TW201641677A - Cholesteric liquid crystal composition and use thereof, liquid crystal display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The problem is to provide a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one characteristic or having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics, such as a high maximum temperature, a low minimum temperature, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy and large dielectric anisotropy; and an AM device including the composition. The solution is a liquid crystal composition that contains a specific compound having large positive dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a specific optically active compound as an additive component, and may contain a specific compound having a high maximum temperature or small viscosity as a second component, a specific compound having large positive dielectric anisotropy as a third component, or a specific compound having negative dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component.

Description

Cholesteric liquid crystal composition and use thereof, liquid crystal display element

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal composition, a liquid crystal display element containing the composition, and the like. In particular, there is a liquid crystal composition having a positive dielectric anisotropy and a large voltage holding ratio after ultraviolet irradiation, and a liquid crystal composition containing the composition and capable of operating in a cholesterol (cholesteric) phase.

In the liquid crystal display device, the classification based on the operation mode of the liquid crystal molecules is phase change (PC), twisted nematic (TN), super twisted nematic (STN), and electronically controlled birefringence ( Electrically controlled birefringence (ECB), optically compensated bend (OCB), in-plane switching (IPS), vertical alignment (VA), fringe field switching (FFS), Modes such as field-induced photo-reactive alignment (FPA). The component-based driving methods are classified into a passive matrix (PM) and an active matrix (AM). The PM is classified into a static type and a multiplex type, and the AM is classified into a thin film transistor (TFT), a metal insulator metal (MIM), or the like. The classification of TFTs is amorphous silicon and polycrystalline silicon. The latter are classified into a high temperature type and a low temperature type according to the manufacturing steps. The classification based on the light source is a reflection type using natural light, a transmission type using a backlight, and a semi-transmissive type using both natural light and a backlight.

The liquid crystal display element contains a liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase. This composition has suitable characteristics. By improving the characteristics of the composition, an AM device having good characteristics can be obtained. The correlation among the characteristics of the two is summarized in Table 1 below. The characteristics of the composition will be further described based on commercially available AM elements. The temperature range of the nematic phase is related to the temperature range over which the component can be used. A preferred upper limit temperature of the nematic phase is about 70 ° C or higher, and a preferred lower limit temperature of the nematic phase is about -10 ° C or lower. The viscosity of the composition is related to the response time of the component. In order to display a moving image as a component, it is preferable that the response time is short. Ideally a response time shorter than 1 millisecond. Therefore, it is preferred that the viscosity of the composition is small. More preferably, the viscosity at a low temperature is small. The elastic constant of the composition is related to the contrast of the component. In order to increase the contrast of the element, it is more preferable that the composition has a large elastic constant.

Table 1. Characteristics of composition and AM components

The optical anisotropy of the composition is related to the contrast ratio of the component. Depending on the mode of the element, it is required to have large optical anisotropy or small optical anisotropy, that is, optical anisotropy is appropriate. The product (Δn × d) of the optical anisotropy (Δn) of the composition and the cell gap (d) of the element is designed to maximize the contrast ratio. The value of the appropriate product depends on the type of mode of operation. A suitable value for a TN-like mode is about 0.45 μm. In this case, it is preferable that the element having a small cell gap has a composition having large optical anisotropy. The large dielectric anisotropy of the composition contributes to a low threshold voltage, a small power consumption, and a large contrast ratio. Therefore, it is preferred that the dielectric anisotropy is large. The large specific resistance of the composition contributes to a large voltage holding ratio of the element and a large contrast ratio. Therefore, it is preferred to have a composition having a large specific resistance not only at room temperature but also at a temperature close to the upper limit temperature of the nematic phase in the initial stage. It is preferably a composition having a large specific resistance not only at room temperature but also at a temperature close to the upper limit temperature of the nematic phase after long-term use. The stability of the composition to ultraviolet light and heat is related to the life of the liquid crystal display element. When the stability is high, the life of the component is long. Such characteristics are preferable for an AM device used in a liquid crystal projector, a liquid crystal television or the like.

A liquid crystal composition comprising a twisted nematic structure such as a TN (twisted nematic) unit having a typical twist angle of 90° and a typical STN (super twisted nematic) unit having a twist angle of 180° to 270° . In such displays, the torsional structure is typically achieved by adding one or two or more optically active compounds to the nematic liquid crystal composition.

Further, a liquid crystal display element including a liquid crystal composition having a chiral nematic or cholesteric structure is known. These liquid crystal compositions have a relatively high twist compared to the compositions derived from the TN unit and the STN unit. The cholesteric liquid crystal exhibits selective reflection of circularly polarized light, and the direction of rotation of the light vector corresponds to the left and right characteristics (handeness) of the cholesteric spiral. The reflection wavelength λ can be calculated by the formula (A) from the pitch p of the cholesteric spiral and the average birefringence n of the cholesteric liquid crystal. λ=n×p (A)

In the prior art, the terms "chiral nematic" and "cholesterol" are used at the same time. The "chiral nematic type" refers to a liquid crystal material containing a nematic liquid crystal composition doped with an optically active compound which initiates a helical twist superstructure. In contrast, "cholesterol type" refers to chiral liquid crystal materials, such as cholesterol-based derivatives, which have a "natural" helical twisted cholesterol phase. These two terms are sometimes used to represent the same substance at the same time. In the present application, both types of liquid crystal materials of the type described are referred to as "cholesterol type", and the term includes the broadest meanings of "chiral nematic" and "cholesterol type".

The most common cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) display is a surface stabilized cholesteric texture (SSCT) display and a polymer stabilized cholesteric texture (PSCT) display. SSCT displays and PSCT displays typically comprise a cholesteric liquid crystal composition that exhibits, for example, a planar structure that reflects light of a particular wavelength in an early stage and can be switched to a focal conic by applying an alternating current pulse (focal -conic) Light scattering structure, or vice versa.

The liquid crystal display elements are bistable, that is, the states are maintained after switching the electric field to off, and are reversely shifted to an initial state only by applying an electric field again. Thus, for example, unlike a TN or STN mode, a pixel can be generated by a short voltage pulse, in the TN or STN mode, after the electric field is switched off, the address is specified by the pixel. The liquid crystal composition inside is immediately restored to the initial state, and as a result, it is necessary to maintain an adressing voltage in order to generate a permanent pixel. If a higher voltage pulse is applied, the cholesteric liquid crystal composition is transferred to a homotropic, transparent state, and in the case where the voltage is quickly switched to off, the state is relaxed from the state to the planar state, and the voltage is applied. When the switching is performed slowly, the state is relaxed from the state to the focal conic state.

In the SSCT display, the planar alignment of the cholesteric liquid crystal composition in the CLC unit in the initial state is achieved, for example, by surface treatment of the cell walls. In the PSCT display, the cholesteric liquid crystal composition further includes a phase separation polymer or a polymer network, and the structure of the cholesteric liquid crystal composition in the designated state is stabilized. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a PSCT display comprising a CLC material having a positive dielectric anisotropy and containing 10% by weight or less of a phase-separated polymer network dispersed in a liquid crystal material. For example, Patent Document 2 describes an SSCT display including a polymer-free CLC material having positive dielectric anisotropy.

CLC displays generally do not require a backlight. In the planar state, the cholesteric liquid crystal composition in the pixel exhibits selective reflection of light of a specific wavelength according to the above formula (A), and as a result, the pixel, for example, has a corresponding reflected color on a black background. If it migrates to a focal cone, scattering, or co-transparent state, the reflected color disappears. For the reasons stated, CLC displays consume considerably less power than TN or STN displays. Further, even if they have a viewing angle dependence in a scattering state, the viewing angle dependence is small. Furthermore, the displays do not require active matrix addressing as TN displays, and can operate in a simpler multiple or passive matrix mode.

The cholesteric liquid crystal composition for the display can be prepared, for example, by doping in a nematic liquid crystal composition using an optically active compound having high twist. The pitch p of the induced cholesteric helix can be calculated by the formula (B) based on the chiral dopant concentration c and the helical twisting power HTP (helical twisting power). p=(HTP×c) ^-1 (B) As an alternative method, two or more kinds of dopants are used, and for example, the temperature dependence of each dopant is compensated, thereby making the spiral pitch and the cholesterol type The temperature dependence of the reflection wavelength of the liquid crystal composition is lowered.

In order to be used in the CLC display, the liquid crystal composition must have good chemical and thermal stability, as well as good stability against electric fields and electromagnetic radiation. Further, the liquid crystal material must have a broad cholesteric liquid crystal phase exhibiting a high maximum temperature of the nematic phase, a large optical anisotropy, a large positive dielectric anisotropy, and a small viscosity. Furthermore, CLC materials must be able to achieve different reflection wavelengths, particularly in the visible range, by simple and controlled changes. Furthermore, the temperature dependence of these reflection wavelengths must be low.

Liquid crystals are generally used as a mixture of a plurality of components, so it is important that the components are easily mixed with each other. Further characteristics such as dielectric anisotropy and optical anisotropy must satisfy different requirements of the type of viewcell. However, the use of compositions that can be utilized by the prior art does not achieve a value that is preferred over all of the parameters. For example, Patent Document 3 describes a cholesteric liquid crystal composition containing a nematic liquid crystal containing two or more kinds of chiral dopants. However, the mixtures disclosed therein have only a small optical anisotropy and a low upper limit temperature of the nematic phase. Further, the mixtures have a chiral dopant with a ratio of up to 26%.

