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Represents a group.),
At least one of Z ^{i1 is, -COO-R Z1 -, -} OCO-R Z1 -, - R Z1 -COO-, and a group selected from the group consisting of ^-R Z1 -OCO-, -R ^Z1 − is an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms.
When a ^{plurality of Z i1s} are present, the Z ^i1s may be the same or different, but at least one of ^{the Z i1s present in the general formula (i) is −COO-R Z1} −,. ^{-OCO-R Z1 -, - R} Z1 -COO-, and a group selected from the group consisting of ^-R Z1 -OCO-,
A ⁱ¹ and A ⁱ² each independently represent a divalent cyclic group selected from an aromatic ring, an alicyclic ring, a heterocyclic ring and a condensed ring.
When a ^{plurality of A i1s} exist, the plurality of A ^i1s may be the same or different.
n ⁱ¹ independently represents an integer of 1-9. ),

（上記式（ｉｉ）中、Ｐ^ｉｉ１は重合性基を表わし、
Ｍ^ｉｉ１は下記一般式（Ｍｅ−ａ）で表されるメソゲン基であり、

(In the above formula (ii), ^Pii1 represents a polymerizable group.
^Mii1 is a mesogen group represented by the following general formula (Me-a).

（上記一般式（Ｍｅ−ａ）中、Ａ^Ｍｅ１、Ａ^Ｍｅ２、Ａ^Ｍｅ３はそれぞれ独立して、少なくとも環構造を１以上有する２価の基であり、前記２価の基は１，２−シクロプロピレン基、１，３−シクロブチレン基、２，５−シクロペンチレン基、オクタヒドロ−４，７−メタノ−１Ｈ−インデン−１，５−ジイル基、オクタヒドロ−４，７−メタノ−１Ｈ−インデン−１，６−ジイル基、オクタヒドロ−４，７−メタノ−１Ｈ−インデン−２，５−ジイル基、トリシクロ［３．３．１．１^３，７］−１，３−ジイル基、１，４−フェニレン基、１，４−シクロヘキシレン基、１，４−シクロヘキセニレン基、テトラヒドロピラン−２，５−ジイル基、１，３−ジオキサン−２，５−ジイル基、テトラヒドロチオピラン−２，５−ジイル基、１，４−ビシクロ（２，２，２）オクチレン基、デカヒドロナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基、ピリジン−２，５−ジイル基、ピリミジン−２，５−ジイル基、ピラジン−２，５−ジイル基、チオフェン−２，５−ジイル基−、１，２，３，４−テトラヒドロナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基、ナフチレン−１，４−ジイル基、ナフチレン−１，５−ジイル基、ナフチレン−１，６−ジイル基、ナフチレン−２，６−ジイル基、フェナントレン−２，７−ジイル基、９，１０−ジヒドロフェナントレン−２，７−ジイル基、ベンゾチアゾリレン基、１，２，３，４，４ａ，９，１０ａ−オクタヒドロフェナントレン−２，７−ジイル基、ベンゾ［１，２−ｂ：４，５−ｂ’］ジチオフェン−２，６−ジイル基、ベンゾ［１，２−ｂ：４，５−ｂ’］ジセレノフェン−２，６−ジイル基、［１］ベンゾチエノ［３，２−ｂ］チオフェン−２，７−ジイル基、［１］ベンゾセレノフェノ［３，２−ｂ］セレノフェン−２，７−ジイル基、又はフルオレン−２，７−ジイル基から選ばれる基を表すが、これらの基は無置換又は１種以上の置換基Ｌ^１によって置換されてもよいが、Ａ^Ｍｅ１及び／又はＡ^Ｍｅ２が複数現れる場合はそれぞれ同一であっても異なっていてもよく、
Ｚ^Ｍｅ１及びＺ^Ｍｅ２はそれぞれ独立して、−Ｏ−、−Ｓ−、−ＯＣＨ_２−、−ＣＨ_２Ｏ−、−ＣＨ_２ＣＨ_２−、−ＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−、−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯ−Ｓ−、−Ｓ−ＣＯ−、−Ｏ−ＣＯ−Ｏ−、−ＣＯ−ＮＨ−、−ＮＨ−ＣＯ−、−ＳＣＨ_２−、−ＣＨ_２Ｓ−、−ＣＦ_２Ｏ−、−ＯＣＦ_２−、−ＣＦ_２Ｓ−、−ＳＣＦ_２−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−ＣＯＯ−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＯＣＯ−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＯＯ−ＣＨ_２ＣＨ_２−、−ＯＣＯ−ＣＨ_２ＣＨ_２−、−ＣＨ_２ＣＨ_２−ＣＯＯ−、−ＣＨ_２ＣＨ_２−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−ＣＨ_２−、−ＯＣＯ−ＣＨ_２−、−ＣＨ_２−ＣＯＯ−、−ＣＨ_２−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−Ｎ＝Ｎ−、−ＣＨ＝Ｎ−、−Ｎ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＨ＝Ｎ−Ｎ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＦ＝ＣＦ−、−Ｃ≡Ｃ−又は単結合を表すが、Ｚ^Ｍｅ１及び／又はＺ^Ｍｅ２が複数現れる場合はそれぞれ同一であっても異なっていてもよく、
ｊ^Ｍｅ１及びｊ^Ｍｅ２はそれぞれ独立して、０〜４の整数を表すが、ｊ^Ｍｅ１＋ｊ^Ｍｅ２は１〜４の整数を表し、
置換基Ｌ^１は、フッ素原子、塩素原子、臭素原子、ヨウ素原子、ペンタフルオロスルフラニル基、ニトロ基、イソシアノ基、アミノ基、ヒドロキシル基、メルカプト基、メチルアミノ基、ジメチルアミノ基、ジエチルアミノ基、ジイソプロピルアミノ基、トリメチルシリル基、ジメチルシリル基、チオイソシアノ基、又は、１個の−ＣＨ_２−若しくは隣接していない２個以上の−ＣＨ_２−がそれぞれ独立して、−Ｏ−、−Ｓ−、−ＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−、−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯ−Ｓ−、−Ｓ−ＣＯ−、−Ｏ−ＣＯ−Ｏ−、−ＣＯ−ＮＨ−、−ＮＨ−ＣＯ−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−ＣＯＯ−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＯＣＯ−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＦ＝ＣＦ−、−Ｎ＝Ｎ−、−ＣＲ^１ａ＝Ｎ−Ｎ＝ＣＲ^１ｂ−、若しくは−Ｃ≡Ｃ−によって置換されてもよい炭素原子数１〜２０の直鎖状若しくは分岐状アルキル基を表すが、当該アルキル基中の任意の水素原子はフッ素原子に置換されてもよい（なお、Ｒ^１ａ及びＲ^１ｂは、水素原子、又は炭素原子数１〜２０のアルキル基を表すが、当該アルキル基は直鎖状であっても分岐状であってもよく、当該アルキル基中の任意の水素原子はフッ素原子に置換されてもよく、当該アルキル基中の１個の−ＣＨ_２−又は隣接していない２個以上の−ＣＨ_２−はそれぞれ独立して、−Ｏ−、−Ｓ−、−ＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−、−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯ−Ｓ−、−Ｓ−ＣＯ−、−Ｏ−ＣＯ−Ｏ−、−ＣＯ−ＮＨ−、−ＮＨ−ＣＯ−又は−Ｃ≡Ｃ−によって置換されてもよい。）。）を表し、
Ｒ^ｉｉ１は、水素原子、フッ素原子、塩素原子、臭素原子、ヨウ素原子、シアノ基、又は、炭素原子数１〜２０のアルキル基を表すが、当該アルキル基は直鎖状であっても分岐状であってもよく、当該アルキル基中の任意の水素原子はフッ素原子に置換されてもよく、当該アルキル基中の２級炭素原子を含む、１個の−ＣＨ_２−又は隣接していない２個以上の−ＣＨ_２−はそれぞれ独立して、−Ｏ−、−Ｓ−、−ＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−、−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯ−Ｓ−、−Ｓ−ＣＯ−、−Ｏ−ＣＯ−Ｏ−、−ＣＯ−ＮＨ−、−ＮＨ−ＣＯ−又は−Ｃ≡Ｃ−によって置換されてもよい。）

(In the above general formula (Me-a), A ^Me1 , A ^Me2 , and A ^Me3 are each independently a divalent group having at least one ring structure, and the divalent group is 1,2-cyclo. Propylene group, 1,3-cyclobutylene group, 2,5-cyclopentylene group, octahydro-4,7-methano-1H-indene-1,5-diyl group, octahydro-4,7-methano-1H-inden -1,6-diyl group, octahydro-4,7-methano-1H-inden-2,5-diyl group, tricyclo [3.3.1.1 ^3,7 ] -1,3-diyl group, 1, 4-phenylene group, 1,4-cyclohexylene group, 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl group, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl group, tetrahydrothiopyran-2 , 5-Diyl group, 1,4-bicyclo (2,2,2) octylene group, decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, pyridine-2,5-diyl group, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, Pyrazine-2,5-diyl group, thiophene-2,5-diyl group-, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, naphthylene-1,4-diyl group, naphthylene-1, 5-diyl group, naphthylene-1,6-diyl group, naphthylene-2,6-diyl group, phenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, benzothiazolylene Group, 1,2,3,4,4a,9,10a-octahydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, benzo [1,2-b: 4,5-b'] dithiophene-2,6-diyl group , Benzo [1,2-b: 4,5-b'] diselenophen-2,6-diyl group, [1] benzothieno [3,2-b] thiophene-2,7-diyl group, [1] benzoseleno phenol [3,2-b] selenophene-2,7-diyl group, or 2,7 represents a group selected from-diyl group, these groups are the unsubstituted or 1 or more substituents ^{L 1} It may be substituted, ^{but when a plurality of A Me1} and / or A ^Me2 appear, they may be the same or different from each other.
Z ^Me1 and Z ^Me2 are independent of -O-, -S-, -OCH _2- , -CH ₂ O-, -CH ₂ CH _2- , -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-,- CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -SCH _{2- , -CH 2} S-, -CF ₂ O-, -OCF _2- , -CF ₂ S-, -SCF _2- , -CH = CH-COO-, -CH = CH-OCO-, -COO-CH = CH-, -OCO-CH = CH-, -COO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -OCO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -CH ₂ CH _2- COO-, -CH ₂ CH _2- OCO-, -COO-CH _2- , -OCO-CH _2- , -CH _2- COO-, -CH _2- OCO-, -CH = CH-, -N = N-, -CH = N-, -N = CH-, -CH = N-N = CH-, -CF = CF-, It represents −C≡C− or a single bond, but ^{when multiple Z Me1} and / or Z ^Me2 appear, they may be the same or different.
j ^Me1 and j ^Me2 independently represent integers 0 to 4, while j ^Me1 + j ^Me2 represent integers 1 to 4.
The substituent L ¹ is a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a pentafluorosulfuranyl group, a nitro group, an isocyano group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, a methylamino group, a dimethylamino group and a diethylamino group. , Diisopropylamino group, trimethylsilyl group, dimethylsilyl group, thioisocyanogroup, or one -CH _2- or two or more non-adjacent -CH ₂ --independently, -O-, -S- , -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -CH = CH- COO-, -CH = CH-OCO-, -COO-CH = CH-, -OCO-CH = CH-, -CH = CH-, -CF = CF-, -N = N-, -CR ^1a = N Represents a linear or branched alkyl group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that may be substituted with −N = CR ^{1b − or −C≡C−, any hydrogen atom in the alkyl group being a fluorine atom.} (Note that R ^1a and R ^1b represent an alkyl group having a hydrogen atom or 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and the alkyl group may be linear or branched. well, any hydrogen atom in the alkyl group may be substituted by a fluorine atom, one -CH 2 in the alkyl group _- or nonadjacent two or more -CH 2 _- are each independently -O-, -S-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH It may be replaced by −CO− or −C≡C−). )
^Rii1 represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and the alkyl group is branched even if it is linear. Any hydrogen atom in the alkyl group may be substituted with a fluorine atom, and one −CH ₂ − or not adjacent 2 containing a secondary carbon atom in the alkyl group. More than one -CH ₂ -is independent of -O-, -S-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O-CO- It may be replaced by O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO- or -C≡C-. )

（一般式（ｉｉｉ）中、Ｐ^ｉｉｉ１は重合性基を表し、Ｒ^ｉｉｉ１は炭素原子数１〜２２の直鎖アルキル基を表す。）
本発明は、更に、光散乱型液晶組成物中の重合性化合物を重合させることによりポリマーネットワークを形成させてなる調光素子に関する。

(In the general formula (iii), ^Piii1 represents a polymerizable group, and ^Riii1 represents a linear alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms.)
The present invention further relates to a dimming device formed by forming a polymer network by polymerizing a polymerizable compound in a light scattering liquid crystal composition.

The present invention further relates to a smart window provided with the dimming element.

According to the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide a light scattering type liquid crystal composition exhibiting high light scattering property at an appropriate applied voltage in a reverse mode type dimming element, a dimming element using the same, and a smart window.

FIG. 1 is an example of the configuration of the dimming element of the present invention, and is a diagram schematically showing a state in which no voltage is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a voltage is applied in the dimming element of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dimming element of FIG. 2 from a direction perpendicular to the transparent substrate, and is a diagram schematically showing only the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules (arrows in the figure are the substrate surface). A two-dimensional axis parallel to is shown.).

The light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention essentially contains a polymerizable compound as a first component and a liquid crystal compound having a negative dielectric anisotropy as a second component. The polymerizable compound indispensably contains three kinds of a compound represented by the general formula (i), a compound represented by the general formula (ii), and a compound represented by the general formula (iii). By combining these three types of polymerizable compounds showing a specific chemical structure as the polymerizing compound forming the polymer network, the light scattering type liquid crystal composition as a whole exhibits an effect of exhibiting high light scattering property at an appropriate applied voltage. can do.

Further, the polymerizable compound which is the first component may be contained in the light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to the present invention as a polymerizable composition containing three or more kinds of polymerizable compounds. Similarly, the liquid crystal compound having a negative dielectric anisotropy, which is the second component, is the present invention as a liquid crystal composition containing one kind or two or more kinds of liquid crystal compounds having a negative dielectric anisotropy. May be contained in the light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to the above. Hereinafter, the first component and the second component, which are the constituent elements of the light scattering type liquid crystal composition, will be described.

