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

Provided are a polymerizable composition in which precipitation or the like of crystals does not occur and which has high storage stability; and a polymerizable composition in which unevenness is unlikely to occur when a film-like polymerized material obtained by polymerizing the composition is prepared. Further, provided are an optically anisotropic body, a retardation film, an optical compensation film, an anti-reflective film, a lens, and a lens sheet which are formed of the polymerizable composition, a liquid crystal display element, an organic light-emitting display element, a lighting element, an optical component, a colorant, a security marking, a member for emitting a laser, a polarizing film, a coloring material, and a printed matter for which the polymerizable composition is used.

Provided are a liquid crystal compound satisfying at least one of physical properties such as high stability heat and light, a high clearing point (or high maximum temperature), low minimum temperature of the liquid crystal phase, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large dielectric anisotropy, large dielectric constant in a minor axis direction, a suitable elastic constant and excellent compatiblity with other liquid crystal compounds; a liquid crystal composition containing the liquid crystal compound; and a liquid crystal display device including the composition.

The compound is represented by formula (1).

##STR00001##

In formula (1), for example R.sup.1 is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons; ring A.sup.1 is 1,4-cyclohexylene; ring B.sup.1 is 1,4-phenylene; Z.sup.1, Z.sup.2 and 7.sup.3 are a single bond; L.sup.1, L.sup.2, L.sup.3, L.sup.4, L.sup.5, L.sup.6, L.sup.7, L.sup.8 and L.sup.9 are hydrogen or halogen; X.sup.1 is fluorine; a is 1 to 3; and n.sup.1 and n.sup.2 are independently 0 or 1.

The present invention provides a polymerizable composition containing: a) a polymerizable compound having one or two or more polymerizable groups and satisfying formula (I)

Re(450 nm)/Re(550 nm)<1.0; and(I)

b) an organic solvent having a solubility parameter (SP value) of 8.50 to 11.00 (cal/cm.sup.3).sup.0.5, a boiling point of 75 to 180 C., and an evaporation rate index of 20 to 700. The present invention also provides an optically anisotropic body, a retardation film, an antireflective film, and a liquid crystal display device that are produced using the polymerizable composition of the present invention. The polymerizable composition of the present invention is useful because it is excellent in solubility and has high storage stability that prevents the occurrence of precipitation of crystals. When the composition is polymerized to produce a film-shaped polymer, uneven application is less likely to occur while the liquid crystal alignment is maintained.

The invention relates to novel polymerizable liquid crystals of formula (I),

##STR00001##

to LCP mixtures comprising these compounds and to their uses for optical and electro-optical devices.

The present invention relates to a composite material, a liquid crystal film, a method for preparing the film, a temperature-responsive device comprising the film, and a circular polarizer made therefrom. The liquid crystal film comprises the composite material of the present invention, wherein the composite material comprises a polymer network of a cholesteric liquid crystal material, and a chiral material capable of hydrogen-bond-assisted self-assembly, and wherein the chiral material is dispersed in and restrained by the polymer network. The obtained liquid crystal film can exhibit a high reflectivity and a high transmittance as well as a broad band reflection. And, the liquid crystal film is applicable for an industrial development because it can be produced with a simple process and at a lower cost, and requires a lower UV luminous intensity.

A polysiloxane elastomer containing liquid crystal lateral chain, and a smart watch made therefrom are disclosed. The polysiloxane elastomer containing liquid crystal lateral chain includes a polysiloxane backbone chain and a lateral chain formed by a liquid crystalline monomer and connected with the polysiloxane backbone chain, wherein the polysiloxane backbone chain is crosslinked by a crosslinking agent.

There is provided a composition containing a discotic liquid crystal compound, a chiral agent, and a surfactant which can form a light reflecting layer formed by fixing a cholesteric liquid crystalline phase, which exhibits excellent durability under a hot and humid environment and excellent heat resistance, and has few alignment defects; a light reflecting film; a luminance-improving film; a backlight unit; and a liquid crystal display device.

The present disclosure provides curable compositions comprising one or more of polymerizable liquid crystalline compounds or polymerizable polyesters with disrupted crystallinity, as well as polymeric materials formed from the curable compositions. Further provided herein are methods of producing the compositions and using the same for the fabrication of medical devices, such as orthodontic appliances.

An LC medium (as a subcategory of liquid crystal material) comprising two or more polymerizable compounds, its use for optical, electro-optical and electronic purposes, in particular in LC displays, especially in LC displays of the PSA (polymer sustained alignment) or SA (self-aligning) mode, an LC display of the PSA or SA mode comprising the LC medium, and a process of manufacturing the LC display using the LC medium, especially an energy-saving LC display and energy-saving LC display production process.