LIQUID CRYSTAL MEDIUM

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal (LC) medium comprising a terphenyl compound and at least two polymerisable compounds, to a process for its preparation, to its use for optical, electro-optical and electronic purposes, in particular in LC displays, especially in an LC display of the polymer sustained alignment (PSA) type, and to an LC display, especially a PSA display, comprising it.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. A liquid crystal (LC) medium comprising one or more polymerisable compounds having two polymerisable groups at a concentration of 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, and one or more polymerisable compounds having three polymerisable groups at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.15% by weight, which are selected from the following trireactive polymerisable compounds ##STR00329## ##STR00330## in which Sp.sup.1, Sp.sup.2, Sp.sup.3 each, independently of one another, denotes a spacer group or a single bond, P.sup.1, P.sup.2, P.sup.3 each, independently of one another, denotes a polymerisable group, L each, independently of one another, denotes F, Cl, CN, NO.sub.2, NCO, NCS, OCN, SCN, C(O)N(R.sup.x).sub.2, C(O)Y.sup.1, C(O)R.sup.x, N(R.sup.x).sub.2, optionally substituted silyl, optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl having 5 to 20 ring atoms, or straight-chain or branched alkyl having 1 to 25, in which one or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups are optionally each replaced, independently of one another, by C(R.sup.0)C(R.sup.00), CC, N(R.sup.0), O, S, CO, COO, OCO, or OCOO in such a way that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, and in which one or more H atoms are optionally replaced by F, Cl, CN, R.sup.x each, independently of one another, denotes H, F, Cl, CN, or straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl having 1 to 25 C atoms, wherein one or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2-groups are optionally replaced by O, S, CO, COO, OCO, or OCOO in such a manner that O- and/or S-atoms are not directly connected with each other, and wherein one or more H atoms are each optionally replaced by F, Cl, P or P-Sp-, R.sup.0, R.sup.00 each, independently of one another, denotes H or alkyl having 1 to 20 C atoms, Y.sup.1 each, independently of one another, denotes halogen, r each, independently of one another, denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and t each, independently of one another, denotes 0, 1 or 2, X.sup.1, X.sup.2, X.sup.3 is O, S, CO, COO, OCO, OCOO, CONR.sup.0, NR.sup.0CO, NR.sup.0CONR.sup.00 or a single bond, and one or more compounds of the following formulae ##STR00331## wherein a denotes 1 or 2, b denotes 0 or 1, ##STR00332## denotes ##STR00333## R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each, independently of one another, denotes alkyl having 1 to 12 C atoms, in which one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups are optionally replaced by O, CHCH, CO, OCO or COO in such a way that O atoms are not linked directly to one another, Z.sup.x and Z.sup.y each, independently of one another, denotes CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CHCH, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, OCH.sub.2, COO, OCO, C.sub.2F.sub.4, CFCF, CHCHCH.sub.2O or a single bond, L.sup.1-4 each, independently of one another, denotes F, Cl, OCF.sub.3, CF.sub.3, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2F, or CHF.sub.2, wherein the concentration of the compounds having two polymerisable groups is higher than the concentration of the compounds having three polymerisable groups, and wherein the LC medium does not contain any unpolymerisable compounds having a terphenyl group.

19. The LC medium of claim 18, comprising one or more of the following compounds ##STR00334## ##STR00335## ##STR00336## in which a denotes 1 or 2, alkyl and alkyl* each, independently of one another, denotes a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms, and alkenyl denotes a straight-chain alkenyl radical having 2-6 C atoms, and (O) denotes an O-atom or a single bond.

20. The LC medium of claim 18, comprising one or more of the following compounds ##STR00337## ##STR00338## in which alkyl and alkyl* each, independently of one another, denotes a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms, and alkenyl denotes a straight-chain alkenyl radical having 2-6 C atoms, and (O) denotes an O-atom or a single bond.