(First component: polymerizable compound)
The light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains a polymerizable compound selected from the group of compounds represented by the following general formula (i). The compound represented by the general formula (i) is preferably a polymerizable liquid crystal compound having a linear structure. When the compound represented by the general formula (i) is a compound having a linear structure in the molecular structure, unnecessary intermolecular interactions can be reduced, so that the inhibitory effect of driving the liquid crystal molecules can be reduced. It is considered that higher scattering property can be exhibited.

The compound represented by the general formula (i) in the present invention is as follows.

上記一般式（ｉ）中、Ｐ^ｉ１及びＰ^ｉ２はそれぞれ独立して、重合性基を表す。
上記一般式（ｉ）中、Ｓ^ｉ１及びＳ^ｉ２はそれぞれ独立して、スペーサー基又は単結合を表す。
上記一般式（ｉ）中、Ｘ^ｉ１及びＸ^ｉ２はそれぞれ独立して、−Ｏ−、−Ｓ−、−ＯＣＨ_２−、−ＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−、−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯ−Ｓ−、−Ｓ−ＣＯ−、−Ｏ−ＣＯ−Ｏ−、−ＣＯ−ＮＨ−、−ＮＨ−ＣＯ−、−ＳＣＨ_２−、−ＣＦ_２Ｏ−、−ＯＣＦ_２−、−ＣＦ_２Ｓ−、−ＳＣＦ_２−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−ＣＯＯ−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＯＣＯ−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＯＯ−ＣＨ_２ＣＨ_２−、−ＯＣＯ−ＣＨ_２ＣＨ_２−、−ＣＯＯ−ＣＨ_２−、−ＯＣＯ−ＣＨ_２−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−Ｎ＝Ｎ−、−ＣＨ＝Ｎ−Ｎ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＦ＝ＣＦ−、−Ｃ≡Ｃ−又は単結合を表す（ただし、Ｐ^ｉ１−Ｓ^ｉ１−Ｘ^ｉ１−及びＰ^ｉ２−Ｓ^ｉ２−Ｘ^ｉ２−で表される基中には−Ｏ−Ｏ−を含まない。）。
上記一般式（ｉ）中、Ｚ^ｉ１は、−Ｏ−、−Ｓ−、−ＯＣＨ_２−、−ＣＨ_２Ｏ−、−ＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−、−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯ−Ｓ−、−Ｓ−ＣＯ−、−Ｏ−ＣＯ−Ｏ−、−ＣＯ−ＮＨ−、−ＮＨ−ＣＯ−、−ＳＣＨ_２−、−ＣＨ_２Ｓ−、−ＣＦ_２Ｏ−、−ＯＣＦ_２−、−ＣＦ_２Ｓ−、−ＳＣＦ_２−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−ＣＯＯ−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＯＣＯ−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＯＯ−Ｒ^Ｚ１−、−ＯＣＯ−Ｒ^Ｚ１−、−Ｒ^Ｚ１−ＣＯＯ−、−Ｒ^Ｚ１−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−ＣＨ_２−、−ＯＣＯ−ＣＨ_２−、−ＣＨ_２−ＣＯＯ−、−ＣＨ_２−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＨ_２ＣＨ_２−、−Ｎ＝Ｎ−、−ＣＨ＝Ｎ−Ｎ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＦ＝ＣＦ−、−Ｃ≡Ｃ−又は単結合を表す（ただし、−Ｒ^Ｚ１−は、炭素原子数２〜６のアルキレン基を表す。）。
上記一般式（ｉ）中、Ｚ^ｉ１が複数存在する場合、Ｚ^ｉ１はそれぞれ同一であっても異なっていてもよいが、上記一般式（ｉ）中に存在するＺ^ｉ１のうち少なくとも一つは、−ＣＯＯ−Ｒ^Ｚ１−、−ＯＣＯ−Ｒ^Ｚ１−、−Ｒ^Ｚ１−ＣＯＯ−、及び−Ｒ^Ｚ１−ＯＣＯ−からなる群から選択される基であり、−Ｒ^Ｚ１−は、炭素原子数２〜６のアルキレン基である。
上記一般式（ｉ）中、Ａ^ｉ１及びＡ^ｉ２はそれぞれ独立して、芳香環、脂環、複素環及び縮合環から選択される二価の環式基を表す。
上記一般式（ｉ）中、Ａ^ｉ１及びＺ^ｉ１が複数存在する場合、当該複数存在するＡ^ｉ１及びＺ^ｉ１はそれぞれ同一であっても異なっていてもよい。
上記一般式（ｉ）中、ｎ^ｉ１はそれぞれ独立して、１〜９の整数を表す。
上記式（ｉ）中、＊は、炭素原子又は他の原子との結合を示す。

In the above general formula (i), ^Pi1 and ^Pi2 each independently represent a polymerizable group.
In the above general formula (i), S ⁱ¹ and S ⁱ² independently represent a spacer group or a single bond.
In the above general formula (i), X ⁱ¹ and X ⁱ² are independently of -O-, -S-, -OCH _2- , -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, respectively. -S-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -SCH _2- , -CF ₂ O-, -OCF _2- , -CF ₂ S-, -SCF _2- , -CH = CH-COO-, -CH = CH-OCO-, -COO-CH = CH-, -OCO-CH = CH-, -COO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -OCO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -COO-CH _2- , -OCO-CH _2- , -CH = CH-, -N = N-, -CH = N-N = CH-, -CF = CF-, -C≡C- Alternatively, it represents a single bond (however, -O-O- is not included in the groups represented by ^Pi1- S ^i1- X ^i1- and ^Pi2- S ^i2- X ^i2-).
In the above general formula (i), Z ⁱ¹ is -O-, -S-, -OCH _2- , -CH ₂ O-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-,-. S-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -SCH _{2- , -CH 2} S-, -CF ₂ O-, -OCF _2- , -CF ₂ S-, -SCF _2- , -CH = CH-COO-, -CH = CH-OCO-, -COO-CH = CH-, -OCO-CH = CH-, -COO-R ^{Z1-, -OCO-} R ^Z1- , -R ^Z1- COO-, -R ^Z1- OCO-, -COO-CH _2- , -OCO-CH _2- , -CH _2- COO-, -CH _2- OCO-, -CH = CH −, −CH ₂ CH ₂ −, −N = N−, −CH = N−N = CH−, −CF = CF−, −C≡C− or a single bond (where −R ^{Z1− represents} Represents an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms).
^{When a plurality of Z i1s} are present in the general formula (i) ^{, the Z i1s} may be the same or different, but at least one of ^{the Z i1s present in the general formula (i) is , -COO-R Z1 -, -} OCO-R Z1 -, - R Z1 -COO-, and a group selected from the group consisting of ^{-R Z1} -OCO-, ^-R Z1 - is 2 carbon atoms ~ 6 alkylene groups.
In the above general formula (i), ^Ai1 and ^Ai2 independently represent a divalent cyclic group selected from an aromatic ring, an alicyclic ring, a heterocyclic ring and a condensed ring.
In the above general formula (i), ^{when a plurality of Ai1} and ^Zi1 are present, the plurality of ^Ai1 and ^Zi1 may be the same or different from each other.
In the above general formula (i), n ⁱ¹ independently represents an integer of 1 to 9.
In the above formula (i), * indicates a bond with a carbon atom or another atom.

In the above general formula (i), the ^{polymerizable groups represented by Pi1} and ^Pi2 are each independently preferably any of the following formulas (Pa) to (Pj).

（上記式（Ｐ−ａ）〜式（Ｐ−ｊ）中、Ｒ^ａ１〜Ｒ^ａ７は、それぞれ独立して、水素原子、フッ素原子、又は炭素原子数１〜３のアルキル基若しくはハロゲン化アルキル基を表わし、ｎ^ａ１、ｎ^ａ２、ｎ^ａ４、及びｎ^ａ５はそれぞれ独立して、１〜３の整数を表わし、ｎ^ａ３は１を表す。上記式（Ｐ−ａ）〜式（Ｐ−ｊ）中、＊は、炭素原子又は他の原子との結合を示す。）
重合性及び保存安定性を高める観点から、上記式（Ｐ−ａ）〜（Ｐ−ｊ）で表わされる重合性基のうち、式（Ｐ−ａ）、式（Ｐ−ｃ）及び式（Ｐ−ｅ）が好ましい。

(In the above formulas (P-a) to (P-j), R ^{a1 to} R ^a7 are independently hydrogen atoms, fluorine atoms, or alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or alkyl halides. , Na ¹ , n ^a2 , n ^a4 , and n ^a5 each independently represent an integer ^{of 1 to 3} , and n a3 represents 1. The above equations (P-a) to (P-j). In, * indicates a bond with a carbon atom or another atom.)
From the viewpoint of enhancing the polymerizable property and the storage stability, among the polymerizable groups represented by the above formulas (P-a) to (P-j), the formulas (P-a), the formula (P-c) and the formula (P-j) are used. -E) is preferable.

As the ^{polymerizable group represented by Pi1} and ^Pi2 , any of the following formulas (P-1) to (P-20) is more preferable independently of each other. Further, in the following formulas (P-1) to (P-20), * indicates a bond with a carbon atom or another atom.

上記式（Ｐ−１）〜（Ｐ−２０）で表わされる重合性基のうち、重合性及び保存安定性を高める観点から、式（Ｐ−１）、式（Ｐ−２）、式（Ｐ−７）、式（Ｐ−１２）、又は式（Ｐ−１３）が好ましく、式（Ｐ−１）、式（Ｐ−２）、式（Ｐ−７）がより好ましく、特に式（Ｐ−１）、及び式（Ｐ−２）が好ましい。

Among the polymerizable groups represented by the above formulas (P-1) to (P-20), the formulas (P-1), the formula (P-2), and the formula (P) are used from the viewpoint of enhancing the polymerizable property and the storage stability. -7), formula (P-12), or formula (P-13) is preferable, and formula (P-1), formula (P-2), formula (P-7) is more preferable, and formula (P-) is particularly preferable. 1) and the formula (P-2) are preferable.

In the above general formula (i), S ⁱ¹ and S ⁱ² each independently represent a single bond or a spacer group. The spacer group is not particularly limited, and a divalent linear organic group is preferable. In particular, from the viewpoint of easily exhibiting liquid crystallinity and reducing the driving voltage, ^{it is preferable that S i1} and S ⁱ² are independently alkylene groups having 1 to 18 carbon atoms. Here, the alkylene group may be linear or branched, but is preferably a linear alkylene group. Further, one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkylene group have one or more halogen atoms, a CN group, a polymerizable group represented by the above formulas (Pa) to (Pj), or the polymerizable group. It may be substituted with an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Preferred two or more CH ₂ groups not one CH ₂ group or adjacent existing in the alkylene group in the form of the spacer groups each independently, in the form of oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other, - O-, -S-, -NH-, -N (CH ₃ )-, -CO-, -CH (OH)-, -CH (COOH)-, -COO-, -OCO-, -OCOO-,- It may be replaced by SCO-, -COS- or -C≡C-.

From the viewpoint of exhibiting liquidity, the spacer group in the present invention is a linear alkylene group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkylene group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms substituted with a fluorine atom, and a part of the alkylene group is −O. An alkylene group having 4 to 14 carbon atoms substituted with − is preferable.

In the above general formula (i), the ^{groups represented by X i1} and X ⁱ² are as described above. The ^{groups represented by X i1} and X ⁱ² are preferably groups independently selected from the group consisting of a single bond, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -COO-, and -OCO-. ..

However, in the above general formula (i), the P ^i1- S ^i1- X ⁱ¹ -bond and the P ^i2- S ^i2- X ^i2- bond do not include the -O-O- bond.

In the above general formula (i), the ^{group represented by Z i1} is as described above. ^{When a plurality of Z i1s} are present in the general formula (i), they may be the same or different from each other. Then, in the general formula ^(i), when the case and the ^{Z i1 Z i1} exists one there are a plurality, at least one of ^{Z i1} present in the general formula (i) is, -COO- ^{R Z1 -, - OCO-R} Z1 -, - R Z1 -COO-, and a group selected from the group consisting of ^-R Z1 -OCO-. In other words, the compound represented by formula ^{(i), -COO-R Z1 -, -} OCO-R Z1 -, - R Z1 -COO-, or ^-R Z1 -OCO- in chemical structure comprising at least one of is there. As a result, the drive voltage can be reduced while maintaining the transparency when no voltage is applied in a good state.

During the general formula ^{(i), -COO-R Z1} -, - OCO-R Z1 -, - One of R Z1 -COO-, and carbonyl-containing groups selected from the group consisting of ^-R Z1 -OCO- All you need is the above. Among them, it is preferable that the compound represented by the general formula (i) has only one carbonyl-containing group. ^{In particular, when n i1} in the general formula (i) is 2 to 4, Z ¹ of one of ^{2 to 4 existing Z 1} is -COO-R ^Z1- , -OCO-R ^Z1- , -R ^Z1 -COO-, and a group selected from the group consisting of ^-R Z1 -OCO-, that other ^{Z i1} satisfies the condition is a single bond, no voltage to satisfactorily align the liquid crystal compound It is preferable because the drive voltage can be further reduced while exhibiting excellent transparency at the time of addition. From the viewpoint of the balance between the transparency and the drive voltage, it is more preferable that ^{−R Z1} − is −CH ₂ CH _{2 −.}

In the above general formula (i), ^Ai1 and ^Ai2 each independently represent a group selected from a divalent aromatic ring, an alicyclic ring, a heterocyclic ring and a condensed ring. Specifically, A ⁱ¹ and A ⁱ² are preferably groups selected from the following groups (a) to (c) independently of each other. When a ^{plurality of Ai1s} exist, they may be the same or different from each other.
(A) Trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group present in this group or two or more non-adjacent methylene groups may be replaced with -O- or -S-. )
(B) Phenylene group (one -CH = existing in this group or two or more -CH = not adjacent to each other may be replaced with a nitrogen atom).
(C) Cyclohexenylene group, bicyclo (2.2.2) octylene group, piperidine group, naphthalene group, decahydronaphthalene group and tetrahydronaphthalene group (the above groups (a), group (b) and group (c)). One or two or more hydrogen atoms present in the group are independently a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and carbon. It may be substituted with a halogenated alkoxy group having 1 to 8 atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms.)
Terms easily express liquid crystallinity Among these, as the A ⁱ¹ and A ^i2, group (a) or group (b) is preferred, it is particularly preferable to have a group (b) as an essential structure.