Therefore, it has low temperature dependence with high torsion, wide operating temperature range, short response time, low threshold voltage and reflection wavelength, and has no disadvantages or at least disadvantages compared with prior art liquid crystal compositions. The CLC display has a large demand for a liquid crystal composition. It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal composition for a CLC display having the desired characteristics without the disadvantages of the prior art or at least substantially reducing the disadvantages. It is known that this object can be achieved by using the composition of the present invention in a CLC display.

The resin layer having a cholesteric-type regularity has a characteristic of reflecting circularly polarized light having a direction of rotation in which the direction of rotation is consistent with the regular spiral direction of the cholesteric type (hereinafter, this characteristic is referred to as "selective reflection characteristic"). The wavelength region showing the selective reflection characteristic depends on the period of the cholesterol type regularity. By increasing the distribution range of the regularity of the cholesteric type, the range of the wavelength region (hereinafter referred to as "selective reflection region") exhibiting the selective reflection characteristic can be increased.

When a circularly polarizing separation sheet comprising a resin layer having the following cholesteric regularity can be formed, only circularly polarized light of a specific wavelength in incident natural light can be reflected, and the remaining circularly polarized light can be transmitted. Regularly having a selective reflection area in the wavelength domain of visible light. The reflected light is incident on the resin layer by a reflection plate or the like, whereby light can be reused. The combination of the circularly polarizing separator and the quarter-wave plate can convert natural light into linear polarized light with high efficiency. By aligning the direction of the linearly polarized light with the transmission direction of the absorption type polarizing element such as polyvinyl alcohol provided in the liquid crystal display device, a liquid crystal display device having high luminance can be obtained. [Prior Art Document] [Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei. No. Hei. No. Hei. No. Hei. No. Hei. No. Hei. No. Hei. No. Hei. -532345

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] One of the objects of the present invention is a liquid crystal composition having a high upper limit temperature in a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, an appropriate optical anisotropy, and a dielectric At least one characteristic is sufficiently satisfied in characteristics such as large anisotropy, short spiral pitch, large specific resistance, high stability against ultraviolet rays, high stability to heat, and large elastic constant. Another object is a liquid crystal composition having an appropriate balance between at least two characteristics. Another object is a liquid crystal display element containing such a composition. Still another object is an AM element or a PM element having characteristics of short response time, large voltage holding ratio, low threshold voltage, large contrast ratio, and long life. [Means for solving the problem]

The present invention relates to a cholesteric liquid crystal composition containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (1) as a first component, and a liquid crystal display element containing the composition. And an optically active compound as an additive component, and the selective reflection wavelength at 25 ° C is 400 nm to 800 nm, Formula (1), R ¹ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to carbon atoms or alkenyl having 2 to 12, 12; the ring A, ring B and ring C are independently 1, 4-cyclohexyl, 1,4-phenyl, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenyl, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenyl, 2,6-difluoro-1, 4-phenyl, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl; Z ¹ and Z ^{2 are} independently a single bond, an extended ethyl group, a carbonyloxy group or a difluoromethyleneoxy group; X ¹ and X ^{2 are} independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y ¹ is a carbon number of fluorine, chlorine, at least one hydrogen substituted by fluorine or chlorine An alkyl group of 1 to 12, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms substituted with at least one hydrogen via fluorine or chlorine, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 12 carbons substituted with at least one hydrogen via fluorine or chlorine; b is independently 0, 1, 2 or 3, and the sum of a and b is 3 or less. [Effects of the Invention]

An advantage of the present invention is a liquid crystal composition having a high upper limit temperature in a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, an appropriate optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a short spiral pitch, and a ratio At least one characteristic is satisfied in characteristics such as large electric resistance, high stability to ultraviolet rays, high stability to heat, and large elastic constant. Another advantage is a liquid crystal composition having an appropriate balance between at least two characteristics. Another advantage is a liquid crystal display element containing such a composition. Still another advantage is an AM element or a PM element having characteristics of short response time, large voltage holding ratio, low threshold voltage, large contrast ratio, and long life.

The usage of the terms in this specification is as follows. The terms "liquid crystal composition" and "liquid crystal display element" are simply referred to as "composition" and "component", respectively. The "liquid crystal display element" is a general term for a liquid crystal display panel and a liquid crystal display module. The "liquid crystal compound" is a compound having a nematic phase and a smectic liquid crystal phase, and does not have a liquid crystal phase, but has the purpose of adjusting the temperature range, viscosity, and dielectric anisotropy of the nematic phase. The general term for the compounds mixed in the composition. The compound has a six-membered ring such as 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene, and its molecular structure is rod like. The "polymerizable compound" is a compound added for the purpose of forming a polymer in the composition. At least one compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the formula (1) may be simply referred to as "compound (1)". The "compound (1)" means a compound represented by the formula (1), a mixture of two compounds or a mixture of three or more compounds. The same is true for the compounds represented by the other formulas.

The liquid crystal composition is prepared by mixing a plurality of liquid crystal compounds. The ratio (content) of the liquid crystalline compound is represented by weight percentage (% by weight) based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition. An additive such as an optically active compound, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, a dye, an antifoaming agent, a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator, or a polymerization inhibitor is added to the liquid crystal composition as needed. The ratio (addition amount) of the additive is represented by the weight percentage (% by weight) based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition, similarly to the ratio of the liquid crystal compound. Millions of parts per million (ppm) are also sometimes used. The ratio of the polymerization initiator and the polymerization inhibitor is exceptionally expressed based on the weight of the polymerizable compound.

The "upper limit temperature of the nematic phase" is sometimes simply referred to as "upper limit temperature". The "lower limit temperature of the nematic phase" is sometimes simply referred to as "lower limit temperature". "Greater specific resistance" means that the composition has a large specific resistance not only at room temperature but also at a temperature close to the upper limit temperature of the nematic phase in the initial stage, and not only at room temperature after long-term use. Lower, and also has a large specific resistance at a temperature close to the upper limit temperature of the nematic phase. "High voltage holding ratio" means that the element has a large voltage holding ratio not only at room temperature but also at a temperature close to the upper limit temperature of the nematic phase in the initial stage, and is not only in the chamber after long-term use. The temperature also has a large voltage holding ratio at a temperature close to the upper limit temperature of the nematic phase.

The expression "at least one 'A'" means that the number of 'A' is arbitrary. The expression "at least one 'A' can be replaced by 'B'" means that when the number of 'A' is one, the position of 'A' is arbitrary, and when the number of 'A' is two or more, these The location can also be selected without restrictions. The rule also applies to the expression "at least one 'A' replaced by 'B'".

In the chemical formula of the component compound, the symbol of the terminal group R ¹ is used for a plurality of compounds. Among these compounds, the two groups represented by any two of R ¹ may be the same or different. For example, there is a case where R ¹ of the compound (1) is an ethyl group, and R ¹ of the compound (1-1) is an ethyl group. Also the compound (1), R ¹ is ethyl and R of the compound ^(1-1) is propyl. This rule also applies to symbols such as other end groups. In the formula (1), when a is 2, two rings B exist. In the compound, the two rings represented by the two rings B may be the same or different. When a is greater than 2, the rule also applies to any two loops B. This rule also applies to Z ² , Ring C, etc.

The 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group means the following two kinds of divalent groups. In the chemical formula, fluorine may be leftward (L) or rightward (R). This rule also applies to asymmetric divalent groups such as tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl. This rule also applies to bonding groups such as carbonyloxy groups (-COO- and -OCO-).

The present invention is as follows.

Item 1. A cholesteric liquid crystal composition comprising, as a first component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (1), and an optically active compound as an additive component, and at 25 ° C The selected reflection wavelength is from 400 nm to 800 nm. In the formula (1), R ¹ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms; and ring A, ring B and ring C are independently 1, 4-cyclohexyl, 1,4-phenyl, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenyl, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenyl, 2,6-difluoro-1, 4-phenyl, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl; Z ¹ and Z ^{2 are} independently a single bond, an extended ethyl group, a carbonyloxy group or a difluoromethyleneoxy group; X ¹ and X ^{2 are} independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y ¹ is a carbon number of fluorine, chlorine, at least one hydrogen substituted by fluorine or chlorine An alkyl group of 1 to 12, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms substituted with at least one hydrogen via fluorine or chlorine, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 12 carbons substituted with at least one hydrogen via fluorine or chlorine; b is independently 0, 1, 2 or 3, and the sum of a and b is 3 or less.

The liquid crystal composition according to Item 1, which contains, as a first component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (1-1) to formula (1-20), In the formula (1-1) to the formula (1-20), R ¹ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

The liquid crystal composition according to Item 1 or 2, which contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (2-1) to formula (2-18) as an additive component. , In the formulae (2-1) to (2-18), R ² and R ^{3 are} independently an alkyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and in the formula (2-6) and the formula (2-15), R ² may be Is a methyl group; R ⁴ and R ^{5 are} independently an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms; in the formula (2-18), ring D Independently 1,4-phenylene or 1,4-cyclohexyl.

The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the ratio of the first component is in the range of 30% by weight to 90% by weight based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition, and the ratio of the additive component is A range of from 1% by weight to 30% by weight.

The liquid crystal composition according to any one of the items 1 to 4, comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (3) as a second component, In the formula (3), R ⁶ and R ^{7 are} independently an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms or at least one hydrogen via fluorine or chlorine. Substituted alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbons; ring E and ring F are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 2,5 -difluoro-1,4-phenylene; Z ³ is a single bond, an ethyl or carbonyloxy group; c is 1, 2 or 3.

The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 5, which contains, as a second component, a group selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (3-1) to formula (3-13) At least one compound, In the formulae (3-1) to (3-13), R ⁶ and R ^{7 are} independently an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Or an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbons substituted with at least one hydrogen via fluorine or chlorine.