21. The LC medium of claim 18, comprising, as the one or more polymerisable compounds having two polymerisable groups, one or more of the following direactive polymerisable compounds ##STR00339## ##STR00340## in which Sp.sup.1, Sp.sup.2 each, independently of one another, denotes a spacer group or a single bond, P.sup.1, P.sup.2 each, independently of one another, denotes a polymerisable group, L each, independently of one another, denotes F, Cl, CN, NO.sub.2, NCO, NCS, OCN, SCN, C(O)N(R.sup.x).sub.2, C(O)Y.sup.1, C(O)R.sup.x, N(R.sup.x).sub.2, optionally substituted silyl, optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl having 5 to 20 ring atoms, or straight-chain or branched alkyl having 1 to 25, in which one or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups are each optionally replaced, independently of one another, by C(R.sup.0)C(R.sup.00), CC, N(R.sup.0), O, S, CO, COO, OCO, or OCOO in such a way that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, and in which one or more H atoms are optionally replaced by F, Cl, CN, Z.sup.1-3 each, independently of one another, denotes O, CO, COO, OCO, C(R.sup.yR.sup.z), CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, OCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2 or CF.sub.2CF.sub.2, R.sup.x each, independently of one another, denotes H, F, Cl, CN, or straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl having 1 to 25 C atoms, wherein one or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2-groups are optionally replaced by O, S, CO, COO, OCO, or OCOO in such a manner that O- and/or S-atoms are not directly connected with each other, and wherein one or more H atoms are each optionally replaced by F, Cl, P or P-Sp-, R.sup.y, R.sup.z each, independently of one another, denotes H, F, CH.sub.3 or CF.sub.3, R.sup.0, R.sup.00 each, independently of one another, denotes H or alkyl having 1 to 20 C atoms, Y.sup.1 each, independently of one another, denotes halogen, r each, independently of one another, denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, s each, independently of one another, denotes 0, 1, 2 or 3, and t each, independently of one another, denotes 0, 1 or 2.

22. The LC medium of claim 18, comprising, as the one or more polymerisable compounds having three polymerisable groups, one or more of the following trireactive polymerisable compounds ##STR00341## ##STR00342## ##STR00343##

23. The LC medium of claim 18, further comprising one or more of the following compounds ##STR00344## in which ##STR00345## each, independently of one another, denotes ##STR00346## each, independently of one another, denotes ##STR00347## each, independently of one another, denotes ##STR00348## R.sup.A1 each, independently of one another, denotes alkenyl having 2 to 9 C atoms or, if at least one of the rings X, Y and Z denotes cyclohexenyl, also one of the meanings of R.sup.A2, R.sup.A2 each, independently of one another, denotes alkyl having 1 to 12 C atoms, in which one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups are optionally replaced by O, CHCH, CO, OCO or COO in such a way that O atoms are not linked directly to one another, Z.sup.x each, independently of one another, denotes CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CHCH, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, OCH.sub.2, COO, OCO, C.sub.2F.sub.4, CFCF, CHCHCH.sub.2O, or a single bond, L.sup.1,2 each, independently of one another, denotes H, F, Cl, OCF.sub.3, CF.sub.3, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2F or CHF.sub.2H, x each, independently of one another, denotes 1 or 2, and z each, independently of one another, denotes 0 or 1.

24. The LC medium of claim 18, further comprising one or more of the following compounds ##STR00349## in which m denotes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, i denotes 0, 1, 2 or 3, and R.sup.b1 denotes H, CH.sub.3 or C.sub.2H.sub.5.

25. The LC medium of claim 18, further comprising one or more of the following compounds ##STR00350## in which m and n each, independently of one another, denote 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, and alkenyl denotes CH.sub.2CH, CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.3CHCH, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3CHCH or CH.sub.3CHCH(CH.sub.2).sub.2.

26. The LC medium of claim 18, comprising a polymerisable component A) comprising one or more polymerisable compounds, and a liquid-crystalline component B) comprising one or more mesogenic or liquid-crystalline compounds, wherein the polymerisable component A) comprises one or more polymerisable compounds having two or more polymerisable groups at a concentration 52% by weight, and one or more polymerisable compounds having three polymerisable groups at a concentration 1% by weight, and the liquid-crystalline component B) comprises one or more compounds of formula CY or PY, and the LC medium does not contain any unpolymerisable compounds having a terphenyl group.

27. The LC medium of claim 18, wherein the polymerisable compounds are polymerised.

28. A LC display comprising an LC medium as defined in claim 18, which is preferably a PSA type display, and even more preferably a PS-VA, PS-OCB, PS-IPS, PS-FFS, PS-UB-FFS, PS-posi-VA or PS-TN display.

29. A LC display comprising two substrates, at least one which is transparent to light, an electrode provided on each substrate or two electrodes provided on only one of the substrates, and located between the substrates a layer of an LC medium as defined in claim 18 wherein the polymerisable compounds are polymerised between the substrates of the display.

30. A process for the production of an LC display comprising two substrates, at least one which is transparent to light, an electrode provided on each substrate or two electrodes provided on only one of the substrates, and located between the substrates a layer of an LC medium as defined in claim 18 wherein the polymerisable compounds are polymerised between the substrates of the display, said process comprising the steps of providing said LC medium between the substrates of the display, and polymerising the polymerisable compounds.

31. A process of preparing an LC medium according to claim 18, comprising the steps of mixing one or more compounds of formula CY and/or PY with one or more of said polymerisable compounds and optionally with further LC compounds and/or additives.

32. The LC medium of claim 18, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each, independently of one another, denotes alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 6 C atoms, and/or Z.sup.x and Z.sup.y each denotes a single bond.