In the general formula ^(i), but ^{n i1} is an integer of 1 to ^{9, n i1} preferably 1 to ^{5, n i1} is more preferably 2 to ^{5, n i1} is 2-4 are particularly preferred.

More specifically, the compound represented by the above general formula (i) can be exemplified by the compounds represented by the following formulas (i-1) to (i-24).

上記一般式（ｉ−１）〜一般式（ｉ−２４）で表される化合物のうち、一般式（ｉ−１）〜（ｉ−２０）で表される化合物が液晶性を発現するために好ましく、一般式（ｉ−１）〜（ｉ−１２）で表される化合物が液晶性の発現と低電圧化のためにより好ましく、一般式（ｉ−１）〜（ｉ−４）で表される化合物が液晶性と低電圧化とコントラスト、ヘイズの特性を発現するために特に好ましい。

Among the compounds represented by the general formulas (i-1) to (i-24), the compounds represented by the general formulas (i-1) to (i-20) are required to exhibit liquid crystallinity. Preferably, the compounds represented by the general formulas (i-1) to (i-12) are more preferable for developing liquid crystallinity and lowering the voltage, and are represented by the general formulas (i-1) to (i-4). The compounds are particularly preferable because they exhibit liquid crystallinity, low voltage, contrast, and haze characteristics.

The content of the polymerizable compound represented by the general formula (i) in the total amount (100% by mass) of the light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is 0.5% by mass or more from the viewpoint of forming a polymer network. It is preferably 1.0% by mass or more, more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, particularly preferably 2.0% by mass or more, and driving the obtained liquid crystal element. From the viewpoint of lowering the voltage, the upper limit value is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, further preferably 12% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 10% by mass or less. preferable. The polymerizable compound represented by the general formula (i) described in detail above may be used alone as the first component, or may be used in combination of two or more.

The light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains a polymerizable compound selected from the group of compounds represented by the following general formula (ii). When the compound represented by the general formula (ii) is a compound having a linear structure in the molecular structure, the unnecessary interaction between the molecules can be reduced, so that the inhibitory effect of driving the liquid crystal molecules can be reduced. It is considered that higher scattering property can be exhibited.

The compound represented by the general formula (ii) in the present invention is as follows.

上記一般式（ｉｉ）中、Ｐ^ｉｉ１は重合性基を表わす。
上記一般式（ｉｉ）中、Ｒ^ｉｉ１は、水素原子、フッ素原子、塩素原子、臭素原子、ヨウ素原子、シアノ基、又は、炭素原子数１〜２０のアルキル基を表す。この場合、当該アルキル基は直鎖状であっても分岐状であってもよく、当該アルキル基中の任意の水素原子はフッ素原子に置換されてもよく、当該アルキル基中の２級炭素原子を含む、１個の−ＣＨ_２−又は隣接していない２個以上の−ＣＨ_２−はそれぞれ独立して、−Ｏ−、−Ｓ−、−ＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−、−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯ−Ｓ−、−Ｓ−ＣＯ−、−Ｏ−ＣＯ−Ｏ−、−ＣＯ−ＮＨ−、−ＮＨ−ＣＯ−又は−Ｃ≡Ｃ−によって置換されてもよい。
上記一般式（ｉｉ）中、Ｍ^ｉｉ１は下記一般式（Ｍｅ−ａ）で表されるメソゲン基を表わす。

In the above general formula (ii), ^Pii1 represents a polymerizable group.
In the general formula (ii), R ⁱⁱ¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. In this case, the alkyl group may be linear or branched, any hydrogen atom in the alkyl group may be substituted with a fluorine atom, and a secondary carbon atom in the alkyl group. containing one -CH ₂ - or nonadjacent two or more -CH ₂ - are each independently, -O -, - S -, - CO -, - COO -, - OCO -, - It may be replaced by CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO- or -C≡C-.
In the above general formula (ii), ^Mii1 represents a mesogen group represented by the following general formula (Me-a).

上記一般式（Ｍｅ−ａ）中、Ａ^Ｍｅ１、Ａ^Ｍｅ２及びＡ^Ｍｅ３は、それぞれ独立して、少なくとも環構造を１以上有する２価の基であり、前記２価の基は１，２−シクロプロピレン基、１，３−シクロブチレン基、２，５−シクロペンチレン基、オクタヒドロ−４，７−メタノ−１Ｈ−インデン−１，５−ジイル基、オクタヒドロ−４，７−メタノ−１Ｈ−インデン−１，６−ジイル基、オクタヒドロ−４，７−メタノ−１Ｈ−インデン−２，５−ジイル基、トリシクロ［３．３．１．１^３，７］−１，３−ジイル基、１，４−フェニレン基、１，４−シクロヘキシレン基、１，４−シクロヘキセニレン基、テトラヒドロピラン−２，５−ジイル基、１，３−ジオキサン−２，５−ジイル基、テトラヒドロチオピラン−２，５−ジイル基、１，４−ビシクロ（２，２，２）オクチレン基、デカヒドロナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基、ピリジン−２，５−ジイル基、ピリミジン−２，５−ジイル基、ピラジン−２，５−ジイル基、チオフェン−２，５−ジイル基−、１，２，３，４−テトラヒドロナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基、ナフチレン−１，４−ジイル基、ナフチレン−１，５−ジイル基、ナフチレン−１，６−ジイル基、ナフチレン−２，６−ジイル基、フェナントレン−２，７−ジイル基、９，１０−ジヒドロフェナントレン−２，７−ジイル基、ベンゾチアゾリレン基、１，２，３，４，４ａ，９，１０ａ−オクタヒドロフェナントレン−２，７−ジイル基、ベンゾ［１，２−ｂ：４，５−ｂ’］ジチオフェン−２，６−ジイル基、ベンゾ［１，２−ｂ：４，５−ｂ’］ジセレノフェン−２，６−ジイル基、［１］ベンゾチエノ［３，２−ｂ］チオフェン−２，７−ジイル基、［１］ベンゾセレノフェノ［３，２−ｂ］セレノフェン−２，７−ジイル基、又はフルオレン−２，７−ジイル基から選ばれる基を表す。この場合、これらの基は無置換又は１種以上の置換基Ｌ^１によって置換されてもよいが、Ａ^Ｍｅ１及び／又はＡ^Ｍｅ２が複数現れる場合はそれぞれ同一であっても異なっていてもよい。

In the general formula ^{(Me-a), A Me1} , A Me2 and ^{A Me3} are each independently a divalent group having 1 or more at least the ring structure, the divalent group 1,2-cyclo Propylene group, 1,3-cyclobutylene group, 2,5-cyclopentylene group, octahydro-4,7-methano-1H-indene-1,5-diyl group, octahydro-4,7-methano-1H-inden -1,6-diyl group, octahydro-4,7-methano-1H-inden-2,5-diyl group, tricyclo [3.3.1.1 ^3,7 ] -1,3-diyl group, 1, 4-phenylene group, 1,4-cyclohexylene group, 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl group, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl group, tetrahydrothiopyran-2 , 5-Diyl group, 1,4-bicyclo (2,2,2) octylene group, decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, pyridine-2,5-diyl group, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, Pyrazine-2,5-diyl group, thiophene-2,5-diyl group-, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, naphthylene-1,4-diyl group, naphthylene-1, 5-diyl group, naphthylene-1,6-diyl group, naphthylene-2,6-diyl group, phenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, benzothiazolylene Group, 1,2,3,4,4a,9,10a-octahydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, benzo [1,2-b: 4,5-b'] dithiophene-2,6-diyl group , Benzo [1,2-b: 4,5-b'] diselenophen-2,6-diyl group, [1] benzothieno [3,2-b] thiophene-2,7-diyl group, [1] benzoseleno Pheno [3,2-b] Represents a group selected from a selenophene-2,7-diyl group or a fluorene-2,7-diyl group. In this case, these groups may be substituted by unsubstituted or 1 or more substituents L ^1, but each may be the same or different if A ^Me1 and / or A ^Me2 appears more.

In the above general formula (Me-a), the substituent L ¹ is a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a pentafluorosulfuranyl group, a nitro group, an isocyano group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, and the like. Methylamino group, dimethylamino group, diethylamino group, diisopropylamino group, trimethylsilyl group, dimethylsilyl group, thioisocyanogroup, or one -CH _2- or two or more non-adjacent -CH _2- are independent of each other. Then, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NH-,- NH-CO-, -CH = CH-COO-, -CH = CH-OCO-, -COO-CH = CH-, -OCO-CH = CH-, -CH = CH-, -CF = CF-,- Represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which may be substituted with N = N−, −CR ^1a = N−N = CR ^{1b−, or −C≡C−.} Any hydrogen atom in the group may be replaced with a fluorine atom. In this case, R ^1a and R ^1b represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and the alkyl group may be linear or branched, and the alkyl may be linear or branched. any hydrogen atom in the group may be substituted by a fluorine atom, one -CH 2 in the alkyl group _- or nonadjacent two or more -CH 2 _- are each independently, -O -, -S-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO- or It may be replaced by −C≡C−.

In the above general formula (Me-a), Z ^Me1 and Z ^Me2 are independently -O-, -S-, -OCH _2- , -CH ₂ O-, -CH ₂ CH _2- , -CO. -, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -SCH _{2- , -CH 2} S-, -CF ₂ O-, -OCF _2- , -CF ₂ S-, -SCF _2- , -CH = CH-COO-, -CH = CH-OCO-, -COO-CH = CH-,- OCO-CH = CH-, -COO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -OCO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -CH ₂ CH _2- COO-, -CH ₂ CH _2- OCO-, -COO-CH _2- , -OCO-CH _2- , -CH _2- COO-, -CH _2- OCO-, -CH = CH-, -N = N-, -CH = N-, -N = CH-, -CH = N- Represents N = CH-, -CF = CF-, -C≡C- or a single bond. In this case, when a ^{plurality of Z Me1} and / or Z ^Me2 appear, they may be the same or different.

In the above general formula (Me-a), j ^Me1 and j ^Me2 independently represent an integer of 0 to 4, while j ^Me1 + j ^Me2 represent an integer of 1 to 4.
In the above general formula (Me-a), * indicates a bond with a carbon atom or another atom.

In the general formula (ii), any of the above formulas (Pa) to (Pj) is preferable as the polymerizable group represented by ^Pii1. Among the polymerizable groups represented by the above formulas (P-1) to (P-20), the formulas (P-1), the formula (P-2), and the formula (P) are used from the viewpoint of enhancing the polymerizable property and the storage stability. -7), formula (P-12), or formula (P-13) is preferable, and formula (P-1), formula (P-2), formula (P-7), and formula (P-12) are more preferable. preferable.

In the general formula (ii), R ⁱⁱ¹ is as described above. ^Rii1 is preferably a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 17 carbon atoms. In this case, the alkyl group may be linear or branched, but a linear alkyl group is preferable. Any hydrogen atom in the alkyl group having 1 to 17 carbon atoms may be substituted with a fluorine atom. Further comprises a secondary carbon atom in the alkyl group, one -CH ₂ - or nonadjacent two or more -CH ₂ - are each independently, -O -, - S -, - Replaced by CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO- or -C≡C- May be done.

In the general formula (ii), ^Mii1 is as described above. Hereinafter, preferred forms of the mesogen group represented by the above general formula (Me-a) will be described.

In the general formula ^{(Me-a), A Me1} , A Me2 and ^{A Me3} are each independently 1,4-phenylene group, 1,4-cyclohexylene group, 1,4-cyclohexenyl group, tetrahydropyran - 2,5-diyl group, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl group, tetrahydrothiopyran-2,5-diyl group, decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, pyridine-2,5-diyl group , Pyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, pyrazine-2,5-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, naphthylene-1,4-diyl group, naphthylene-1, It is preferable to represent a group selected from a 5-diyl group, a naphthylene-1,6-diyl group, a naphthylene-2,6-diyl group and a phenanthrene-2,7-diyl group. These groups may be substituted by unsubstituted or 1 or more substituents L ^1, but each may be the same or different if A ^Me1 and / or A ^Me2 appears more.

The substituent L ¹ is a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, an isocyano group, a hydroxyl group, a trimethylsilyl group, a dimethylsilyl group, a thioisocyano group, or one -CH _2- or a non-adjacent 2 More than one -CH ₂ -is independently -O-, -S-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CH = CH-COO-, -CH = CH-OCO-, -COO Linear or branched with 1 to 20 carbon atoms which may be substituted by −CH = CH−, −OCO−CH = CH−, −CH = CH−, −CF = CF−, or −C≡C−. It is preferable to represent a state alkyl group. Further, any hydrogen atom in the alkyl group may be substituted with a fluorine atom.

In the above general formula (Me-a), Z ^Me1 and Z ^Me2 are independently -O-, -S-, -OCH _2- , -CH ₂ O-, -CH ₂ CH _2- , -CO-, respectively. , -COO-, -OCO-, -O-CO-O-, -CF ₂ O-, -OCF _2- , -CH = CH-COO-, -CH = CH-OCO-, -COO-CH = CH -, -OCO-CH = CH-, -COO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -OCO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -CH ₂ CH _2- COO-, -CH ₂ CH _2- OCO-, -COO-CH _{2 -, - OCO-CH 2} -, - CH 2 -COO -, - CH 2 -OCO -, - CH = CH -, - CF = CF -, - C≡C- or preferably represents a single bond. In this case, when a plurality of Z ^Me1 and / or Z ^Me2 are present in the general formula (ii), they may be the same or different from each other.

In the above general formula (Me-a), ^{it is preferable that j Me1} and j ^Me2 each independently represent an integer of 1 to 3.

Specifically, the polymerizable compound represented by the general formula (ii) is preferably a polymerizable compound represented by the following formulas (ii-1) to (ii-39).

上記式（ｉｉ−１）〜式（ｉｉ−３９）において、ｎは、それぞれ独立して、１〜１０の整数を表し、Ｒ^１、Ｒ^２及びＲ^３は、それぞれ独立して水素原子、ハロゲン原子、炭素原子数１〜６のアルキル基、炭素原子数１〜６のアルコキシ基、シアノ基を示し、これらの基が炭素原子数１〜６のアルキル基、あるいは炭素数１〜６のアルコキシ基の場合、全部が未置換であるか、あるいは１又は２以上のハロゲン原子により置換されていてもよい。

In the above formulas (ii-1) to (ii-39), n independently represents an integer of 1 to 10, and R ¹ , R ² and R ³ independently represent a hydrogen atom and a halogen, respectively. It represents an atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and a cyano group, and these groups are an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. In the case of, all may be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more halogen atoms.