The liquid crystal composition according to Item 5 or Item 6, wherein the ratio of the second component is in the range of 5% by weight to 60% by weight based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition.

The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 7, comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (4) as a third component, In the formula (4), R ⁸ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms; and ring G is 1,4-cyclohexylene group, 1, 4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, pyrimidine- 2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl; Z ⁴ is a single bond, an ethyl or carbonyloxy group; X ³ And X ^{4 is} independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y ² is fluorine, chlorine, at least one hydrogen substituted with fluorine or chlorine, alkyl having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, at least one hydrogen substituted with fluorine or chlorine; An alkoxy group of 12 or at least one hydrogen substituted with a fluorine or a chlorine having 2 to 12 carbon atoms alkenyloxy; d is 1, 2, 3 or 4.

The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 8, which contains, as a third component, a group selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (4-1) to formula (4-15) At least one compound, In the formulae (4-1) to (4-15), R ⁸ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

The liquid crystal composition according to Item 8 or 9, wherein the ratio of the third component is in the range of 3% by weight to 50% by weight based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition.

The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 10, comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (5) as a fourth component, In the formula (5), R ⁹ and R ^{1 0 are} independently an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkene having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Alkoxy; ring I and ring K are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-cyclohexenylene, 1,4-phenylene, at least one hydrogen substituted by fluorine or chlorine, 4-phenyl or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl; ring J is 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenyl, 2-chloro-3-fluoro-1,4-benzene , 2,3-difluoro-5-methyl-1,4-phenylene, 3,4,5-trifluoronaphthalene-2,6-diyl or 7,8-difluorochroman-2 , 6-diyl; Z ⁵ and Z ^{6 are} independently a single bond, an extended ethyl group, a carbonyloxy group or a methyleneoxy group; e is 1, 2 or 3, f is 0 or 1; the sum of e and f It is 3 or less.

The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 11, which contains, as a fourth component, a group selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (5-1) to formula (5-21) At least one compound, In the formulae (5-1) to (5-21), R ⁹ and R ^{1 0 are} independently an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and an alkene having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. A base or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

The liquid crystal composition according to Item 11 or Item 12, wherein the ratio of the fourth component is in the range of 3% by weight to 25% by weight based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition.

The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the upper limit temperature of the nematic phase is 70 ° C or more, and the optical anisotropy (measured at 25 ° C) at a wavelength of 589 nm is 0.14. The above, and the dielectric anisotropy (measured at 25 ° C) at a frequency of 1 kHz is 20 or more.

Item 15. A liquid crystal display element comprising the liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 14.

The use of the liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 14, which is used in a liquid crystal display element.

The invention also includes the following items. (a) The composition further contains an antioxidant, a UV absorber, a dye, an antifoaming agent, a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator, a polymerization inhibitor, etc., in addition to the formula (2-1) to the formula (2-18). At least one of the additives other than the compound represented. (b) An AM device comprising the composition. (c) the composition further containing a polymerizable compound, and a polymer stable alignment (PSA) type AM device containing the composition. (d) A polymer stabilized alignment (PSA) type AM device containing the composition, and a polymerizable compound in the composition is polymerized. (e) An element containing the composition and having a mode of PC, TN, STN, ECB, OCB, IPS, VA, FFS or FPA. (f) A transmissive element containing the composition. (g) Use of the composition as a composition having a nematic phase.

The composition of the present invention will be described in the following order. First, the constitution of the component compounds in the composition will be described. Second, the main characteristics of the component compound and the main effects of the compound on the composition will be described. Third, the combination of the component compounds in the composition, the preferred ratio of the component compounds, and the basis thereof will be described. Fourth, a preferred embodiment of the component compound will be described. Fifth, a preferred component compound is shown. Sixth, an additive other than the compound represented by the formula (2-1) to the formula (2-18) which can be added to the composition will be described. Seventh, a method of synthesizing a component compound will be described. Finally, the use of the composition will be described.

First, the constitution of the component compounds in the composition will be described. The composition of the present invention is classified into composition A and composition B. The composition A may contain other liquid crystal compounds in addition to the liquid crystal compound selected from the group consisting of the compound (1), the compound (3), the compound (4), and the compound (5), and the formula (2-1) Additions other than the compound represented by the formula (2-18), and the like. The "other liquid crystal compound" is a liquid crystal compound different from the compound (1), the compound (3), the compound (4), and the compound (5). Such compounds are mixed in the composition for the purpose of further adjusting the properties. The additive is an optically active compound, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, a dye, an antifoaming agent, a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator, a polymerization inhibitor, and the like.

The composition B contains substantially only a liquid crystalline compound selected from the group consisting of the compound (1), the compound (3), the compound (4), and the compound (5). "Substantially" means that the composition may contain additives, but does not contain other liquid crystal compounds. An example of the composition B is a composition containing the compound (1), the compound (3), and the compound (4) as essential components. The amount of the component of the composition B was small as compared with the composition A. Composition B is superior to composition A from the viewpoint of cost reduction. The composition A is superior to the composition B from the viewpoint of further adjusting the characteristics by mixing other liquid crystal compounds.

Second, the main characteristics of the component compound and the main effects of the compound on the properties of the composition will be described. Based on the effects of the present invention, the main characteristics of the component compounds are summarized in Table 2. In the symbols of Table 2, L means large or high, M means medium, and S means small or low. The notation L, M, S is a classification based on a qualitative comparison between the constituent compounds, and 0 (zero) means that the value is zero, or close to zero.

Table 2 Characteristics of the compounds 1) a compound having a positive dielectric anisotropy 2) a compound having a negative dielectric anisotropy

When the component compound is mixed in the composition, the main effects of the component compound on the properties of the composition are as follows. Compound (1) increases dielectric anisotropy. Compound (3) lowers the viscosity. The compound (4) increases the upper limit temperature or increases the dielectric anisotropy. The compound (5) increases the dielectric constant in the short axis direction.

Third, the combination of the component compounds in the composition, the preferred ratio of the component compounds, and the basis thereof will be described. A preferred combination of the components in the composition is a first component + an additive component, a first component + an additive component + a second component, a first component + an additive component + a third component, a first component + an additive component + fourth component, first component + additive component + second component + third component, first component + additive component + second component + fourth component, first component + additive component + third component + Four components or first component + additive component + second component + third component + fourth component. A particularly preferred combination is a first component + an additive component + a second component or a first component + an additive component + a second component + a third component.

In order to increase the dielectric anisotropy, a preferred ratio of the first component is about 30% by weight or more, and a preferred ratio of the first component is about 90% by weight or less in order to lower the minimum temperature or to lower the viscosity. A more preferred ratio is in the range of from about 35% by weight to about 80% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of from about 40% by weight to about 70% by weight.

In order to shorten the spiral pitch, a preferable ratio of the additive component is about 1% by weight or more, and a preferable ratio of the additive component is about 30% by weight or less in order to lower the minimum temperature. A more preferred ratio is in the range of from about 3% by weight to about 25% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of from about 5% by weight to about 20% by weight. However, since it is an additive component, it is a ratio when the total weight of the liquid-crystal composition containing the combination of the 1st component and 4th component is 100.

A preferred ratio of the second component is about 5% by weight or more for increasing the maximum temperature or for lowering the viscosity, and a preferred ratio of the second component is about 60% by weight or less for increasing the dielectric anisotropy. A more desirable ratio is in the range of from about 5% by weight to about 50% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of from about 10% by weight to about 40% by weight.

A preferred ratio of the third component is about 3% by weight or more for increasing the maximum temperature or for increasing dielectric anisotropy, and a preferred ratio of the third component is about 50% by weight or less for decreasing the minimum temperature. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of from about 5% by weight to about 40% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of from about 10% by weight to about 30% by weight.

In order to increase the dielectric anisotropy in the short-axis direction, a preferable ratio of the fourth component is about 3% by weight or more, and a preferable ratio of the fourth component is about 25% by weight or less in order to lower the minimum temperature. A more desirable ratio is in the range of from about 5% by weight to about 20% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of from about 5% by weight to about 15% by weight.

Fourth, a preferred embodiment of the component compound will be described. Formula (1), the formula (3), (4) and (5), R ¹ is and R ⁸ are independently an alkyl group, carbon number 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms 2 to 12 alkenyl groups. Desirable R ¹ or R ⁸ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbons for increasing the stability to ultraviolet light or heat. R ⁶ and R ^{7 are} independently an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbons, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms or a carbon number 2 at least one hydrogen substituted by fluorine or chlorine to 2 12 alkenyl groups. To reduce the viscosity, preferred R ⁶ or R ⁷ is alkenyl having 2 to 12, to improve stability, preferred R ⁶ or R ⁷ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. R ⁹ and R ^{1 0 are} independently an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbons, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbons or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. To enhance the stability, the preferred R ⁹ or R ^{1 0} is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, for increasing the dielectric anisotropy, preferred R ⁹ or R ¹⁰ is alkoxy having 1 to 12 .

Preferred alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl or octyl. In order to lower the viscosity, a preferred alkyl group is an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group or a heptyl group.

Preferred alkoxy groups are methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentyloxy, hexyloxy or heptyloxy. In order to lower the viscosity, a more preferred alkoxy group is a methoxy group or an ethoxy group.

Preferred alkenyl groups are ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3 -pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl or 5-hexenyl. In order to lower the viscosity, a preferred alkenyl group is a vinyl group, a 1-propenyl group, a 3-butenyl group or a 3-pentenyl group. The preferred stereo configuration of -CH=CH- in the alkenyl groups depends on the position of the double bond. In order to reduce the viscosity and the like, in the alkenyl group such as 1-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 3-pentenyl or 3-hexenyl Jia is a trans configuration. The alkenyl group such as 2-butenyl, 2-pentenyl or 2-hexenyl is preferably a cis configuration. Among the alkenyl groups, a linear alkenyl group is preferred to a branched alkenyl group.

Preferred examples of the alkenyl group in which at least one hydrogen is substituted by fluorine or chlorine are 2,2-difluorovinyl, 3,3-difluoro-2-propenyl, 4,4-difluoro-3-butene. Base, 5,5-difluoro-4-pentenyl or 6,6-difluoro-5-hexenyl. A preferred example for reducing the viscosity is 2,2-difluorovinyl or 4,4-difluoro-3-butenyl.

Preferred alkenyloxy groups are vinyloxy, allyloxy, 3-butenyloxy, 3-pentenyloxy or 4-pentenyloxy. In order to lower the viscosity, a more preferred alkenyloxy group is an allyloxy group or a 3-butenyloxy group.

a and b are independently 0, 1, 2 or 3, and the sum of a and b is 3 or less. Desirable a is 1 in order to lower the lower limit temperature, and a is preferably 2 in order to increase the dielectric anisotropy. Desirable b is 0 in order to lower the lower limit temperature, and b is preferably 1 in order to increase the dielectric anisotropy. c is 1, 2 or 3. In order to lower the viscosity, c is preferably 1. In order to increase the upper limit temperature, c is preferably 2 or 3. d is 1, 2, 3 or 4. Desirable d is 2 in order to lower the lower limit temperature, and d is preferably 3 in order to increase the dielectric anisotropy. e is 1, 2 or 3, f is 0 or 1; the sum of e and f is 3 or less. In order to lower the viscosity, it is preferable that e is 1, and in order to increase the upper limit temperature, it is preferable that e is 2 or 3. Desirable f is 0 in order to lower the viscosity, and f is preferably 1 in order to lower the lower limit temperature.

Z ¹ and Z ^{2 are} independently a single bond, an ethyl group, a carbonyloxy group or a difluoromethyleneoxy group. Desirable Z ¹ or Z ² is a single bond in order to lower the viscosity. Z ³ is a single bond, an ethyl group or a carbonyloxy group. In order to lower the viscosity, Z ³ is preferably a single bond. Z ⁴ is a single bond, an ethyl group or a carbonyloxy group. Desirable Z ⁴ is a single bond for decreasing the viscosity, and Z ⁴ is a carbonyloxy group for increasing the dielectric anisotropy. Z ⁵ and Z ^{6 are} independently a single bond, an extended ethyl group, a carbonyloxy group or a methyleneoxy group. To reduce the viscosity, preferred Z ⁵ or Z ⁶ is a single bond, for increasing the dielectric anisotropy, preferred Z ⁵ or Z ⁶ is a methylene group.

Ring A, Ring B, Ring C and Ring G are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1 , 4-phenylene, 2,6-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl or tetrahydropyran -2,5-diyl. In order to enhance optical anisotropy, preferred ring A, ring B, ring C or ring G is 1,4-phenylene or 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene. Ring E and ring F are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 2,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene . In order to lower the viscosity, a preferred ring E or ring F is a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, or in order to enhance optical anisotropy, a preferred ring E or ring F is a 1,4-phenylene group.

Ring I and Ring K are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-cyclohexenylene, 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-phenylene substituted with at least one hydrogen via fluorine or chlorine Or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl. Preferred examples of "at least one 1,4-phenylene group in which hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine" are 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene and 2,3-difluoro-1,4-benzobenzene. Or 2-chloro-3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene. In order to lower the viscosity, the preferred ring I or ring K is 1,4-cyclohexylene. In order to increase the dielectric anisotropy, the preferred ring I or ring K is tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl. In order to increase optical anisotropy, preferred ring I or ring K is a 1,4-phenylene group. Ring J is 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2-chloro-3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-5-methyl-1,4- Phenyl, 3,4,5-trifluoronaphthalene-2,6-diyl or 7,8-difluorochroman-2,6-diyl. In order to increase the dielectric anisotropy, a preferred ring J is 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene. In order to increase the upper limit temperature, the trans configuration is superior to the cis configuration for the stereo configuration associated with 1,4-cyclohexylene. Tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl is or , preferably .

X ¹ , X ² , X ³ and X ^{4 are} independently hydrogen or fluorine. Desirable X ¹ , X ² , X ³ or X ⁴ is fluorine in order to increase dielectric anisotropy.

Y ¹ and Y ^{2 are} independently a fluorine, chlorine, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms substituted with at least one hydrogen via fluorine or chlorine, and an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms substituted with at least one hydrogen via fluorine or chlorine. Or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 12 carbons which is substituted with at least one hydrogen via fluorine or chlorine. A preferred example of an alkyl group in which at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine is a trifluoromethyl group. A preferred example of the alkoxy group in which at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine is trifluoromethoxy. A preferred example of the alkenyloxy group in which at least one hydrogen is substituted by fluorine or chlorine is a trifluorovinyloxy group. Desirable Y ¹ or Y ² is fluorine or trifluoromethyl. In order to lower the lower limit temperature, it is preferred that Y ¹ or Y ² is fluorine.

In the formulae (2-1) to (2-18), R ² and R ^{3 are} independently an alkyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Desirable R ² or R ³ is an alkyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. R ⁴ and R ^{5 are} independently an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbons, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Preferred R ⁴ or R ⁵ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 12.

In the formula (2-18), the ring D is independently a 1,4-phenylene group or a 1,4-cyclohexylene group.

Fifth, a preferred component compound is shown. A preferred compound (1) is the compound (1-1) to the compound (1-20) according to item 2. Among these compounds, at least one of the first components is preferably compound (1-5), compound (1-7), compound (1-8), compound (1-9), and compound (1-12). Compound (1-14) or Compound (1-15). Preferably, at least two of the first components are the compound (1-5) and the compound (1-7), the compound (1-5), and the compound (1-14), the compound (1-7), and the compound (1- 9), compound (1-7) and compound (1-14), compound (1-8) and compound (1-9), compound (1-9) and compound (1-14) or compound (1-12) And a combination of compounds (1-14).

In the compound (2-1) to the compound (2-18), at least one of the additive components is preferably the compound (2-2), the compound (2-4), the compound (2-9), and the compound (2- 13) or compound (2-16). It is especially preferred that at least one of the additive components is the compound (2-16). It is preferred that at least two of the additive components are a combination of the compound (2-4) and the compound (2-16) or the compound (2-13) and the compound (2-16).

Desirable compound (3) is the compound (3-1) to the compound (3-13) according to item 6. Among these compounds, at least one of the second components is preferably compound (3-2), compound (3-3), compound (3-5), compound (3-6), compound (3-7) or Compound (3-13). Preferably, at least two of the second components are compound (3-1) and compound (3-5), compound (3-1) and compound (3-7) or compound (3-3) and compound (3- 7) combination.

A preferred compound (4) is the compound (4-1) to the compound (4-15) according to item 9. Among these compounds, at least one of the third components is preferably compound (4-5), compound (4-9), compound (4-10), compound (4-11), compound (4-12) or Compound (4-15). Preferably, at least two of the fourth components are the compound (4-9) and the compound (4-10), the compound (4-9), and the compound (4-12) or the compound (4-10) and the compound (4- 12) combination.

A preferred compound (5) is the compound (5-1) to the compound (5-21) according to item 12. Among these compounds, at least one of the fourth components is preferably compound (5-1), compound (5-4), compound (5-5), compound (5-7), compound (5-10) or Compound (5-15). Preferably, at least two of the fourth components are the compound (5-1) and the compound (5-7), the compound (5-1), and the compound (5-15), the compound (5-4), and the compound (5- 7) A combination of the compound (5-4) and the compound (5-15), the compound (5-5), and the compound (5-7) or the compound (5-5) and the compound (5-10).

Sixth, an additive other than the compound represented by the formula (2-1) to the formula (2-18) which can be added to the composition will be described. Such additives are antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, pigments, antifoaming agents, polymerizable compounds, polymerization initiators, polymerization inhibitors, and the like. In order to prevent a decrease in the specific resistance caused by heating in the atmosphere, or to maintain a large voltage holding ratio not only at room temperature but also at a temperature close to the upper limit temperature, the antioxidant is maintained. Add to the composition. A preferred example of the antioxidant is the compound (6) wherein t is an integer of 1 to 9, and the like.

In the compound (6), preferred t is 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9. The better t is 7. Since the compound (6) having a t of 7 has a small volatility, it is effective for maintaining a large voltage holding ratio not only at room temperature but also at a temperature close to the upper limit temperature after using the element for a long period of time. In order to obtain the above effect, a preferred ratio of the antioxidant is about 50 ppm or more, and a preferred ratio of the antioxidant is about 600 ppm or less in order not to lower the upper limit temperature or to increase the lower limit temperature. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of from about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm.

Preferable examples of the ultraviolet absorber are a benzophenone derivative, a benzoate derivative, a triazole derivative, and the like. Further, a light stabilizer such as an amine having steric hindrance is also preferred. In order to obtain the effect, a preferred ratio of the absorbent or stabilizer is about 50 ppm or more, and in order not to lower the upper limit temperature or to increase the lower limit temperature, a preferred ratio of the absorbent or stabilizer is about Below 10,000 ppm. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of from about 100 ppm to about 10,000 ppm.