The content of the polymerizable compound represented by the general formula (ii) improves the light scattering property when a voltage is applied with respect to the total amount of 100% by mass of the polymerizable compounds used in the light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to the present invention. It is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 2% by mass or more, further preferably 3% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of reducing the voltage and maintaining the strength of the network. It is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 10% by mass or less.

The total amount of the compound represented by the general formula (i) and the compound represented by the general formula (ii) in 100% by mass of the light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is 2% by mass from the viewpoint of forming a polymer network. % Or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, further preferably 4% by mass or more, particularly preferably 5% by mass or more, while driving voltage or light of the liquid crystal element. From the viewpoint of scattering property, it is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, further preferably 12% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 10% by mass or less.

The light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains a non-liquid crystal polymerizable compound selected from the group of compounds represented by the following general formula (iii). The compound represented by the following general formula (iii) is a polymerizable compound having one polymerizable group. Since the compound represented by the general formula (iii) is a compound having a linear structure in its molecular structure, it is possible to reduce unnecessary intermolecular interactions, thereby reducing the inhibitory effect of driving liquid crystal molecules. It is considered that higher scattering property can be exhibited. Further, since the compound represented by the general formula (iii) is a compound having a linear structure in the molecular structure, the effect of reducing the driving voltage is remarkable while maintaining good transparency when no voltage is applied. Become.

The general formula (iii) in the present invention is as follows.

一般式（ｉｉｉ）中、Ｐ^ｉｉｉ１は重合性基を表す。
一般式（ｉｉｉ）中、Ｒ^ｉｉｉ１は炭素原子数１〜２２の直鎖アルキル基を表す。

In the general formula (iii), ^Piii1 represents a polymerizable group.
In the general formula (iii), ^Riii1 represents a linear alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms.

In the general formula (iii), ^any of the above formulas (Pa) to (Pj) is preferable as the polymerizable group represented by Piii1. Among the polymerizable groups represented by the above formulas (P-1) to (P-20), the formulas (P-1), the formula (P-2), and the formula (P) are used from the viewpoint of enhancing the polymerizable property and the storage stability. -7), formula (P-12), or formula (P-13) is preferable, and formula (P-1), formula (P-2), formula (P-7), and formula (P-12) are more preferable. Formulations (P-1) and (P-2) are particularly preferred.

In the general formula (iii), ^Riii1 is as described above. In the general formula (iii), ^Riii1 more preferably represents an alkyl group having 3 to 16 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably represents an alkyl group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms from the viewpoint of suppressing crystallinity.

Examples of the compound represented by the general formula (iii) include ethyl (meth) acrylate, propyl (meth) acrylate, butyl (meth) acrylate, pentyl (meth) acrylate, hexyl (meth) acrylate, and heptyl (meth) acrylate. , Octyl (meth) acrylate, nonyl (meth) acrylate, decyl (meth) acrylate, lauryl (meth) acrylate, tridecyl (meth) acrylate, tetradecyl (meth) acrylate, hexadecyl (meth) acrylate, stearyl (meth) acrylate, docosyl Examples thereof include mono (meth) acrylate having a linear alkyl chain such as (meth) acrylate.

The content of the polymerizable compound represented by the general formula (iii) is 2% by mass from the viewpoint of lowering the voltage with respect to 100% by mass of the total amount of the polymerizable compounds used in the light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to the present invention. % Or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, further preferably 4% by mass or more, and from the viewpoint of maintaining the strength of the polymer network, 20% by mass or less and 15% by mass. % Or less, 12% by mass or less, and 10% by mass or less are particularly preferable.

The total amount of the compound represented by the general formula (i), the compound represented by the general formula (ii), and the compound represented by the general formula (iii) in 100% by mass of the light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is. From the viewpoint of forming a polymer network, it is preferably 4% by mass or more, preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 6% by mass or more, and further preferably 8% by mass or more. It is particularly preferably 9% by mass or more, and on the other hand, from the viewpoint of the driving voltage or light scattering property of the liquid crystal element, it is preferably 45% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or less, and 30% by mass. It is more preferably 25% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 25% by mass or less.

The "linear structure" as used herein refers to a linear alkyl group or a linear spacer group, and refers to a structure having no branched structure in the structure of the alkyl group or spacer group.

The light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is a polymerizable compound different from the compounds represented by the above general formulas (i) to (iii) as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired (hereinafter, (Abbreviated as "other polymerizable compounds") may be contained if necessary. Examples of the other polymerizable compounds include compounds represented by the following general formulas (1) to (8) (however, the polymerizable compounds represented by the general formulas (i) to (iii) below. Is excluded from the compounds represented by the following general formulas (1) to (8).

上記一般式（１）中、Ｙ^１１及びＹ^１２はそれぞれ独立して、水素原子又はメチル基を表し、Ｘ^１０は直鎖又は分岐の炭素原子数４〜８０のアルキレンを表し、該アルキレンの任意の炭素原子は、酸素原子が直接隣接しないように、−Ｏ−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＯ−、−Ｃ≡Ｃ−、−ＯＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−、又はＯＨで置換されてよい。
上記一般式（２）〜（８）中、Ｐ^１１〜Ｐ^７４は、それぞれ独立して、上記式（Ｐ−ａ）〜式（Ｐ−ｊ）から選択される重合性基を表すが、これらの重合性基のうち、重合性および保存安定性を高める観点から、式（Ｐ−１）、式（Ｐ−２）、式（Ｐ−７）、式（Ｐ−１２）、又は式（Ｐ−１３）が好ましく、式（Ｐ−１）、式（Ｐ−７）、式（Ｐ−１２）がより好ましい。

In the above general formula (1), Y ¹¹ and Y ¹² independently represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and X ¹⁰ represents a linear or branched alkylene having 4 to 80 carbon atoms, and any of the alkylenes. Carbon atoms may be replaced with −O−, −CH = CH−, −CO−, −C≡C−, −OCO−, −COO−, or OH so that oxygen atoms are not directly adjacent to each other.
In the general formula ^{(2) ~ (8),} P 11 ~P 74 each independently represent a polymerizable group selected from the formulas (P-a) ~ formula (P-j), these From the viewpoint of enhancing the polymerizable group and the storage stability of the above, the formula (P-1), the formula (P-2), the formula (P-7), the formula (P-12), or the formula (P). -13) is preferable, and the formula (P-1), the formula (P-7), and the formula (P-12) are more preferable.

In the above general formulas (2) to (8), X ^{11 to} X ⁷² are independently -O-, -S-, -OCH _2- , -CH ₂ O-, -CO-, -COO-,-, respectively. OCO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -SCH _{2- , -CH 2} S-, -CF ₂ O -, -OCF _2- , -CF ₂ S-, -SCF _2- , -CH = CH-COO-, -CH = CH-OCO-, -COO-CH = CH-, -OCO-CH = CH-, -COO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -OCO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -CH ₂ CH _2- COO-, -CH ₂ CH _2- OCO-, -COO-CH _2- , -OCO-CH _2- , _{-CH 2 -COO -, - CH 2} -OCO -, - CH = CH -, - N = N -, - CH = N-N = CH -, - CF = CF -, - C≡C- or a single bond However, ^{when there are a plurality of X 11 to} X ^72, they may be the same or different (however, each P- (SX) -bond does not include -O-O-. ), Particularly a group selected from single bond, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO- is preferred.

In the general formulas (2) to (8), M ¹¹ , M ²¹ , M ³¹ , M ⁵¹ and M ⁷¹ each independently represent a mesogen group represented by the general formula (Me-a). Further, M ⁴¹ is a trivalent organic group obtained by further removing one arbitrary hydrogen atom from the ring structure exemplified as ^{A Me1} , A ^{Me 2} and A ^{Me 3, and M 61} is the A ^{Me 1} , A ^{Me 2} and A ^{Me 3 described above.} It is a tetravalent organic group obtained by further removing two arbitrary hydrogen atoms from the ring structure exemplified as.
In the above general formulas (2) to (8), R ¹¹ and R ³¹ are independently hydrogen atom, fluorine atom, chlorine atom, bromine atom, iodine atom, cyano group, or carbon atom number 1 to 20. Although it represents an alkyl group, the alkyl group may be linear or branched, and any hydrogen atom in the alkyl group may be substituted with a fluorine atom, and 1 in the alkyl group. _Two -CH 2- or two or more non-adjacent -CH _2- are independently -O-, -S-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, respectively. It may be replaced by -S-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO- or -C≡C-.

In the above general formulas (2) to (8), S ^{11 to} S ⁷² independently represent a spacer group, a single bond or a bond, and S ^{11 to} S ⁷² (where S ³¹ , S ⁵¹ , respectively). The ^{spacer group represented by S 71} and ( ^{other than S 72} ) represents an alkylene group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms (the alkylene group is one or more halogen atoms, a CN group, and an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms). , Or may be substituted with an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms having a polymerizable functional group, and one CH ₂ group existing in this group or two or more CH ₂ groups not adjacent to each other are each. _{-O-, -S-, -NH-, -N (CH 3} )-, -CO-, -CH (OH)-, -CH, independent of each other, with oxygen atoms not directly bonded to each other. It may be replaced by (COOH)-, -COO-, -OCO-, -OCOO-, -SCO-, -COS- or -C≡C-. S ³¹ , S ⁵¹ , S ⁷¹ and S ⁷² may be replaced. , Each independently is a trivalent organic group obtained by removing hydrogen atoms one by one from an alkylene group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms. Of these spacer groups, the number of carbon atoms is 2 from the viewpoint of orientation. Preferred are a linear alkylene group of ~ 8, an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms substituted with a fluorine atom, and an alkylene group having 5 to 14 carbon atoms in which a part of the alkylene group is substituted with −O−. When a ^{plurality of S 11 to} S ⁷² exist, they may be the same or different from each other.

In the above general formulas (2) to (8), m1 to m7, n2 to n7, l4 to l6, and k6 independently represent integers from 0 to 5, and m1 to m7, n2 to n7, and l4. ~ L6 and k6 are preferably 0 or 1 independently of each other.

In the general formula (1), alkylene X ¹⁰ is a linear or branched, but is in a range of carbon atoms 6 to 80 carbon atoms is preferably in the range of 7 to 70, among them 8 The range is preferably in the range of ~ 60, and particularly preferably in the range of 9 to 50 from the viewpoint of lowering the drive voltage. Further, in the above general formula (1), it ^{is preferable that X 10} has an alkylidene group in an alkylene having 6 to 80 carbon atoms from the viewpoint of lowering the driving voltage. Here, the alkylidene group is preferably an ethylidene group or a 2,2-propyridene group. Further, the compound represented by the general formula (1) is preferably added to the light scattering type liquid crystal composition from the viewpoint of improving storage stability.

The light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention includes compounds represented by the above general formulas (i) to (iii) and a group for improving adhesion to a substrate, for example, a hydroxyl group or a thiol group. , Other polymerizable compounds such as a polymerizable compound having a polar group such as an amide group, an amino group and a phosphoric acid group may be used in combination.

The content of the compounds represented by the general formulas (1) to (8) is preferably 0% by mass or more, preferably 0.1% by mass or more, based on 100% by mass of the light scattering type liquid crystal composition of the present invention. It is more preferably 0.2% by mass or more, and on the other hand, it is preferably 10% by mass or less from the viewpoint that the driving voltage does not become too high due to the bridging density becoming too high. It is more preferably mass% or less, further preferably 6 mass% or less, and particularly preferably 4 mass% or less.

The total content of the polymerizable compound used in the light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is preferably 4% by mass or more, preferably 5% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the light-scattering liquid crystal composition of the present invention. % Or more, more preferably 6% by mass or more, particularly preferably 8% by mass or more, and on the other hand, from the viewpoint that the drive voltage does not become too high due to the excessively high cross-linking density, 50. It is preferably 0% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or less, further preferably 30% by mass or less, and particularly preferably 25% by mass or less.

In the present invention, as described above, among the other polymerizable compounds described in detail above, it is preferable to use the polymerizable compound represented by the general formula (1) from the viewpoint of reducing the driving voltage. ..

(Second component: liquid crystal compound having negative permittivity anisotropy)
The light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains a liquid crystal compound having a negative dielectric anisotropy as a second component. More specifically, the light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains one or more liquid crystal compounds having a negative dielectric anisotropy represented by the following general formula (N-1). It is preferable to do so.

Further, in the present specification, the liquid crystal compound that may be contained as the second component is referred to as a non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound, and is distinguished from the polymerizable compound of the first component. The second component of the light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention has a liquid crystal compound having a negative dielectric anisotropy and, if necessary, a neutral (Δε is -2 to +2) dielectric anisotropy. It is preferable that the liquid crystal composition contains the liquid crystal compound to be contained.

The light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may contain at least a compound represented by the general formula (N-1), and other components are not limited. For example, the liquid crystal compound represented by the general formula (N-1) can be arbitrarily combined with the liquid crystal compound group shown below. Unless otherwise specified, the term "composition" simply refers to a liquid crystal composition.

The light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to the present invention has one kind or two or more kinds of liquid crystal compounds represented by the general formula (N-1), and the general formula (N-2) or the general formula (N-3). The liquid crystal compound represented may be contained in one kind or two or more kinds. These liquid crystal compounds correspond to dielectrically negative compounds (the sign of dielectric anisotropy is negative and the absolute value is greater than 2).