A dichroic dye such as an azo dye or an anthraquinone dye is added to the composition in order to be suitable for a guest host (GH) mode element. A preferred ratio of pigment is in the range of from about 0.01% by weight to about 10% by weight. In order to prevent foaming, an antifoaming agent such as dimethyl fluorenone oil or methyl phenyl fluorenone oil is added to the composition. In order to obtain the above effect, a preferred ratio of the antifoaming agent is about 1 ppm or more, and a preferable ratio of the antifoaming agent is about 1000 ppm or less in order to prevent display defects. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of from about 1 ppm to about 500 ppm.

In order to be suitable for a polymer stable alignment (PSA) type element, a polymerizable compound is added to the composition. Preferable examples of the polymerizable compound are acrylate, methacrylate, vinyl compound, vinyloxy compound, propenyl ether, epoxy compound (oxirane, oxetane), vinyl ketone A compound having a polymerizable group. A preferred example is a derivative of acrylate or methacrylate. In order to obtain the above effect, a preferable ratio of the polymerizable compound is about 0.05% by weight or more, and a preferable ratio of the polymerizable compound is about 10% by weight or less in order to prevent display defects. A more desirable ratio is in the range of from about 0.1% by weight to about 2% by weight. The polymerizable compound is polymerized by ultraviolet irradiation. The polymerization can also be carried out in the presence of an initiator such as a photopolymerization initiator. Suitable conditions for carrying out the polymerization, suitable types of initiators, and suitable amounts are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are described in the literature. For example, Irgacure 651 (registered trademark; BASF), Irgacure 184 (registered trademark; BASF) or Darocur 1173 (registered trademark) as a photoinitiator ; BASF) is suitable for free radical polymerization. A preferred ratio of the photopolymerization initiator is in the range of from about 0.1% by weight to about 5% by weight based on the weight of the polymerizable compound. A more desirable ratio is in the range of from about 1% by weight to about 3% by weight.

When the polymerizable compound is stored, a polymerization inhibitor may be added in order to prevent polymerization. The polymerizable compound is usually added to the composition in a state where the polymerization inhibitor is not removed. Examples of the polymerization inhibitor are hydroquinone derivatives such as hydroquinone and methyl hydroquinone, 4-tert-butyl catechol, 4-methoxyphenol, phenothiazine and the like.

Seventh, a method of synthesizing a component compound will be described. These compounds can be synthesized by a known method. An exemplified synthesis method. The compound (1-7) and the compound (1-14) are synthesized by the method described in JP-A-10-251186. The compound (2-16) is synthesized by the method described in JP-A-63-2953. The compound (3-1) is synthesized by the method described in JP-A-59-176221. The compound (4-1) and the compound (4-5) are synthesized by the method described in JP-A-2-233626. The compound (5-1) and the compound (5-7) are synthesized by the method disclosed in JP-A-2-503441. Antioxidants are commercially available. A compound of formula (6) wherein t is 1 is available from Sigma-Aldrich Corporation. The compound (6) wherein t is 7 or the like is synthesized by the method described in the specification of U.S. Patent No. 3,660,505.

Compounds not described in the synthesis method can be synthesized by the method described in the following book: "Organic Syntheses" (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), "Organic Reactions" ("John Wiley & Sons, Inc."), "Comprehensive Organic Synthesis" (Pergamon Press), "New Experimental Chemistry Lecture" (Maruzen )Wait. The composition is prepared by a known method from the compound obtained in the manner described. For example, the component compounds are mixed and then dissolved by heating.

Finally, the use of the composition will be described. The composition of the present invention mainly has a lower limit temperature of about -10 ° C or less, an upper limit temperature of about 70 ° C or more, and an optical anisotropy of a range of about 0.14 to about 0.20. The composition having an optical anisotropy in the range of about 0.15 to about 0.25 can also be prepared by controlling the ratio of the component compounds or by mixing other liquid crystal compounds, thereby preparing a composition having a range of about 0.16 to about 0.30. An optically anisotropic composition. The element containing the composition has a large voltage holding ratio. This composition is suitable for an AM device. This composition is particularly suitable for a transmissive AM device. The composition can be used as a composition having a nematic phase, and can be used as an optically active composition by adding an optically active compound.

This composition can be used for an AM device. Further, it can also be used for a PM element. The composition can be used for an AM device and a PM device having modes such as PC, TN, STN, ECB, OCB, IPS, FFS, VA, and FPA. It is particularly preferable for an AM device having a TN mode, an OCB mode, an IPS mode, or an FFS mode. In an AM device having an IPS mode or an FFS mode, when no voltage is applied, the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules may be parallel to the glass substrate or may be vertical. The elements can be reflective, transmissive or semi-transmissive. It is preferably used for a transmissive element. It can also be used for amorphous germanium-TFT elements or polysilicon-TFT elements. It can also be used for a nematic curvilinear aligned phase (NCAP) type element produced by microencapsulating the composition or a polymer dispersed (PD) in which a three-dimensional network polymer is formed in the composition. ) type of component. [Examples]

The invention will be further described in detail by way of examples. The invention is not limited by the embodiments. The present invention comprises a mixture of the composition of Example 1 and the composition of Example 2. The present invention also encompasses a mixture of at least two of the compositions of the examples. The synthesized compound is identified by a method such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. The properties of the compounds, compositions and devices were measured by the methods described below.

NMR analysis: DRX-500 manufactured by Bruker BioSpin Co., Ltd. was used for the measurement. ^In the measurement of ¹ H-NMR, the sample was dissolved in a deuterated solvent such as CDCl _{3 ,} and the measurement was carried out at room temperature at 500 MHz and the cumulative number of times was 16 times. Tetramethyl decane was used as an internal standard. ^In the measurement of ¹⁹ F-NMR, CFCl _{3 was} used as an internal standard, and the cumulative number of times was 24 times. In the description of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, s refers to a single peak, d refers to a doublet, t refers to a triplet, q refers to a quartet, and quin refers to a quintuple. (quintet), sex refers to the six-point (sextet), m refers to the multiplet (multiplet), and br refers to the broad peak (broad).

Gas Chromatography Analysis: A GC-14B gas chromatograph manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation was used for the measurement. The carrier gas was helium (2 mL/min). The sample vaporization chamber was set to 280 ° C, and the detector (flame ionization detector (FID)) was set to 300 ° C. For the separation of the component compounds, a capillary column DB-1 (length 30 m, inner diameter 0.32 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm) manufactured by Agilent Technologies Inc.; fixed phase liquid is dimethyl polyoxyl Alkane; no polarity). The column was held at 200 ° C for 2 minutes and then heated to 280 ° C at a rate of 5 ° C / min. After the sample was prepared into an acetone solution (0.1% by weight), 1 μL of the sample was injected into the sample gasification chamber. The record is a C-R5A type chromatograph module (Chromatopac) manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation or its equivalent. The obtained gas chromatogram shows the retention time of the peak corresponding to the component compound and the area of the peak.

As the solvent for diluting the sample, chloroform, hexane or the like can be used. In order to separate the component compounds, the following capillary column can be used. HP-1 (length 30 m, inner diameter 0.32 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm) manufactured by Agilent Technologies, Inc., Rtx-1 (length 30 m, inner diameter 0.32 mm, film thickness) manufactured by Restek Corporation 0.25 μm) BP-1 (length 30 m, inner diameter 0.32 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm) manufactured by SGE International Pty. Ltd., Australia. For the purpose of preventing the overlap of the peaks of the compound, a capillary column CBP1-M50-025 (length 50 m, inner diameter 0.25 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm) manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation can be used.

The ratio of the liquid crystalline compound contained in the composition can be calculated by the method described below. A mixture of liquid crystal compounds was detected by a gas chromatograph (FID). The area ratio of the peaks in the gas chromatogram corresponds to the ratio (weight ratio) of the liquid crystal compound. When the capillary column described above is used, the correction coefficient of various liquid crystal compounds can be regarded as 1. Therefore, the ratio (% by weight) of the liquid crystalline compound can be calculated from the area ratio of the peak.

Measurement sample: When the characteristics of the composition or element are measured, the composition is directly used as a sample. When the properties of the compound were measured, a sample for measurement was prepared by mixing the compound (15% by weight) in a mother liquid crystal (85% by weight). The characteristic value of the compound was calculated by extrapolation based on the value obtained by the measurement. (Extrapolation value) = {(measured value of sample) - 0.85 × (measured value of mother liquid crystal)} / 0.15. When the smectic phase (or crystal) is precipitated at 25 ° C at this ratio, the ratio of the compound to the mother liquid crystal is 10% by weight: 90% by weight, 5% by weight: 95% by weight, 1% by weight: 99% by weight The order of % changes. The extrapolation method was used to determine the values of the upper limit temperature, optical anisotropy, viscosity, and dielectric anisotropy associated with the compound.

The following mother liquid crystal was used. The proportion of the constituent compounds is expressed in % by weight.

Measurement method: The measurement of the characteristics was carried out by the following method. Most of these methods are or described in the JEITA standard (JEITA ED-2521B) which was developed by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (hereinafter referred to as JEITA). The method of formation. A thin film transistor (TFT) was not mounted on the TN device used for the measurement.

(1) Maximum temperature of nematic phase (NI; °C): A sample was placed on a hot plate of a melting point measuring apparatus equipped with a polarizing microscope, and heated at a rate of 1 ° C/min. The temperature at which a part of the sample changes from the nematic phase to the isotropic liquid is measured.

(2) Lower limit temperature of nematic phase (T _C ; ° C): A sample having a nematic phase is placed in a glass bottle at 0 ° C, -10 ° C, -20 ° C, -30 ° C, and -40 ° C. After storage in a freezer for 10 days, the liquid crystal phase was observed. For example, when the sample is in the nematic phase at -20 ° C and changes to crystal or smectic phase at -30 ° C, T _{C is} described as < -20 ° C.

(3) Viscosity (volumetric viscosity; η; measured at 20 ° C; mPa·s): An E-type rotational viscometer manufactured by Tokyo Keiki Co., Ltd. was used for the measurement.

(4) Viscosity (rotational viscosity; γ1; measured at 25 ° C; mPa·s): According to M. Imai et al., "Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals" No. 259 The method described in 37 (1995) was carried out. A sample was placed in a TN device having a twist angle of 0° and a spacing (cell gap) between two glass substrates of 5 μm. The device is applied with a voltage stepwise in units of 0.5 V over a range of 16 V to 19.5 V. After the voltage was not applied for 0.2 seconds, it was applied repeatedly by applying only one rectangular wave (rectangular pulse; 0.2 second) and no application (2 seconds). The peak current and the peak time of the transient current generated by the application were measured. The values of the rotational viscosity were obtained from the measured values and the calculation formula (8) described on page 40 of the paper by M. Imai et al. The value of the dielectric anisotropy required for this calculation was obtained by the method described below using the element having the measured rotational viscosity.

(5) Optical anisotropy (refractive index anisotropy; Δn; measured at 25 ° C): Measurement was carried out using an Abbe refractometer having a polarizing plate attached to an eyepiece using light having a wavelength of 589 nm. After rubbing the surface of the main crucible in one direction, the sample was dropped onto the main crucible. The refractive index n∥ is measured when the direction of the polarized light is parallel to the direction of rubbing. The refractive index n⊥ is measured when the direction of the polarized light is perpendicular to the direction of rubbing. The value of optical anisotropy is calculated from the equation of Δn=n∥-n⊥.

(6) Dielectric anisotropy (Δε; measured at 25 ° C): A sample was placed in a TN device in which the interval (cell gap) between two glass substrates was 9 μm and the twist angle was 80 degrees. A sine wave (10 V, 1 kHz) was applied to the device, and after 2 seconds, the dielectric constant (ε∥) in the long-axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules was measured. A sine wave (0.5 V, 1 kHz) was applied to the device, and after 2 seconds, the dielectric constant (ε⊥) in the short-axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules was measured. The value of dielectric anisotropy is calculated from the equation of Δε=ε∥-ε⊥.

(7) Threshold voltage (Vth; measured at 25 ° C; V): An LCD 5100 luminance meter manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. was used for the measurement. The light source is a halogen lamp. A sample was placed in a normally white mode TN device in which the interval (cell gap) of the two glass substrates was 0.45/Δn (μm) and the twist angle was 80 degrees. The voltage applied to the device (32 Hz, rectangular wave) is stepwise increased from 0 V to 10 V in units of 0.02 V. At this time, the element was irradiated with light from the vertical direction, and the amount of light transmitted through the element was measured. A voltage-transmittance curve having a transmittance of 100% when the amount of light reaches a maximum and a transmittance of 0% when the amount of light is minimum is prepared. The threshold voltage is expressed by the voltage at which the transmittance reaches 90%.

(8) Voltage holding ratio (VHR-1; measured at 25 ° C; %): The TN element used in the measurement had a polyimide film, and the interval (cell gap) between the two glass substrates was 5 μm. After the sample was added, the element was sealed with an adhesive which was cured by ultraviolet rays. A pulse voltage (5 V, 60 microseconds) was applied to the TN device to charge. The attenuated voltage was measured during a period of 16.7 msec using a high-speed voltmeter, and the area A between the voltage curve in the unit period and the horizontal axis was obtained. Area B is the area when it is not attenuated. The voltage holding ratio is expressed by the percentage of the area A with respect to the area B.

(9) Voltage holding ratio (VHR-2; measured at 80 ° C; %): The voltage holding ratio was measured in the same order as described except that the measurement was carried out at 80 ° C instead of 25 ° C. The obtained value is represented by VHR-2.

(10) Voltage holding ratio (VHR-3; measured at 25 ° C; %): After irradiating ultraviolet rays, the voltage holding ratio was measured to evaluate the stability against ultraviolet rays. The TN element used in the measurement had a polyimide film and had a cell gap of 5 μm. A sample was injected into the element and the light was irradiated for 20 minutes. The light source is an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp USH-500D (manufactured by Ushio Motor) with a distance of 20 cm between the component and the light source. In the measurement of VHR-3, the attenuated voltage was measured during 16.7 msec. The composition having a large VHR-3 has great stability to ultraviolet rays. VHR-3 is preferably 90% or more, more preferably 95% or more.

(11) Voltage holding ratio (VHR-4; measured at 25 ° C; %): The TN element in which the sample was injected was heated in a thermostat at 80 ° C for 500 hours, and then the voltage holding ratio was measured to evaluate the heat. stability. In the measurement of VHR-4, the attenuated voltage was measured during 16.7 msec. The composition having a large VHR-4 has great stability to heat.

(12) Response time (τ; measured at 25 ° C; ms): An LCD 5100 luminance meter manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. was used for the measurement. The light source is a halogen lamp. The low-pass filter is set to 5 kHz. A sample was placed in a normally white mode TN device in which the distance between the two glass substrates (cell gap) was 5.0 μm and the twist angle was 80 degrees. A rectangular wave (60 Hz, 5 V, 0.5 second) was applied to the element. At this time, the element was irradiated with light from the vertical direction, and the amount of light transmitted through the element was measured. When the amount of light reaches a maximum, the transmittance is regarded as 100%, and when the amount of light is minimum, the transmittance is regarded as 0%. The rise time (τr: rise time; milliseconds) is the time required for the transmittance to change from 90% to 10%. The fall time (τf:fall time; milliseconds) is the time required for the transmittance to change from 10% to 90%. The response time is represented by the sum of the rise time and the fall time obtained in the manner described.

(13) Elastic constant (K; measured at 25 ° C; pN): An HP4284A type electrolytic capacitor resistor (LCR) meter manufactured by Yokogawa-Hewlett-Packard Co., Ltd. was used for the measurement. A sample was placed in a horizontal alignment member in which the distance between the two glass substrates (cell gap) was 20 μm. A charge of 0 volts to 20 volts was applied to the device, and the electrostatic capacitance and the applied voltage were measured. Fitting the measured electrostatic capacitance (C) with the applied voltage (V) using equations (2.98) and (2.101) on page 75 of the "Liquid Crystal Components Handbook" (Nikkei Industry News). The values of K11 and K33 were obtained from the formula (2.99). Then, substituting the equation (3.18) on page 171 of the "Liquid Crystal Element Handbook", K22 is calculated using the values of K11 and K33 just obtained. The elastic constant is represented by the average value of K11, K22, and K33 obtained in the above manner.

(14) Specific resistance (ρ; measured at 25 ° C; Ω cm): 1.0 mL of a sample was injected into a container equipped with an electrode. A DC voltage (10 V) was applied to the container, and a DC current after 10 seconds was measured. The specific resistance was calculated according to the following formula. (specific resistance) = {(voltage) × (capacitance of the container)} / {(direct current) × (dielectric constant of vacuum)}.

(15) Spiral pitch (P; measured at room temperature; μm): The helical pitch was measured using a wedge method. Refer to "LCD Handbook" on page 196 (issued in 2000, Maruzen). The sample was injected into a wedge-shaped unit, and after standing at room temperature for 2 hours, the interval of the disclination line was observed by a polarizing microscope (Nikon (stock), trade name MM40/60 series). (d2-d1). The spiral pitch (P) is calculated from the following equation in which the angle of the wedge unit is expressed as θ. P = 2 × (d2 - d1) × tan θ.

(16) Dielectric constant in the direction of the short axis (ε⊥; measured at 25 ° C): A sample was placed in a TN element having a spacing (cell gap) of 9 μm and a twist angle of 80 degrees. . A sine wave (0.5 V, 1 kHz) was applied to the device, and after 2 seconds, the dielectric constant (ε⊥) in the short-axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules was measured.

The compounds in the examples are represented by symbols based on the definitions of Table 3 below. In Table 3, the stereo configuration associated with 1,4-cyclohexylene is the trans configuration. The number in parentheses after the mark corresponds to the number of the compound. The symbol of (-) means another liquid crystal compound. The ratio (percentage) of the liquid crystalline compound is a weight percentage (% by weight) based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition. Finally, the characteristic values of the composition are summarized.

Table 3 Formulation method of the compound using the symbol R-(A ₁ )-Z ₁ -.....-Z _n -(A _n )-R'

[Comparative Example 1] Example 13 was selected from the compositions disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-532345. It is based on the fact that the composition contains the compound (3-2). The composition and characteristics of the composition are as follows. 2-HB-C (-) 6% 3-HB-C (-) 18% 2-BEB(F)-C (-) 2% 3-BEB(F)-C (-) 3% 4-BEB( F)-C (-) 8% 5-BEB(F)-C (-) 8% 3-HB-O2 (3-2) 4% 2-B(F,F)TBB-3 (-) 20% 4-B(F,F)TBB-3 (-) 31% NI=87.5°C; Δn=0.242; Δε=18.8; γ1=211 mPa·s; VHR-1=90.3%; VHR-3=14.8%. To the composition of 96% by weight, a compound (XIIIa-1) similar to the formula (2-17) was added in a proportion of 4% by weight.