（式中、Ｒ^Ｎ１１、Ｒ^Ｎ１２、Ｒ^Ｎ２１、Ｒ^Ｎ２２、Ｒ^Ｎ３１及びＲ^Ｎ３２はそれぞれ独立して炭素原子数１〜８のアルキル基を表し、該アルキル基中の１個又は非隣接の２個以上の−ＣＨ_２−はそれぞれ独立して−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−Ｃ≡Ｃ−、−Ｏ−、−ＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−又は−ＯＣＯ−によって置換されていてもよく、
Ａ^Ｎ１１、Ａ^Ｎ１２、Ａ^Ｎ２１、Ａ^Ｎ２２、Ａ^Ｎ３１及びＡ^Ｎ３２はそれぞれ独立して
（ａ） １，４−シクロヘキシレン基（この基中に存在する１個の−ＣＨ_２−又は隣接していない２個以上の−ＣＨ_２−は−Ｏ−に置き換えられてもよい。）及び
（ｂ） １，４−フェニレン基（この基中に存在する１個の−ＣＨ＝又は隣接していない２個以上の−ＣＨ＝は−Ｎ＝に置き換えられてもよい。）
（ｃ） ナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基、１，２，３，４−テトラヒドロナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基又はデカヒドロナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基（ナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基又は１，２，３，４−テトラヒドロナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基中に存在する１個の−ＣＨ＝又は隣接していない２個以上の−ＣＨ＝は−Ｎ＝に置き換えられてもよい。）
（ｄ） １，４−シクロヘキセニレン基
からなる群より選ばれる基を表し、上記の基（ａ）、基（ｂ）、基（ｃ）及び基（ｄ）はそれぞれ独立してシアノ基、フッ素原子又は塩素原子で置換されていてもよく、
Ｚ^Ｎ１１、Ｚ^Ｎ１２、Ｚ^Ｎ２１、Ｚ^Ｎ２２、Ｚ^Ｎ３１及びＺ^Ｎ３２はそれぞれ独立して単結合、−ＣＨ_２ＣＨ_２−、−（ＣＨ_２）_４−、−ＯＣＨ_２−、−ＣＨ_２Ｏ−、−ＣＯＯ−、−ＯＣＯ−、−ＯＣＦ_２−、−ＣＦ_２Ｏ−、−ＣＨ＝Ｎ−Ｎ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＦ＝ＣＦ−又は−Ｃ≡Ｃ−を表し、
Ｘ^Ｎ２１は水素原子又はフッ素原子を表し、
Ｔ^Ｎ３１は−ＣＨ_２−又は酸素原子を表し、
ｎ^Ｎ１１、ｎ^Ｎ１２、ｎ^Ｎ２１、ｎ^Ｎ２２、ｎ^Ｎ３１及びｎ^Ｎ３２はそれぞれ独立して０〜３の整数を表すが、ｎ^Ｎ１１＋ｎ^Ｎ１２、ｎ^Ｎ２１＋ｎ^Ｎ２２及びｎ^Ｎ３１＋ｎ^Ｎ３２はそれぞれ独立して１、２又は３であり、Ａ^Ｎ１１〜Ａ^Ｎ３２、Ｚ^Ｎ１１〜Ｚ^Ｎ３２が複数存在する場合は、それらは同一であっても異なっていてもよい。ただし、一般式（ｉ）及び（ｉｉ）で表される化合物を除く。）

(In the formula, ^RN11 , ^RN12 , ^RN21 , ^RN22 , ^RN31 and ^RN32 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and one or two non-adjacent alkyl groups in the alkyl group. More than one −CH ₂₋ may be independently substituted by −CH = CH−, −C≡C−, −O−, −CO−, −COO− or −OCO−.
A ^N11 , A ^N12 , A ^N21 , A ^N22 , A ^N31 and A ^N32 are independently (a) 1,4-cyclohexylene groups (one -CH _2- or adjacent to each other in this group). No two or more -CH _2- may be replaced by -O-) and (b) 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH = or non-adjacent 2 present in this group) More than one -CH = may be replaced with -N =.)
(C) Naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or One -CH = present in the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or two or more non-adjacent -CH = may be replaced with -N =. )
(D) Represents a group selected from the group consisting of 1,4-cyclohexenylene groups, and the above groups (a), group (b), group (c) and group (d) are independently cyano groups, respectively. It may be replaced with a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom.
^{Z N11, Z N12, Z N21} , Z N22, Z N31 and ^{Z N32} are each independently a single _{bond, -CH 2 CH 2 -, -} (CH 2) 4 -, - OCH 2 -, - CH 2 O- , -COO-, -OCO-, -OCF _2- , -CF ₂ O-, -CH = NN = CH-, -CH = CH-, -CF = CF- or -C≡C-
X ^N21 represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom.
^TN31 represents −CH _2- or an oxygen atom and represents
n ^N11 , n ^N12 , n ^N21 , n ^N22 , n ^N31 and n ^N32 each independently represent an integer of 0 to 3, but n ^N11 + n ^N12 , n ^N21 + n ^N22 and n ^N31 + n ^N32 are independent of each other. If it is 1, 2 or 3, and ^{there are a plurality of A N11 to} A ^N32 and Z ^{N11 to} Z ^N32 , they may be the same or different. However, the compounds represented by the general formulas (i) and (ii) are excluded. )

The compounds represented by the general formulas (N-1), (N-2) and (N-3) are preferably compounds having a negative dielectric anisotropy and an absolute value of more than 2.

In the general formulas (N-1), (N-2) and (N-3), ^RN11 , ^RN12 , ^RN21 , ^RN22 , ^RN31 and ^RN32 are independent of each other and have 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Alkyl group, alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms or alkenyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms is preferable, and alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and carbon atom number of carbon atoms are preferable. Alkoxy groups 1 to 5, alkenyl groups having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or alkenyloxy groups having 2 to 5 carbon atoms are preferable, and alkyl groups having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or alkenyl groups having 2 to 5 carbon atoms are preferable. More preferably, an alkyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms is further preferable, and an alkenyl group (propenyl group) having 3 carbon atoms is particularly preferable.

When the ring structure to which it is bonded is a phenyl group (aromatic), a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and carbon are used. An alkoxy group having 4 to 5 atoms is preferable, and when the ring structure to which the alkoxy group is bonded is a saturated ring structure such as cyclohexane, pyran, or dioxane, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a linear chain is used. Alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and linear alkenyl groups having 2 to 5 carbon atoms are preferable. In order to stabilize the nematic phase, the total of carbon atoms and oxygen atoms, if present, is preferably 5 or less, and is preferably linear.

The "alkenyl group" in the present specification is preferably selected from the groups represented by any of the formulas (R1) to (R5). (The black dots in each equation represent carbon atoms in the ring structure.)

Ａ^Ｎ１１、Ａ^Ｎ１２、Ａ^Ｎ２１、Ａ^Ｎ２２、Ａ^Ｎ３１及びＡ^Ｎ３２はそれぞれ独立してΔｎを大きくすることが求められる場合には芳香族であることが好ましく、応答速度を改善するためには脂肪族であることが好ましく、トランス−１，４−シクロへキシレン基、１，４−フェニレン基、２−フルオロ−１，４−フェニレン基、３−フルオロ−１，４−フェニレン基、３，５−ジフルオロ−１，４−フェニレン基、２，３−ジフルオロ−１，４−フェニレン基、１，４−シクロヘキセニレン基、１，４−ビシクロ［２．２．２］オクチレン基、ピペリジン−１，４−ジイル基、ナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基、デカヒドロナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基又は１，２，３，４−テトラヒドロナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基を表すことが好ましく、下記の構造を表すことがより好ましく、

^AN11 , ^AN12 , ^AN21 , ^AN22 , ^AN31 and ^AN32 are preferably aromatics when it is required to increase Δn independently, and fats are used to improve the response rate. It is preferably a group, and is preferably a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-phenylene group, a 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, 3,5. -Difluoro-1,4-phenylene group, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group, 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, 1,4-bicyclo [2.2.2] octylene group, piperidine-1 , 4-Diyl group, naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, which are preferably represented as follows. It is more preferable to represent the structure of

トランス−１，４−シクロへキシレン基、１，４−シクロヘキセニレン基又は１，４−フェニレン基を表すことがより好ましい。

It is more preferable to represent a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexenylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group.

^{Z N11, Z N12, Z N21} , Z N22, Z N31 and ^{Z N32} _-CH 2 each _{independently O -, - CF 2 O -} , - CH 2 CH 2 -, - CF 2 CF 2 - or a single bond preferably represents _{an, -CH 2 O -, - CH} 2 CH 2 - or a single bond is more preferable, _-CH 2 O-or a single bond is particularly preferred. Fluorine atom is preferable for X ^N21. Oxygen atom is preferable for ^TN31.

n ^N11 + n ^N12 , n ^N21 + n ^N22 and n ^N31 + n ^N32 are preferably 1 or 2, n ^N11 is 1 and n ^N12 is 0, n ^N11 is 2 and n ^N12 is 0, n ^{A combination of N11} being 1 and n ^N12 being 1, a combination of n ^N11 being 2 and n ^N12 being 1, a combination of n ^N21 being 1 and n ^N22 being 0, n ^N21 being 2 and n ^N22 being A combination of 0, a combination of n ^N31 being 1 and n ^N32 being 0, and a combination of n ^N31 being 2 and n ^N32 being 0 are preferred.

From the viewpoint of enhancing the transparency of the liquid crystal element or the dimming element of the present invention, it is preferable that the composition does not contain the compound represented by the general formula (N-2) or the general formula (N-3).

The lower limit of the preferable content of the liquid crystal compound represented by the formula (N-1) with respect to the total amount of the non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is 30% by mass. The upper limit is 95% by mass. The lower limit of the more preferable content is 45%, and the upper limit is 80% by mass.

The preferable content of the liquid crystal compound represented by the formula (N-2) with respect to the total amount of the non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is 0% by mass. However, the lower limit of the content may be 1% by mass, 10% by mass, or 20% by mass as long as the object of the present invention such as transparency is not impaired. The upper limit of the content is 35% by mass, 25% by mass, and may be 20% by mass.

The preferable content of the liquid crystal compound represented by the formula (N-3) with respect to the total amount of the composition of the non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is 0% by mass. However, the lower limit of the content may be 1%, 10% by mass, or 20% by mass as long as the object of the present invention such as transparency is not impaired. The upper limit of the content is 35% by mass, 25% by mass, and may be 20% by mass.

When a composition having a low viscosity and a high response speed is required for the light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, it is preferable that the above lower limit value is low and the upper limit value is low. Moreover, maintaining high T _NI of the light-scattering-type liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, it is preferred that the upper limit value lower limit of the above is low when the temperature stability good composition is required is low. Further, when it is desired to increase the dielectric anisotropy in order to keep the drive voltage low, it is preferable that the above lower limit value is high and the upper limit value is high.

Examples of the compound represented by the general formula (N-1) include a group of compounds represented by the following general formulas (N-1a) to (N-1g).

（上記一般式（Ｎ−１ａ）〜（Ｎ−１ｇ）中、Ｒ^Ｎ１１及びＲ^Ｎ１２は一般式（Ｎ−１）におけるＲ^Ｎ１１及びＲ^Ｎ１２と同じ意味を表し、ｎ^Ｎａ１１は０又は１を表し、ｎ^Ｎｂ１１は１又は２を表し、ｎ^Ｎｃ１１は０又は１を表し、ｎ^Ｎｄ１１は１又は２を表し、ｎ^Ｎｅ１１は１又は２を表し、ｎ^Ｎｆ１１は１又は２を表し、ｎ^Ｎｇ１１は１又は２を表し、Ａ^Ｎｅ１１はトランス−１，４−シクロへキシレン基又は１，４−フェニレン基を表し、Ａ^Ｎｇ１１はトランス−１，４−シクロへキシレン基、１，４−シクロヘキセニレン基又は１，４−フェニレン基を表すが少なくとも１つは１，４−シクロヘキセニレン基を表し、Ｚ^{Ｎｅ １１}は単結合又はエチレンを表すが少なくとも１つはエチレンを表す。）

(In the general formula (N-1a) ~ (N -1g), R N11 and ^{R N12} are as defined ^{R N11} and ^{R N12} in the general formula ^{(N-1), n Na11} represents 0 or 1 , ^{n NB11} is 1 or ^{2, n NC11} represents 0 or ^{1, n Nd11} is 1 or ^{2, n NE11} is 1 or ^{2, n Nf11} is 1 or ^{2, n NG11} 1 Or 2, A ^Ne11 represents a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group, and A ^Ng11 represents a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexenylene group. Alternatively, it represents a 1,4-phenylene group, but at least one represents a 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, and Z ^{Ne 11} represents a single bond or ethylene, but at least one represents ethylene.)

More specifically, the compounds represented by the general formula (N-1) are the general formulas (N-1-1) to (N-1-5), (N-1-10) to (N-1-). 18), It is preferable that the compound is selected from the compound group represented by (N-1-20) to (N-1-21).

The light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably contains one or more liquid crystal compounds represented by the general formula (L) as the non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound.
The liquid crystal compound represented by the general formula (L) corresponds to a dielectrically substantially neutral compound (the value of the dielectric anisotropy Δε is -2 to 2).