[Example 1] 3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-5) 8% 3-BBXB (F, F)-F (1-6) 5% 3-BB (F , F) XB(F,F)-F (1-7) 13% 3-HBBXB(F,F)-F (1-8) 7% 3-dhBB(F,F)XB(F,F)- F (1-10) 6% 4-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 5-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F ,F)-F (1-12) 6% 3-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F)-F (1-13) 6% 2-HH-3 (3-1) 13% 2 -BB(F)B-3 (3-7) 4% 3-GB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-9) 6% 3-BB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-10) 9% 2-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 4% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 4% 3-GB(F)B(F ) B(F)-F (4-14) 3% NI=71.9°C; Δn=0.140; Δε=26.3; Vth=0.98 V; γ1=229.7 mPa·s; VHR-1=98.9% VHR-2 = 97.6%; VHR-3 = 97.4%. The pitch when the compound (2-16) was added in a ratio of 7.2% by weight in the composition was 1 μm or less.

[Example 2] 5-HXB(F,F)-F (1-1) 1% 3-HHXB(F,F)-F (1-2) 2% 3-BB(F,F)XB(F ,F)-F (1-7) 12% 3-HBBXB(F,F)-F (1-8) 7% 3-HBB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-9) 6% 4-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 5-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F ( 1-12) 6% 3-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-14) 2% 4-BB(F,F)XB(F)B(F,F )-F (1-15) 5% 3-HH-V1 (3-1) 5% 5-HH-V (3-1) 10% 3-HB-O2 (3-2) 3% V-HBB- 2 (3-6) 7% 5-B(F)BB-2 (3-8) 4% 3-HBB(F,F)-F (4-5) 5% 3-GB(F)B(F ,F)-F (4-9) 8% 2-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 4% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 4% 4-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% NI=92.1°C; Δn=0.140; Δε=21.8; Vth=1.13 V; γ1=212.4 mPa·s; VHR-1=99.1%; VHR-2=98.1%; VHR-3=97.7%. The composition was added in a ratio of 4.8% by weight. The pitch of the compound (2-16) is 1 μm or less.

[Example 3] 3-GB (F, F) XB (F)-F (1-4) 8% 3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-7) 13% 3 -HBBXB(F,F)-F (1-8) 7% 3-HBB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-9) 7% 4-GB(F)B(F,F )XB(F)-F (1-11) 5% 4-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 3-BB(F)B(F , F) XB(F,F)-F (1-14) 4% 5-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-14) 3% 3-BB(2F , 3F) XB(F,F)-F (1-17) 3% 3-HH-V (3-1) 9% V-HHB-1 (3-5) 5% 3-BB(F)B- 2V (3-7) 7% 5-HBB(F)B-2 (3-13) 3% 3-GB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-9) 5% 3-BB(F )B(F,F)-F (4-10) 6% 2-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% 4-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% NI=91.6°C; Δn=0.154; Δε=23.9; Vth=1.15 V; γ1=232.2 mPa·s; VHR-1=98.9% VHR-2 = 97.7%; VHR-3 = 97.4%. The pitch when the compound (2-16) was added in a ratio of 5.9% by weight in the composition was 1 μm or less.

[Example 4] 3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-5) 9% 3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-7) 16 % 3-HBBXB(F,F)-F (1-8) 4% 5-HBBXB(F,F)-F (1-8) 3% 4-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F ,F)-F (1-12) 7% 5-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 3-BB(F)B(F,F )XB(F)B(F,F)-F (1-16) 2% 3-B(2F,3F)BXB(F,F)-F (1-18) 4% 3-HH-V (3 -1) 6% 1-HH-2V1 (3-1) 3% 3-HH-2V1 (3-1) 4% V2-BB-1 (3-3) 4% 1-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 5% 2-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 4% 3-GHB(F,F)-F (4-4) 5% 3-BB(F)B(F, F)-F (4-10) 9% 2-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% 4-HHBB(F , F)-F (4-12) 3% NI=72.8°C; Δn=0.145; Δε=23.5; Vth=1.01 V Γ1=207.9 mPa·s; VHR-1=98.9%; VHR-2=97.8%; VHR-3=97.3%. Section when the compound (2-4) was added in a ratio of 10.6% by weight to the composition The distance is 1 μm or less.

[Example 5] 3-HHXB(F,F)-CF3 (1-3) 3% 3-GB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-5) 6% 3-BB(F , F) XB(F,F)-F (1-7) 16% 3-HBBXB(F,F)-F (1-8) 7% 3-HBB(F,F)XB(F,F)- F (1-9) 7% 4-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 8% 3-HB(2F,3F)BXB(F,F)- F (1-19) 3% 3-BB(2F,3F)BXB(F,F)-F (1-20) 3% 3-HH-VFF (3-1) 6% 3-HH-4 (3 -1) 3% 7-HB-1 (3-2) 3% 2-BB(F)B-5 (3-7) 6% V2-B(F)BB-1 (3-8) 6% 3 -GB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-9) 5% 3-BB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-10) 9% 2-HHBB(F,F)- F (4-12) 4% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% 4-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 2% NI=81.5°C; Δn=0.151 ; Δε=24.0; Vth=1.07 V; γ1=222.8 mPa·s; VHR-1=98. 8%; VHR-2=97.5%; VHR-3=97.3%. The compound (2-4) was added in a ratio of 5.5% by weight to the composition, and the compound (2-10) was added in a ratio of 5.4% by weight. The pitch is 1 μm or less.

[Example 6] 3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-5) 8% 3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-7) 18 % 3-HBBXB(F,F)-F (1-8) 7% 3-HBB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-9) 6% 4-GB(F)B(F , F) XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 5-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 3-BB(F ) B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-14) 2% 4-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-14) 8% 3 -HH-V (3-1) 9% 3-HHEH-3 (3-4) 3% 2-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 4% 3-HHEBH-3 (3-9) 3 % 3-GB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-9) 6% 3-BB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-10) 6% 2-HHBB(F,F )-F (4-12) 4% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 4% NI=81.3°C; Tc<-20°C;Δn=0.142;Δε=29.3; Vth=1.02 V ; γ1 = 247.5 mPa·s; VHR-1 = 98.7%; VHR-2 = 97.5%; VHR-3 = 97.2%. The compound (2-5) was added in a ratio of 5% by weight, and the compound (2-16) was added in a ratio of 4% by weight to have a pitch of 1 μm or less.

[Example 7] 3-BB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-7) 18% 3-HBBXB(F,F)-F (1-8) 7% 3-HBB(F , F) XB(F,F)-F (1-9) 6% 4-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 5-GB(F ) B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 3-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-14) 6% 3 -HH-V (3-1) 10% 1-BB-3 (3-3) 3% 1-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 5% 5-HBBH-3 (3-11) 3 % 3-HHB(F,F)-F (4-1) 2% 3-HGB(F,F)-F (4-3) 2% 3-HB(F)B(F,F)-F ( 4-6) 3% 3-GB(F)B(F)-F (4-8) 3% 3-GB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-9) 6% 3-BB( F)B(F,F)-F (4-10) 3% 2-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 4% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 4 % 4-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% NI=84.7°C; Δn=0.144; Δε=24.5; Vth=1.05 V; 1 = 233.8 mPa·s; VHR-1 = 98.9%; VHR-2 = 97.7%; VHR-3 = 97.6%. Compound (2-13) was added to the composition in a ratio of 5.3% by weight to 6 When the compound (2-16) is added in a ratio of % by weight, the pitch is 1 μm or less.

[Example 8] 3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-5) 8% 3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-7) 12 % 3-HBBXB(F,F)-F (1-8) 7% 3-HBB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-9) 6% 4-GB(F)B(F , F) XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 5-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 3-BB(F ) B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-14) 2% 3-HH-V (3-1) 14% 1-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 5% 2-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 5% 3-GB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-9) 8% 3-BB(F)B(F,F)- F (4-10) 9% 3-BB(F)B(F,F)-CF3 (4-11) 3% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% 3-HHB( F) B(F,F)-F (4-13) 3% 3-GBB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-15) 3% NI=79.7°C; Δn=0.151; Δε=25.0 ; Vth=1.01 V; γ1=223.1 mPa·s; VHR-1=99.0%; VHR-2=97.9%; VHR-3=97.4%. Compounds (2%) were added to the composition in a ratio of 10% by weight. -4), to When the compound (2-9) was added in a ratio of 4.3% by weight, the pitch was 1 μm or less.

[Example 9] 3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-5) 8% 3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-7) 13 % 3-HBB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-9) 7% 4-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6 % 5-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 3-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F)-F (1-13 4% 4-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F)-F (1-13) 3% 3-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1 -14) 4% 3-HH-V (3-1) 11% 3-HH-O1 (3-1) 3% 3-HBB-2 (3-6) 3% 1-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 3% 2-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 6% 3-GB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-9) 5% 3-BB(F) B(F,F)-F (4-10) 9% 2-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% 4 -HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% NI=80.4°C; Δn=0.152; Δε=25.1; Vth=1.04 V; γ1=223.2 mPa·s; VHR-1=98.7% VHR-2 = 97.7%; VHR-3 = 97.4%. The pitch when the compound (2-16) was added in a ratio of 5% by weight to the composition was 1 μm or less.

[Example 10] 3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-5) 9% 3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-7) 16 % 3-HBBXB(F,F)-F (1-8) 7% 3-HBB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-9) 6% 5-GB(F)B(F , F) XB(F)-F (1-11) 6% 4-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 7% 3-HH-V (3 -1) 5% 4-HH-V (3-1) 4% 3-HH-5 (3-1) 4% 3-HHB-O1 (3-5) 3% 1-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 6% 2-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 4% 3-GB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-9) 5% 3-BB(F) B(F,F)-F (4-10) 9% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% 5-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% 4 -HBBH-1O1 (-) 3% NI=84.5°C; Δn=0.147; Δε=22.8; Vth=1.06 V; γ1=211.4 mPa·s; VHR-1=98.7%; VHR-2=97.7%; VHR- 3 = 97.4%. 4.5% by weight of the composition The ratio of the compound is added at a pitch (2-16) is 1 μm or less.

[Example 11] 3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-5) 9% 3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-7) 14 % 3-HBBXB(F,F)-F (1-8) 7% 3-HBB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-9) 7% 4-GB(F)B(F , F) XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 8% 5-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 3-HH-V (3-1) 10% 1-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 6% 2-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 6% 3-GB(F)B(F,F )-F (4-9) 3% 3-BB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-10) 9% 2-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 4% 3- HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% 4-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 2% V-HHB(2F,3F)-O2 (5-7) 3% 3 -HBB(2F,3F)-O2 (5-15) 3% NI=87.5°C; Δn=0.154; Δε=24.2; Vth=1.04 V; γ1=226.7 mPa·s; VHR-1=99.1%; VHR- 2=97.8%; VHR-3=97.5%. Section in which the compound (2-16) was added in a ratio of 7% by weight to the composition Is 1 μm or less.

[Example 12] 3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-5) 8% 3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F)-F (1-7) 18 % 3-HBBXB(F,F)-F (1-8) 7% 3-HBB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-9) 6% 4-GB(F)B(F , F) XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 5-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 3-BB(F ) B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-14) 2% 4-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-14) 8% 2 -HH-3 (3-1) 9% 2-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 4% 3-GB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-9) 6% 3- BB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-10) 9% 2-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 4% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12 ) 3% 4-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 4% NI=73.8°C; Tc<-20°C;Δn=0.144;Δε=30.2; Vth=0.98 V; γ1=251.6 mPa·s VHR-1 = 99.0%; VHR-2 = 97.5%; VHR-3 = 97.2%. The pitch when the compound (2-16) was added in a ratio of 5.3 wt% to the composition was 1 μm or less.

[Example 13] 3-GB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-5) 3% 3-BB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-7) 13 % 3-HBBXB(F,F)-F (1-8) 7% 3-HBB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-9) 7% 4-GB(F)B(F , F) XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 5-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 3-BB(F ) B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-14) 4% 4-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-14) 5% 3 -HH-V (3-1) 14% 1-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 6% 2-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 6% 3-GB(F)B (F,F)-F (4-9) 5% 3-BB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-10) 9% 2-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% 4-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-12) 3% NI=89.9°C; Δn=0.160; Δε=24.6; Vth =1.09 V; γ1=224.9 mPa·s; VHR-1=99.1%; VHR-2=97.6%; VHR-3=97.3%. The compound (2-2) was added in a ratio of 7.5% by weight to the composition. ), 7.5% by weight when the pitch ratio of added compound (2-4) is 1 μm or less.

[Example 14] 3-GB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-5) 8% 3-BB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-7) 18 % 3-HBBXB(F,F)-F (1-8) 7% 3-HBB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-9) 6% 4-GB(F)B(F , F) XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 5-GB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-12) 6% 3-BB(F ) B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-14) 2% 4-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (1-14) 8% 3 -HH-V (3-1) 7% 1-BB-5 (3-3) 5% 2-BB(F)B-2V (3-7) 4% 5-HBB(F)B-2 (3 -13) 4% 3-GB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-9) 6% 3-BB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-10) 9% 3-HHB (F) B(F,F)-F (4-13) 4% NI=70.1°C; Δn=0.151; Δε=29.8; Vth=0.97 V; γ1=235.8 mPa·s; VHR-1=98.6%; VHR-2=97.4%; VHR-3=97.1%. When the compound (2-7) was added in a ratio of 3% by weight to the composition, and the compound (2-16) was added in a ratio of 6.8% by weight. Pitch is 1 μm or less.

The VHR-3 of Comparative Example 1 was 14.8%. On the other hand, VHR-3 of Examples 1 to 14 is in the range of 97.1% to 97.7%. As described above, the composition of the examples had a large VHR-3 as compared with the composition of the comparative example. Therefore, it can be concluded that the liquid crystal composition of the present invention has excellent characteristics. [Industrial availability]

The liquid crystal composition of the present invention has a high upper limit temperature, a low lower limit temperature, a small viscosity, an appropriate optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a short spiral pitch, a large specific resistance, a large elastic constant, and high stability against ultraviolet rays. Among the characteristics of high stability to heat, at least one characteristic is sufficiently satisfied or has an appropriate balance with respect to at least two characteristics. The liquid crystal display element containing the composition has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long life, and the like, and thus can be used for a liquid crystal projector, a liquid crystal television, or the like.

no

no

no

Claims (17)

A cholesteric liquid crystal composition containing, as a first component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (1), and an optically active compound as an additive component, and is selected at 25 ° C The reflection wavelength is from 400 nm to 800 nm. In the formula (1), R ¹ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms; and ring A, ring B and ring C are independently 1, 4-cyclohexyl, 1,4-phenyl, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenyl, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenyl, 2,6-difluoro-1, 4-phenyl, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl; Z ¹ and Z ^{2 are} independently a single bond, an extended ethyl group, a carbonyloxy group or a difluoromethyleneoxy group; X ¹ and X ^{2 are} independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y ¹ is a carbon number of fluorine, chlorine, at least one hydrogen substituted by fluorine or chlorine An alkyl group of 1 to 12, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms substituted with at least one hydrogen via fluorine or chlorine, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 12 carbons substituted with at least one hydrogen via fluorine or chlorine; b is independently 0, 1, 2 or 3, and the sum of a and b is 3 or less. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, which contains, as a first component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (1-1) to formula (1-20), In the formula (1-1) to the formula (1-20), R ¹ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, which contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (2-1) to formula (2-18) as an additive component, In the formulae (2-1) to (2-18), R ² and R ^{3 are} independently an alkyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and in the formula (2-6) and the formula (2-15), R ² may be Is a methyl group; R ⁴ and R ^{5 are} independently an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms; in the formula (2-18), ring D Independently 1,4-phenylene or 1,4-cyclohexyl. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the first component is in the range of 30% by weight to 90% by weight based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition, and the ratio of the additive component is 1% by weight to 30% by weight. The range of %. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, which contains, as a second component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (3), In the formula (3), R ⁶ and R ^{7 are} independently an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms or at least one hydrogen via fluorine or chlorine. Substituted alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbons; ring E and ring F are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 2,5 -difluoro-1,4-phenylene; Z ³ is a single bond, an ethyl or carbonyloxy group; c is 1, 2 or 3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 5, which contains, as a second component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (3-1) to formula (3-13), In the formulae (3-1) to (3-13), R ⁶ and R ^{7 are} independently an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Or an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbons substituted with at least one hydrogen via fluorine or chlorine. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 5, wherein the ratio of the second component is in the range of 5% by weight to 60% by weight based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, which contains, as a third component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (4), In the formula (4), R ⁸ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms; and ring G is 1,4-cyclohexylene group, 1, 4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, pyrimidine- 2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl; Z ⁴ is a single bond, an ethyl or carbonyloxy group; X ³ And X ^{4 is} independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y ² is fluorine, chlorine, at least one hydrogen substituted with fluorine or chlorine, alkyl having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, at least one hydrogen substituted with fluorine or chlorine; An alkoxy group of 12 or at least one hydrogen substituted with a fluorine or a chlorine having 2 to 12 carbon atoms alkenyloxy; d is 1, 2, 3 or 4. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 8, which contains, as a third component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (4-1) to formula (4-15), In the formula (4-1) to the formula (4-15), R ⁸ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 8, wherein the ratio of the third component is in the range of 3% by weight to 50% by weight based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 5, which contains, as a third component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (4), In the formula (4), R ⁸ is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms; and ring G is 1,4-cyclohexylene group, 1, 4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, pyrimidine- 2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl; Z ⁴ is a single bond, an ethyl or carbonyloxy group; X ³ And X ^{4 is} independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y ² is fluorine, chlorine, at least one hydrogen substituted with fluorine or chlorine, alkyl having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, at least one hydrogen substituted with fluorine or chlorine; An alkoxy group of 12 or at least one hydrogen substituted with a fluorine or a chlorine having 2 to 12 carbon atoms alkenyloxy; d is 1, 2, 3 or 4. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, which contains, as a fourth component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (5), In the formula (5), R ⁹ and R ^{1 0 are} independently an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms or an alkene having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Alkoxy; ring I and ring K are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-cyclohexenylene, 1,4-phenylene, at least one hydrogen substituted by fluorine or chlorine, 4-phenyl or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl; ring J is 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenyl, 2-chloro-3-fluoro-1,4-benzene , 2,3-difluoro-5-methyl-1,4-phenylene, 3,4,5-trifluoronaphthalene-2,6-diyl or 7,8-difluorochroman-2 , 6-diyl; Z ⁵ and Z ^{6 are} independently a single bond, an extended ethyl group, a carbonyloxy group or a methyleneoxy group; e is 1, 2 or 3, f is 0 or 1; the sum of e and f It is 3 or less. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 12, which contains, as a fourth component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by formula (5-1) to formula (5-21), In the formulae (5-1) to (5-21), R ⁹ and R ^{1 0 are} independently an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and an alkene having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. A base or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 12, wherein the ratio of the fourth component is in the range of 3% by weight to 25% by weight based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the upper limit temperature of the nematic phase is 70 ° C or higher, the optical anisotropy at a wavelength of 589 nm (measured at 25 ° C) is 0.14 or more, and the frequency is 1 kHz. The lower dielectric anisotropy (measured at 25 ° C) was 20 or more. A liquid crystal display element comprising the liquid crystal composition as described in claim 1 of the patent application. A liquid crystal composition which is a liquid crystal composition as described in claim 1, which is used in a liquid crystal display element.