（式中、Ｒ^Ｌ１及びＲ^Ｌ２はそれぞれ独立して炭素原子数１〜８のアルキル基を表し、該アルキル基中の１個又は非隣接の２個以上の−ＣＨ_２−はそれぞれ独立して−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−Ｃ≡Ｃ−、−Ｏ−、−ＣＯ−、−ＣＯＯ−又は−ＯＣＯ−によって置換されていてもよく、
ｎ^Ｌ１は０、１、２又は３を表し、
Ａ^Ｌ１、Ａ^Ｌ２及びＡ^Ｌ３はそれぞれ独立して
（ａ） １，４−シクロヘキシレン基（この基中に存在する１個の−ＣＨ_２−又は隣接していない２個以上の−ＣＨ_２−は−Ｏ−に置き換えられてもよい。）及び
（ｂ） １，４−フェニレン基（この基中に存在する１個の−ＣＨ＝又は隣接していない２個以上の−ＣＨ＝は−Ｎ＝に置き換えられてもよい。）
（ｃ） ナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基、１，２，３，４−テトラヒドロナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基又はデカヒドロナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基（ナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基又は１，２，３，４−テトラヒドロナフタレン−２，６−ジイル基中に存在する１個の−ＣＨ＝又は隣接していない２個以上の−ＣＨ＝は−Ｎ＝に置き換えられてもよい。）
からなる群より選ばれる基を表し、上記の基（ａ）、基（ｂ）及び基（ｃ）の基中に存在する１つ又は２つ以上の水素原子はそれぞれ独立してシアノ基、フッ素原子又は塩素原子で置換されていてもよく、
Ｚ^Ｌ１及びＺ^Ｌ２はそれぞれ独立して単結合、−ＣＨ_２ＣＨ_２−、−（ＣＨ_２）_４−、−ＯＣＨ_２−、−ＣＨ_２Ｏ−、−ＣＯＯ−、−ＯＣＯ−、−ＯＣＦ_２−、−ＣＦ_２Ｏ−、−ＣＨ＝Ｎ−Ｎ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＨ＝ＣＨ−、−ＣＦ＝ＣＦ−又は−Ｃ≡Ｃ−を表し、
ｎ^Ｌ１が２又は３であってＡ^Ｌ２が複数存在する場合は、それらは同一であっても異なっていてもよく、ｎ^Ｌ１が２又は３であってＺ^Ｌ２が複数存在する場合は、それらは同一であっても異なっていてもよい。）

(Wherein, R ^L1 and R ^L2 represent each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, one or non-adjacent two or more -CH 2 in the alkyl group _- is independently It may be replaced by −CH = CH−, −C≡C−, −O−, −CO−, −COO− or −OCO−.
n ^L1 represents 0, 1, 2 or 3
A ^{L1, A L2,} and ^{A L3} each independently (a) 1,4-cyclohexylene group (this is present in the group one -CH ₂ - or nonadjacent two or more -CH ₂ - May be replaced with -O-) and (b) 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH = present in this group or two or more non-adjacent -CH = -N May be replaced with =)
(C) Naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or One -CH = present in the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or two or more non-adjacent -CH = may be replaced with -N =. )
Represents a group selected from the group consisting of, and one or more hydrogen atoms present in the above groups (a), group (b) and group (c) are independently cyano groups and fluorine, respectively. It may be replaced with an atom or a chlorine atom,
Z ^L1 and ^{Z L2} each independently represent a single _{bond, -CH 2 CH 2 -, -} (CH 2) 4 -, - OCH 2 -, - CH 2 O -, - COO -, - OCO -, - OCF 2 Represents −, −CF ₂ O−, −CH = NN = CH−, −CH = CH−, −CF = CF− or −C≡C−.
If n ^L1 is 2 or 3 and there ^{are a plurality of A L2s} , they may be the same or different, and if n ^L1 is 2 or 3 and there are a plurality of ^{Z L2s, they may be the same or different.} May be the same or different. )

The compound represented by the general formula (L) may be used alone or in combination. The types of compounds that can be combined are not particularly limited, but they are appropriately combined and used according to desired performance such as solubility at low temperature, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence. The type of compound used is, for example, one type as one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, there are two types, three types, four types, five types, six types, seven types, eight types, nine types, and ten. More than a kind.

In the light scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the content of the liquid crystal compound represented by the general formula (L) is solubility at low temperature, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence, and process compatibility. , Drop marks, seizure, dielectric anisotropy, etc., need to be adjusted appropriately according to the required performance.

The lower limit of the preferable content of the compound represented by the formula (L) with respect to the total amount of the non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the light scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is 1% by mass, which is the upper limit. The value is 85% by mass. The lower limit of the more preferable content is 3% by mass, and the upper limit is 65% by mass.

When a composition that keeps the viscosity of the light scattering type composition low and has a high response speed is required, it is preferable that the above lower limit value is high and the upper limit value is high. Moreover, maintaining high T _NI of the light-scattering-type compositions according to the present invention, it is preferable if the temperature stability good composition is required upper limit higher the lower limit of the above is high. Further, when it is desired to increase the dielectric anisotropy in order to keep the drive voltage low, it is preferable that the above lower limit value is low and the upper limit value is low.

When reliability is important, ^{both RL1} and ^RL2 are preferably alkyl groups, and when reducing the volatility of the compound is important, they are preferably alkoxy groups, and reduction of viscosity is important. It is preferable that at least one of them is an alkenyl group.

The number of halogen atoms present in the molecule is preferably 0, 1, 2 or 3, preferably 0 or 1, and preferably 1 when compatibility with other liquid crystal molecules is important.

^RL1 and ^RL2 are linear alkyl groups having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and linear carbon atoms 1 to 4 when the ring structure to which they are bonded is a phenyl group (aromatic). The alkoxy group and the alkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms are preferable, and when the ring structure to which the alkoxy group is bonded is a saturated ring structure such as cyclohexane, pyran and dioxane, the linear carbon atom number is 1 to 5. Alkyl groups, linear alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and linear alkenyl groups having 2 to 5 carbon atoms are preferable. In order to stabilize the nematic phase, the total of carbon atoms and oxygen atoms, if present, is preferably 5 or less, and is preferably linear.

n ^L1 is preferably 0 when the response speed is important, 2 or 3 is preferable for improving the upper limit temperature of the nematic phase, and 1 is preferable for balancing these. Further, in order to satisfy the properties required for the composition, it is preferable to combine compounds having different values.

Preferably A ^L1, A ^L2, and A ^L3 if it is required to increase the Δn is aromatic, preferably to improve the response speed is an aliphatic, independently trans - 1,4-Cyclohexylene group, 1,4-phenylene group, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group , 1,4-Cyclohexenylene group, 1,4-bicyclo [2.2.2] octylene group, piperidine-1,4-diyl group, naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, decahydronaphthalene-2,6 It preferably represents a −diyl group or 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, more preferably the following structure.

トランス−１，４−シクロへキシレン基又は１，４−フェニレン基を表すことがより好ましい。

It is more preferable to represent a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group.

Z ^L1 and Z ^L2 are preferably single-bonded when the response speed is important.

The compound represented by the general formula (L) preferably has 0 or 1 halogen atoms in the molecule. The compound represented by the general formula (L) is preferably a compound selected from the compound group represented by the general formulas (L-1) to (L-9).

The compound represented by the general formula (L-1) is the following compound.

（式中、Ｒ^Ｌ１１及びＲ^Ｌ１２はそれぞれ独立して、一般式（Ｌ）におけるＲ^Ｌ１及びＲ^Ｌ２と同じ意味を表す。）
Ｒ^Ｌ１１及びＲ^Ｌ１２は、直鎖状の炭素原子数１〜５のアルキル基、直鎖状の炭素原子数１〜４のアルコキシ基及び直鎖状の炭素原子数２〜５のアルケニル基が好ましい。

^{(Wherein, R L11} and ^{R L12} are each independently the same meaning as ^{R L1} and ^{R L2} in Formula (L).)
^RL11 and ^RL12 are preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and a linear alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms. ..

The compound represented by the general formula (L-2) is the following compound.

（式中、Ｒ^Ｌ２１及びＲ^Ｌ２２はそれぞれ独立して、一般式（Ｌ）におけるＲ^Ｌ１及びＲ^Ｌ２と同じ意味を表す。）
Ｒ^Ｌ２１は炭素原子数１〜５のアルキル基又は炭素原子数２〜５のアルケニル基が好ましく、Ｒ^Ｌ２２は炭素原子数１〜５のアルキル基、炭素原子数４〜５のアルケニル基又は炭素原子数１〜４のアルコキシ基が好ましい。

^{(Wherein, R L21} and ^{R L22} are each independently the same meaning as ^{R L1} and ^{R L2} in Formula (L).)
^RL21 is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and ^RL22 is an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms or a carbon atom. Alkoxy groups of numbers 1 to 4 are preferred.

The compound represented by the general formula (L-3) is the following compound.

（式中、Ｒ^Ｌ３１及びＲ^Ｌ３２はそれぞれ独立して、一般式（Ｌ）におけるＲ^Ｌ１及びＲ^Ｌ２と同じ意味を表す。）
Ｒ^Ｌ３１及びＲ^Ｌ３２はそれぞれ独立して炭素原子数１〜５のアルキル基、炭素原子数４〜５のアルケニル基又は炭素原子数１〜４のアルコキシ基が好ましい。

^{(Wherein, R L31} and ^{R L32} are each independently the same meaning as ^{R L1} and ^{R L2} in Formula (L).)
^RL31 and ^RL32 are preferably alkyl groups having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, alkenyl groups having 4 to 5 carbon atoms, or alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, respectively.

The compound represented by the general formula (L-4) is the following compound.

（式中、Ｒ^Ｌ４１及びＲ^Ｌ４２はそれぞれ独立して、一般式（Ｌ）におけるＲ^Ｌ１及びＲ^Ｌ２と同じ意味を表す。）
Ｒ^Ｌ４１は炭素原子数１〜５のアルキル基又は炭素原子数２〜５のアルケニル基が好ましく、Ｒ^Ｌ４２は炭素原子数１〜５のアルキル基、炭素原子数４〜５のアルケニル基又は炭素原子数１〜４のアルコキシ基が好ましい。

^{(Wherein, R L41} and ^{R L42} are each independently the same meaning as ^{R L1} and ^{R L2} in Formula (L).)
^RL41 is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and ^RL42 is an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms or a carbon atom. Alkoxy groups of numbers 1 to 4 are preferred.

The compound represented by the general formula (L-5) is the following compound.

（式中、Ｒ^Ｌ５１及びＲ^Ｌ５２はそれぞれ独立して、一般式（Ｌ）におけるＲ^Ｌ１及びＲ^Ｌ２と同じ意味を表す。）
Ｒ^Ｌ５１は炭素原子数１〜５のアルキル基又は炭素原子数２〜５のアルケニル基が好ましく、Ｒ^Ｌ５２は炭素原子数１〜５のアルキル基、炭素原子数４〜５のアルケニル基又は炭素原子数１〜４のアルコキシ基が好ましい。

^{(Wherein, R L51} and ^{R L52} are each independently the same meaning as ^{R L1} and ^{R L2} in Formula (L).)
^RL51 is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and ^RL52 is an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms or a carbon atom. Alkoxy groups of numbers 1 to 4 are preferred.

The compound represented by the general formula (L-6) is the following compound.

（式中、Ｒ^Ｌ６１及びＲ^Ｌ６２はそれぞれ独立して、一般式（Ｌ）におけるＲ^Ｌ１及びＲ^Ｌ２と同じ意味を表し、Ｘ^Ｌ６１及びＸ^Ｌ６２はそれぞれ独立して水素原子又はフッ素原子を表す。）
Ｒ^Ｌ６１及びＲ^Ｌ６２はそれぞれ独立して炭素原子数１〜５のアルキル基又は炭素原子数２〜５のアルケニル基が好ましく、Ｘ^Ｌ６１及びＸ^Ｌ６２のうち一方がフッ素原子であり、他方が水素原子であることが好ましい。

^{(Wherein, R L61} and ^{R L62} each independently represent the same meaning as ^{R L1} and ^{R L2} in Formula ^{(L), X L61} and ^{X L62} each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom. )
^{Each of RL61} and ^RL62 is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and ^{one of XL61 and XL62} is a fluorine atom and the other is a hydrogen atom. Is preferable.

The compound represented by the general formula (L-7) is the following compound.

（式中、Ｒ^Ｌ７１及びＲ^Ｌ７２はそれぞれ独立して一般式（Ｌ）におけるＲ^Ｌ１及びＲ^Ｌ２と同じ意味を表し、Ａ^Ｌ７１及びＡ^Ｌ７２はそれぞれ独立して一般式（Ｌ）におけるＡ^Ｌ２及びＡ^Ｌ３と同じ意味を表すが、Ａ^Ｌ７１及びＡ^Ｌ７２上の水素原子はそれぞれ独立してフッ素原子によって置換されていてもよく、Ｚ^Ｌ７１は一般式（Ｌ）におけるＺ^Ｌ２と同じ意味を表し、Ｘ^Ｌ７１及びＸ^Ｌ７２はそれぞれ独立してフッ素原子又は水素原子を表す。）
式中、Ｒ^Ｌ７１及びＲ^Ｌ７２はそれぞれ独立して炭素原子数１〜５のアルキル基、炭素原子数２〜５のアルケニル基又は炭素原子数１〜４のアルコキシ基が好ましく、Ａ^Ｌ７１及びＡ^Ｌ７２はそれぞれ独立して１,４-シクロヘキシレン基又は１,４-フェニレン基が好ましく、Ａ^Ｌ７１及びＡ^Ｌ７２上の水素原子はそれぞれ独立してフッ素原子によって置換されていてもよく、Ｚ^Ｌ７１は単結合又は−ＣＯＯ−が好ましく、単結合が好ましく、Ｘ^Ｌ７１及びＸ^Ｌ７２は水素原子が好ましい。

^{(Wherein, R L71} and ^{R L72} each independently represent the same meaning as ^{R L1} and ^{R L2} in Formula ^{(L), A L71} and ^{A L72} is ^{A L2} and in the general formula (L) independently Although it has the same meaning as ^{A L3 , the hydrogen atoms on A L71} and A ^L72 may be independently substituted with fluorine atoms, and Z ^L71 has the same meaning as ^{Z L2} in the general formula (L). X ^L71 and ^{XL 72} independently represent a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom.)
In the formula, ^RL71 and ^RL72 are each independently preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, respectively, and ^{AL71 and AL72.} Are each independently preferably a 1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group ^{, the hydrogen atoms on AL71} and ^AL72 may be independently substituted with fluorine atoms, and Z L71 is ^simply. Bonds or -COO- are preferable, single bonds are preferable, and hydrogen atoms are preferable for ^{XL71 and XL72.}

The compound represented by the general formula (L-8) is the following compound.

（式中、Ｒ^Ｌ８１及びＲ^Ｌ８２はそれぞれ独立して一般式（Ｌ）におけるＲ^Ｌ１及びＲ^Ｌ２と同じ意味を表し、Ａ^Ｌ８１は一般式（Ｌ）におけるＡ^Ｌ１と同じ意味又は単結合を表すが、Ａ^Ｌ８１上の水素原子はそれぞれ独立してフッ素原子によって置換されていてもよく、Ｘ^Ｌ８１〜Ｘ^Ｌ８６はそれぞれ独立してフッ素原子又は水素原子を表す。）
式中、Ｒ^Ｌ８１及びＲ^Ｌ８２はそれぞれ独立して炭素原子数１〜５のアルキル基、炭素原子数２〜５のアルケニル基又は炭素原子数１〜４のアルコキシ基が好ましく、Ａ^Ｌ８１は１,４-シクロヘキシレン基又は１,４-フェニレン基が好ましく、Ａ^Ｌ７１及びＡ^Ｌ７２上の水素原子はそれぞれ独立してフッ素原子によって置換されていてもよく、一般式（Ｌ−８）中の同一の環構造上にフッ素原子は０個又は１個が好ましく、分子内にフッ素原子は０個又は１個であることが好ましい。

^{(Wherein, R L81} and ^{R L82} each independently represent the same meaning as ^{R L1} and ^{R L2} in Formula ^{(L), A L81} represents the same meaning or a single bond and ^{A L1} in formula (L) but the hydrogen atoms on a ^L81 may be substituted independently by fluorine atom, X ^L81 to X ^L86 each independently represents a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom.)
In the formula, ^RL81 and ^RL82 are each independently preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and ^AL81 is 1, A 4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group is preferable, and ^{the hydrogen atoms on AL71 and AL72} may be independently substituted with fluorine atoms, and the same in the general formula (L-8). The ring structure is preferably 0 or 1 hydrogen atom, and the molecule is preferably 0 or 1 hydrogen atom.

The compound represented by the general formula (L-9) is the following compound.

（式中、Ｒ^Ｌ９１及びＲ^Ｌ９２はそれぞれ独立して、一般式（Ｌ）におけるＲ^Ｌ１及びＲ^Ｌ２と同じ意味を表す。）
Ｒ^Ｌ９１及びＲ^Ｌ９２はそれぞれ独立して炭素原子数１〜５のアルキル基、炭素原子数４〜５のアルケニル基又は炭素原子数１〜４のアルコキシ基が好ましい。

^{(Wherein, R L91} and ^{R L92} are each independently the same meaning as ^{R L1} and ^{R L2} in Formula (L).)
R ^L91 and ^{R L92} are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms carbon atoms 4-5 preferred.

The lower limit of the preferable content of the total of the compounds represented by the general formula (N) and the general formula (L) with respect to the total amount of the non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to the present invention. The value is 80% by mass, and the upper limit is 100% by mass. The lower limit of the more preferable content is 90% by mass, and the upper limit is 100% by mass.

The general formulas (N-1-1) to (N-1-18) and the general formula (L-1) with respect to the total amount of the non-polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to the present invention. The lower limit of the preferable content of the total of the compounds represented by (L-9) is 80% by mass, and the upper limit is 100% by mass. The lower limit of the more preferable content is 95% by mass, and the upper limit is 100% by mass.

The light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably does not contain a compound having a structure in which oxygen atoms are bonded to each other, such as a peracid (-CO-OO-) structure, in the molecule.

When the reliability and long-term stability of the composition are emphasized, the content of the compound having a carbonyl group is preferably 5% by mass or less, preferably 3% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the composition. It is more preferable that the content is 1% by mass or less, and it is most preferable that the content is substantially not contained.

When the stability by UV irradiation is emphasized, the content of the compound substituted with chlorine atoms is preferably 15% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the composition. , 8% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, more preferably 3% by mass or less, and further preferably substantially not contained.

It is preferable to increase the content of the compound having all 6-membered ring structures in the molecule, and the content of the compound having all 6-membered ring structures in the molecule is 80 with respect to the total mass of the composition. The content is preferably mass% or more, more preferably 90% by mass or more, further preferably 95% by mass or more, and the composition is composed only of a compound in which substantially all the ring structures in the molecule are 6-membered rings. It is most preferable to construct an object.

In order to suppress deterioration of the composition due to oxidation, it is preferable to reduce the content of the compound having a cyclohexenylene group as a ring structure, and the content of the compound having a cyclohexenylene group is added to the total mass of the composition. On the other hand, it is preferably 10% by mass or less, preferably 8% by mass or less, more preferably 5% or less by mass, preferably 3% by mass or less, and substantially not contained. More preferred.

When the improvement of viscosity and the improvement of _TNI are emphasized, the content of the compound having a 2-methylbenzene-1,4-diyl group in which the hydrogen atom may be substituted with halogen should be reduced. The content of the compound having a 2-methylbenzene-1,4-diyl group in the molecule is preferably 10% or less, preferably 8% or less, based on the total mass of the composition. It is preferably 5% or less, more preferably 3% or less, and even more preferably substantially absent.

In the present application, substantially not contained means that it is not contained except for an unintentionally contained substance.

When the liquid crystal compound contained in the light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to the present invention has an alkenyl group as a side chain, and the alkenyl group is bonded to cyclohexane, the number of carbon atoms of the alkenyl group is 2 to 2. It is preferably 5, and when the alkenyl group is bonded to benzene, the number of carbon atoms of the alkenyl group is preferably 4 to 5, and the unsaturated bond of the alkenyl group and benzene are directly bonded. It is preferable not to.

The dimming element according to the present invention includes a pair of transparent electrode substrates, a polymer network derived from a compound represented by the general formulas (i) to (iii), and the negative, which are arranged between the transparent electrode substrates. The dimming element according to the present invention having the composite layer containing the liquid crystal compound having the dielectric anisotropy of the above is not particularly limited as long as it includes the above elements. For example, the composite layer (also referred to as a phase-separated liquid crystal layer) is narrow in a hollow element composed of two transparent substrates having (transparent) electrodes on at least one of them and a homeotropic alignment film provided as needed. It may be a possessed configuration.

The composite layer in the light control element according to the present invention polymerizes the polymerizable compound contained in the light scattering type liquid crystal composition or the composition thereof, and at the same time, phase-separates the polymer and the liquid crystal composition. , The structure in which the liquid crystal composition forms a continuous layer in the three-dimensional network structure of the polymer, the structure in which the droplets of the liquid crystal composition are dispersed in the polymer, or the structure in which both are mixed. Therefore, the light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is preferably used for a light-scattering light control element.

The dimming element according to the present invention maintains the homeotropic orientation of the composite layer in a non-powered state. Therefore, it can be used as an element that can be driven in the so-called reverse mode. That is, the liquid crystal element can be in a transparent state when no voltage is applied and in a scattered state when a voltage is applied.

In the dimming device according to the present invention, the orientation of liquid crystal molecules is controlled not only by a homeotropic alignment film but also by a dense polymer network composed of oriented polymers. Therefore, the dimming element according to the present invention is less likely to cause orientation disorder due to external stress and has high stress tolerance. Since the dimming element according to the present invention is unlikely to cause display defects even in an environment where bending stress is applied, it can be made bendable. Therefore, in the dimming element according to the present invention, the surface of the element may be a surface.

The homeotropic alignment film used in the light control device according to the present invention may have an action of inducing homeotropic orientation by directly contacting the light scattering type liquid crystal composition or a cured product thereof, the liquid crystal composition or the composite layer. Just do it. As such an alignment film, a known one may be used. Usually, the homeotropic alignment films are arranged in pairs so as to sandwich the liquid crystal phase. In hollow devices, homeotropic alignment films are usually placed on the respective surfaces of a pair of opposing substrates.

Examples of the alignment film include a polyimide alignment film and a photoalignment film. As a method for forming the alignment film, for example, in the case of a polyimide alignment film, a polyimide resin composition is applied onto a transparent substrate, thermosetting at a temperature of 180 ° C. or higher, and further rubbing treatment with a cotton cloth or rayon cloth. There is a way to do it. Further, a polymer film such as a polyimide film which has not been subjected to a rubbing treatment can also be used. In particular, in order to exhibit vertical orientation, it is preferable to use a vertically oriented polyimide alignment film without rubbing. Alternatively, it is preferable to use a vertically oriented photoaligned film. It is also possible to use a spontaneous vertical orientation (PI-less) monomer that enables vertical orientation without using a vertically oriented polyimide alignment film. A known monomer can be used as the monomer used for the spontaneous vertical orientation monomer.

The electrodes are provided in the liquid crystal element of the present invention so as to generate an electric field capable of controlling the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the phase-separated liquid crystal layer. The electric field strength is controlled by the degree of voltage application to the electrodes.

The shape of the electrode is not particularly limited, and the conductive portion may have a striped shape, a mesh shape, or a random mesh shape. The electrode preferably has a so-called comb-shaped structure. Further, when used for a smart window or the like, a uniform electrode generally called a solid electrode is preferable, and a pattern may be formed depending on the purpose.

As the material of the transparent substrate, glass, plastic or the like can be used. From the viewpoint of applying the liquid crystal element of the present invention to a flexible display, the transparent substrate is preferably flexible.

From the viewpoint of productivity, the dimming element according to the present invention is preferably manufactured from a polymerizable liquid crystal element in which a light scattering type liquid crystal composition is sandwiched in a hollow element. In the polymerizable liquid crystal element, the liquid crystal compound or the polymerizable compound having a mesogen group in the light scattering type liquid crystal composition is in a homeotropic alignment state due to the orientation restricting force of the homeotropic alignment film. Under this orientation state, the polymerizable compound in the light-scattering liquid crystal composition is cured by ultraviolet rays by the above-mentioned method to form a phase-separated liquid crystal layer from the light-scattering liquid crystal composition, whereby a dimming element can be obtained.

Regarding the method of irradiating ultraviolet rays, the lamp may be any device such as metal halide, high-pressure mercury, UV-LED, etc., which is usually used for ultraviolet polymerization. In 365nm sensors as ultraviolet intensity is preferably 1 to 100 mW / cm ^2, more preferably 1~20mW / cm ^2, and further preferably from a 2~10mW / cm ^2. The ultraviolet irradiation energy is preferably from 1~50J / cm ^2, more preferably 2~20J / cm ^2. The temperature at which ultraviolet rays are irradiated is preferably 15 to 30 ° C.

As a method of narrowing the light scattering type liquid crystal composition in the hollow element, a conventional method may be used, and a vacuum injection method, an ODF method, or the like can be used. In the ODF method of manufacturing a polymerizable liquid crystal element, a sealant such as an epoxy-based light-heat-combined curability is drawn on either the backplane or the frontplane of the hollow element in a closed-loop bank shape using a dispenser. A polymerizable liquid crystal element can be manufactured by dropping a predetermined amount of a light-scattering liquid crystal composition into the liquid crystal composition under degassing and then joining the front plane and the back plane. Since the polymerizable liquid crystal product used in the present invention has high phase stability and is hard to volatilize, it can be suitably used in the ODF step. Further, in the case of roll-to-roll production using a film substrate, the light scattering type liquid crystal composition may be dropped onto the substrate by a simple dropping method and bonded to the opposing substrate. Further, a method of sealing the entire film by laminating in a subsequent step without having a sealing structure may be adopted.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the liquid crystal device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The dimming element of the present invention may be configured so that the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules can be controlled by applying a voltage, but it is preferably configured as a vertical electric field type liquid crystal element. The vertical electric field type liquid crystal element is a liquid crystal element in which electrodes are arranged so that an electric field is generated perpendicular to the homeotropic alignment film. In a vertical electric field type liquid crystal element, electrodes are usually provided on both of two transparent substrates sandwiching a phase-separated liquid crystal layer.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a vertical electric field type liquid crystal element when no voltage is applied. Hereinafter, the vertical electric field type liquid crystal element in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the configuration of the polymer network vertical electric field type liquid crystal element according to the present invention includes the first transparent electrode (layer) 2 (hereinafter referred to as electrode 2) each made of a transparent conductive material. The substrate 11, the second substrate 12, and the composite layer sandwiched between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, and no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal molecules 4 in the composite layer. It is a liquid crystal element whose orientation at the time is substantially perpendicular to the homeotropic alignment film 3. The phase-separated liquid crystal layer is composed of the liquid crystal molecules 4 and the oriented polymer 5 contained in the liquid crystal composition. In FIG. 1, for convenience, the oriented polymer 5 is represented by a large number of fixed polymerizable compounds, but in reality, each polymerizable compound forms a polymer network in which they are intricately connected to each other. Further, a pair of homeotropic alignment films 3 are formed on the surface of the transparent electrode (layer) 2 so as to be in direct contact with the composite layer.

That is, the polymer network vertical electric field type liquid crystal element according to the present invention is a composite layer in which the first substrate 11, the electrode 2, the homeotropic alignment film 3, the liquid crystal molecule 4 and the oriented polymer 5 are phase-separated. , The homeotropic alignment film 3, the electrode 2, and the second substrate 12 are sequentially laminated.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a vertical electric field type element when a voltage is applied. By applying a voltage to the electrodes, the vertical electric field type liquid crystal element transitions from the state of FIG. 1 to the state of FIG. At this time, the liquid crystal molecules 4 are oriented in a substantially parallel direction with respect to the homeotropic alignment film 3 due to the generation of a vertical electric field (see FIG. 3 as an example of see-through from the vertical direction with respect to the substrates 11 and 12). In the vertical electric field type liquid crystal element shown in FIG. 2, since the orientation directions of the liquid crystal molecules 4 and the oriented polymer 5 in the phase-separated liquid crystal layer are different, light scattering occurs at the interface of each component, or the liquid crystal molecules 4 Light scattering occurs due to a mismatch in the refractive index between two or more liquid crystal molecules 4 or an aggregate of liquid crystal molecules 4 due to the fact that the orientation directions of the liquid crystals are not aligned, and the light is opaque as a vertical electric field type liquid crystal element. Become.

As described above, the vertical electric field type liquid crystal element of the present invention can change the light transmission state depending on the presence or absence of voltage application. It can be used as a liquid crystal display element to be used. In particular, since the vertical electric field type liquid crystal element of the present invention can be driven in the reverse mode, it is particularly suitable for applications where power saving, power failure, or transparency under no power supply are required.

The above-mentioned polymer network vertical electric field type liquid crystal dimming element is preferably used for, for example, a building material, dimming glass, a dimming unit in a smart window for automobiles or an OLED display, and has particularly high light scattering property and a driving voltage. It is useful as a smart window because it can be reduced.

Specifically, the smart window according to the present invention includes a dimming element such as the vertical electric field type liquid crystal element, and by controlling the voltage between the transparent electrode substrates, a scattered state of light transmitted through the composite layer. Can be controlled.

The vertical electric field type liquid crystal display element can be used for the same purposes as the conventional polymer dispersion type liquid crystal display element, and can be particularly preferably used for a transmissive display, a flexible display, and the like.

(Other electric field types)
In addition to the vertical electric field type, a horizontal electric field type or another electric field type may be adopted for the dimming element of the present invention. The fringe electric field adopted in the FFS drive mode may be adopted.

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples below, but the present invention is not limited to these Examples. In addition, "%" in the compositions of the following Examples and Comparative Examples means "mass%".
The details of the evaluation characteristics in each Example and Comparative Example are as follows.

Haze: Ratio of diffused light transmittance to total light transmittance * The smaller this value, the higher the transparency.

The structures of the polymerizable compounds (i-A) to (iii-C), (1-A) to (3-A) and (a-1) used in each Example and Comparative Example are as follows. is there. Further, as a photoinitiator, Irg. 651 was used

The physical property values of the liquid crystal compositions "LC-1" and "LC-2" showing negative dielectric anisotropy used in each Example and Comparative Example are shown in Table 1-1 below.

また、液晶組成物「ＬＣ−１」及び「ＬＣ−２」の組成については以下の通りである。

The compositions of the liquid crystal compositions "LC-1" and "LC-2" are as follows.

The composition ratios of the light-scattering liquid crystal compositions "M-1" to "M-22" used in each Example and Comparative Example are as shown in Table 2 below (mass%).

（実施例１）
上記液晶組成物（ＬＣ−１）を９０質量％と、重合性組成物（Ｍ−１）を１０質量％とを攪拌しながら１２０℃で溶解させて混合し、本発明に係る光散乱型液晶組成物１を調製した。得られた光散乱型液晶組成物は、常温でネマチック相を示した。

(Example 1)
90% by mass of the liquid crystal composition (LC-1) and 10% by mass of the polymerizable composition (M-1) are dissolved and mixed at 120 ° C. with stirring to obtain a light scattering liquid crystal according to the present invention. Composition 1 was prepared. The obtained light-scattering liquid crystal composition showed a nematic phase at room temperature.

A glass cell having a thickness of 10 μm in which the ITO transparent electrode was formed in a square shape (composed of a glass base material / transparent electrode layer / alignment film / air layer / alignment film // transparent electrode layer / glass base material) was prepared. The prepared light scattering liquid crystal composition 1 was injected into this cell at 70 ° C. by a vacuum injection method. Then, by irradiating with ultraviolet rays at room temperature, the polymerizable compound was polymerized to obtain a dimming element having a composite layer in which the polymer network and the liquid crystal composition were phase-separated. The conditions of ultraviolet rays at this time were an LED having a light source of 365 nm, an intensity of 15 mW / cm ² , and a time of 200 seconds. Further, the obtained device was heat-treated at 110 ° C. for 60 minutes to obtain the dimming device of the present invention. The haze (Hz) of the dimming element when the electrode wiring is attached to the obtained element and the measurement light is incident on the substrate of the element in the normal direction is measured by a haze meter (NDH manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd.). -7000) was used to evaluate the voltage-transmission characteristic.
The haze value was obtained from the total light transmittance (TT) and the parallel light transmittance (PT) by the following equation.

Hz = [{TT-PT} / TT] x 100 (%)
The haze when no voltage was applied (hereinafter, when OFF) was 5.8%, and the haze when AC50V was applied was 93.9%.

(Examples 2 to 12, Comparative Examples 1 to 12)
In each Example 2 to Example 12 and each Comparative Example 1 to Comparative Example 12, the liquid crystal composition, the polymerizable composition and the initiator shown in Table 2 above were used at the ratios shown in Table 2 above. Prepared light-scattering liquid crystal compositions 2 to 22 under the same conditions as in Example 1. All of the obtained light-scattering liquid crystal compositions 2 to 22 showed a nematic phase at room temperature.

Then, using the obtained light scattering type liquid crystal compositions 2 to 22, the dimming elements of the present invention were respectively produced by the same method and polymerization conditions as in Example 1, and when no voltage was applied (hereinafter, when OFF). And the haze value when AC50V was applied were measured respectively. The composition ratios of the light-scattering liquid crystal compositions of Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 12, the haze values of the experimental results (when no voltage is applied and when AC50V is applied), and the cell configurations are shown in Table 3 below.

From the above results, it was confirmed that all of Examples 1 to 12 exhibited higher light scattering properties than those of Comparative Examples. Further, in Comparative Examples 9 to 12, since the driving voltage is high, it is considered that the liquid crystal molecules are not completely oriented in the horizontal direction even when the voltage is applied. Therefore, in Comparative Examples 1 to 12, Comparative Examples 9 to 12 are used. It was confirmed that the light scattering property was high with respect to 12 even at a low driving voltage. Therefore, since the dimming element of this embodiment has practical transparency, it is suitable for applications such as see-through TVs, window displays, smart windows, and other optical control drive panels that require high transparency. it is conceivable that.

11 ... First transparent substrate 12 ... Second transparent substrate 2 ... Electrode 3 ... Homeotropic alignment film 4 ... Liquid crystal molecule 5 ... Orientation polymer

Claims (7)

As the first component, a compound represented by the general formula (i) and

(In the above general formula (i), ^Pi1 and ^Pi2 each independently represent a polymerizable group.
S ⁱ¹ and S ⁱ² independently represent a spacer group or a single bond, respectively.
X ⁱ¹ and X ⁱ² _{are independent of -O-, -S-, -OCH 2-} , -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O. -CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -SCH _2- , -CF ₂ O-, -OCF _2- , -CF ₂ S-, -SCF _2- , -CH = CH- COO-, -CH = CH-OCO-, -COO-CH = CH-, -OCO-CH = CH-, -COO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -OCO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -COO-CH ₂ Represents −, −OCO−CH ₂₋ , −CH = CH−, −N = N−, −CH = N−N = CH−, −CF = CF−, −C≡C− or a single bond (however, -O-O- is not included in the groups represented by P ^i1- S ^i1- X ^i1- and P ^i2- S ^i2- X ^i2-),.
Z ⁱ¹ is -O-, -S-, -OCH _2- , -CH ₂ O-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O- CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -SCH _2- , -CH ₂ S-, -CF ₂ O-, -OCF _2- , -CF ₂ S-, -SCF _2- , -CH = CH-COO-, -CH = CH-OCO-, -COO-CH = CH-, -OCO-CH = CH-, -COO-R ^Z1- , -OCO-R ^Z1- , -R ^Z1- COO-, -R ^Z1- OCO-, -COO-CH _2- , -OCO-CH _2- , -CH _2- COO-, -CH _2- OCO-, -CH = CH-, -CH ₂ CH _2- , -N = N-, -CH = N-N = CH-, -CF = CF-, -C≡C- or a single bond (where -R ^Z1- is an alkylene with 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Represents a group.),
When a ^{plurality of Z i1s} are present, the Z ^i1s may be the same or different, but at least one of ^{the Z i1s present in the general formula (i) is −COO-R Z1} −,. ^{-OCO-R Z1 -, - R} Z1 -COO-, and a group selected from the group consisting of ^{-R Z1} -OCO-, ^-R Z1 - is an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms,
A ⁱ¹ and A ⁱ² each independently represent a divalent cyclic group selected from an aromatic ring, an alicyclic ring, a heterocyclic ring and a condensed ring.
When a ^{plurality of A i1s} exist, the plurality of A ^i1s may be the same or different.
n ⁱ¹ independently represents an integer of 1-9. ),
Compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and

(In the above formula (ii), ^Pii1 represents a polymerizable group.
^Mii1 is a mesogen group represented by the following general formula (Me-a).

In the formula (Me-a), A ^Me1 , A ^Me2 , and A ^Me3 are each independently a divalent group having at least one ring structure, and the divalent group is a 1,2-cyclopropylene group. 1,3-Cyclobutylene group, 2,5-cyclopentylene group, octahydro-4,7-methano-1H-inden-1,5-diyl group, octahydro-4,7-methano-1H-inden-1, 6-Diyl group, octahydro-4,7-methano-1H-inden-2,5-diyl group, tricyclo [3.3.1.1 ^3,7 ] -1,3-diyl group, 1,4-phenylene Group, 1,4-cyclohexylene group, 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl group, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl group, tetrahydrothiopyran-2,5- Diyl group, 1,4-bicyclo (2,2,2) octylene group, decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, pyridine-2,5-diyl group, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, pyrazine-2 , 5-Diyl group, thiophene-2,5-Diyl group-, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-Diyl group, naphthylene-1,4-diyl group, naphthylene-1,5-diyl Group, naphthylene-1,6-diyl group, naphthylene-2,6-diyl group, phenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, benzothiazolylen group, 1 , 2,3,4,4a, 9,10a-octahydrophenanthrene-2,7-diyl group, benzo [1,2-b: 4,5-b'] dithiophene-2,6-diyl group, benzo [ 1,2-b: 4,5-b'] diselenophen-2,6-diyl group, [1] benzothieno [3,2-b] thiophene-2,7-diyl group, [1] benzoselenopheno [3] , 2-b] selenophene-2,7-diyl group, or 2,7 represents a group selected from-diyl group, these groups being substituted by unsubstituted or 1 or more substituents ^{L 1} However, ^{when a plurality of A Me1} and / or A ^Me2 appear, they may be the same or different.
Z ^Me1 and Z ^Me2 are independent of -O-, -S-, -OCH _2- , -CH ₂ O-, -CH ₂ CH _2- , -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-,- CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -SCH _{2- , -CH 2} S-, -CF ₂ O-, -OCF _2- , -CF ₂ S-, -SCF _2- , -CH = CH-COO-, -CH = CH-OCO-, -COO-CH = CH-, -OCO-CH = CH-, -COO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -OCO-CH ₂ CH _2- , -CH ₂ CH _2- COO-, -CH ₂ CH _2- OCO-, -COO-CH _2- , -OCO-CH _2- , -CH _2- COO-, -CH _2- OCO-, -CH = CH-, -N = N-, -CH = N-, -N = CH-, -CH = N-N = CH-, -CF = CF-, It represents −C≡C− or a single bond, but ^{when multiple Z Me1} and / or Z ^Me2 appear, they may be the same or different.
j ^Me1 and j ^Me2 independently represent integers 0 to 4, while j ^Me1 + j ^Me2 represent integers 1 to 4.
The substituent L ¹ is a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a pentafluorosulfuranyl group, a nitro group, an isocyano group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, a methylamino group, a dimethylamino group and a diethylamino group. , Diisopropylamino group, trimethylsilyl group, dimethylsilyl group, thioisocyanogroup, or one -CH _2- or two or more non-adjacent -CH ₂ --independently, -O-, -S- , -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -CH = CH- COO-, -CH = CH-OCO-, -COO-CH = CH-, -OCO-CH = CH-, -CH = CH-, -CF = CF-, -N = N-, -CR ^1a = N Represents a linear or branched alkyl group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms that may be substituted with −N = CR ^{1b − or −C≡C−, any hydrogen atom in the alkyl group being a fluorine atom.} (Note that R ^1a and R ^1b represent an alkyl group having a hydrogen atom or 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and the alkyl group may be linear or branched. well, any hydrogen atom in the alkyl group may be substituted by a fluorine atom, one -CH 2 in the alkyl group _- or nonadjacent two or more -CH 2 _- are each independently -O-, -S-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O-CO-O-, -CO-NH-, -NH It may be replaced by −CO− or −C≡C−). )
^Rii1 represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and the alkyl group is branched even if it is linear. Any hydrogen atom in the alkyl group may be substituted with a fluorine atom, and one −CH ₂ − or not adjacent 2 containing a secondary carbon atom in the alkyl group. More than one -CH ₂ -is independent of -O-, -S-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -O-CO- It may be replaced by O-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO- or -C≡C-. )
Compounds represented by the general formula (iii) and

(In the general formula (iii), ^Piii1 represents a polymerizable group and represents
^Riii1 represents a linear alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms. )
As the second component, a liquid crystal compound having negative permittivity anisotropy,
A light-scattering liquid crystal composition containing. The light according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal compound having a negative dielectric anisotropy is represented by the following general formula (N-1), general formula (N-2) or general formula (N-3). Scattered liquid crystal composition.

(In the above general formulas (N-1) to (N-3), ^RN11 , ^RN12 , ^RN21 , ^RN22 , ^RN31 and ^RN32 each independently form an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Representing, one or two or more non-adjacent −CH ₂ −s in the alkyl group are independently −CH = CH−, −C≡C−, −O−, −CO−, −COO− or May be replaced by −OCO−
A ^N11 , A ^N12 , A ^N21 , A ^N22 , A ^N31 and A ^N32 are independently (a) 1,4-cyclohexylene groups (one -CH _2- or adjacent to each other in this group). No two or more -CH _2- may be replaced by -O-) and (b) 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH = or non-adjacent 2 present in this group) More than one -CH = may be replaced with -N =.)
(C) Naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or One -CH = present in the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group or two or more non-adjacent -CH = may be replaced with -N =. )
(D) Represents a group selected from the group consisting of 1,4-cyclohexenylene groups, and the above groups (a), group (b), group (c) and group (d) are independently cyano groups, respectively. It may be replaced with a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom.
^{Z N11, Z N12, Z N21} , Z N22, Z N31 and ^{Z N32} are each independently a single _{bond, -CH 2 CH 2 -, -} (CH 2) 4 -, - OCH 2 -, - CH 2 O- , -COO-, -OCO-, -OCF _2- , -CF ₂ O-, -CH = NN = CH-, -CH = CH-, -CF = CF- or -C≡C-
X ^N21 represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom.
^TN31 represents −CH _2- or an oxygen atom and represents
n ^N11 , n ^N12 , n ^N21 , n ^N22 , n ^N31 and n ^N32 each independently represent an integer of 0 to 3, but n ^N11 + n ^N12 , n ^N21 + n ^N22 and n ^N31 + n ^N32 are independent of each other. If it is 1, 2 or 3, and ^{there are a plurality of A N11 to} A ^N32 and Z ^{N11 to} Z ^N32 , they may be the same or different. However, the compounds represented by the general formulas (i) and (ii) are excluded. ) In the general formula ^{(i) ~ (iii),} P i1, P ii1 and ^{P III1} each independently represent a polymerizable group selected from the following formulas (P-1) ~ formula (P-10), The light scattering type liquid crystal composition according to claim 1 or 2.

(In the formula (P-1) ~ formula ^{(P-10), R a1} ~R a7 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group or halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms Representing, n ^a1 , n ^a2 , n ^a4 , and n ^a5 each independently represent an integer of 1 to ^{3, and n a3 represents 1.)} The total amount of the compound represented by the general formula (i), the compound represented by the general formula (ii), and the compound represented by the general formula (iii) is 5 to 25% by mass with respect to the total amount. The light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The light-scattering liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which contains 75 to 95% by mass of the liquid crystal compound having negative dielectric anisotropy. A pair of transparent electrode substrates,
A composite layer composed of a polymer network derived from a compound represented by the general formula (i) to the general formula (iii) and a liquid crystal compound having a negative dielectric anisotropy, which are arranged between the transparent electrode substrates. A dimming element having. A smart window comprising the dimming element according to claim 6 and capable of controlling a scattered state of light transmitted through the composite layer by controlling a voltage between the transparent electrode substrates.

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