33. The LC medium of claim 18, comprising one or more compounds of each of formulae CY and PY.

34. The LC medium of claim 18, in which the only polymerizable compounds are the one or more polymerisable compounds having two polymerisable groups at a concentration of 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, and the one or more polymerisable compounds having three polymerisable groups at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.15% by weight.

35. The LC medium of claim 18, wherein the one or more polymerisable compounds having three polymerisable groups are of one or more of formulae II1, II2, II3, II4, II5, II6, II9, II10, II11, II12, II13, and/or II14.

36. The LC medium of claim 18, wherein the one or more polymerisable compounds having three polymerisable groups are of one or more of formulae II3, II4, II5, II6, II13, and/or II14.

37. The LC medium of claim 18, wherein at least one of the groups Sp.sup.1, Sp.sup.2, Sp.sup.3 is not a single bond.

38. The LC medium of claim 18, which contains trireactive compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds of formulae II1, II2, II3, II4 and II5.

39. A liquid crystal (LC) medium comprising one or more polymerisable compounds having two polymerisable groups at a concentration of 0.2 to 0.5% by weight, and one or more polymerisable compounds having three polymerisable groups at a concentration of 0.01 to 0.15% by weight, which are selected from the following trireactive polymerisable compounds ##STR00351## ##STR00352## ##STR00353## in which Sp.sup.1, Sp.sup.2, Sp.sup.3 each, independently of one another, denotes a spacer group or a single bond, P.sup.1, P.sup.2, P.sup.3 each, independently of one another, denotes a polymerisable group, L each, independently of one another, denotes F, Cl, CN, NO.sub.2, NCO, NCS, OCN, SCN, C(O)N(R.sup.x).sub.2, C(O)Y.sup.1, C(O)R.sup.x, N(R.sup.x).sub.2, optionally substituted silyl, optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl having 5 to 20 ring atoms, or straight-chain or branched alkyl having 1 to 25, in which one or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups are optionally each replaced, independently of one another, by C(R.sup.0)C(R.sup.00), CC, N(R.sup.0), O, S, CO, COU, OCO, or OCOO in such a way that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, and in which one or more H atoms are optionally replaced by F, Cl, CN, R.sup.x each, independently of one another, denotes H, F, Cl, CN, or straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl having 1 to 25 C atoms, wherein one or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2-groups are optionally replaced by O, S, CO, COO, OCO, or OCOO in such a manner that O- and/or S-atoms are not directly connected with each other, and wherein one or more H atoms are each optionally replaced by F, Cl, P or P-Sp-, R.sup.0, R.sup.00 each, independently of one another, denotes H or alkyl having 1 to 20 C atoms, Y.sup.1 each, independently of one another, denotes halogen, r each, independently of one another, denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and t each, independently of one another, denotes 0, 1 or 2, X.sup.1, X.sup.2, X.sup.3 is O, S, CO, COO, OCO, OCOO, CONR.sup.0, NR.sup.0CO, NR.sup.0CONR.sup.00 or a single bond, and one or more compounds of the following formulae ##STR00354## wherein a denotes 1 or 2, b denotes 0 or 1, ##STR00355## denotes ##STR00356## R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each, independently of one another, denotes alkyl having 1 to 12 C atoms, in which one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups are optionally replaced by O, CHCH, CO, OCO or COO in such a way that O atoms are not linked directly to one another, Z.sup.x and Z.sup.y each, independently of one another, denotes CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CHCH, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, OCH.sub.2, COO, OCO, C.sub.2F.sub.4, CFCF, CHCHCH.sub.2O or a single bond, L.sup.1-4 each, independently of one another, denotes F, Cl, OCF.sub.3, CF.sub.3, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2F, or CHF.sub.2, wherein the LC medium does not contain any unpolymerisable compounds having a terphenyl group.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0063] Unless indicated otherwise, the abbreviation PSA is used above and below when referring to displays of the polymer sustained alignment type in general, and the term PS is used when referring to specific display modes, like PS-VA, PS-TN and the like.

[0064] Unless indicated otherwise, the abbreviation RM is used above and below when referring to a reactive mesogen.

[0065] Above and below, polymerisable compounds or RMs with one polymerisable reactive group are also referred to as monoreactive, polymerisable compounds or RMs with two polymerisable reactive groups are also referred to as direactive, and polymerisable compounds or RMs with three polymerisable reactive groups are also referred to as trireactive.

[0066] Unless indicated otherwise, the expression LC mixture is used when referring to the LC host mixture (i.e. without the RMs), while the expression LC medium is used when referring to the LC host mixture plus the RM(s).

[0067] Unless stated otherwise, the polymerisable compounds and RMs are preferably selected from achiral compounds.

[0068] As used herein, the terms active layer and switchable layer mean a layer in an electrooptical display, for example an LC display, that comprises one or more molecules having structural and optical anisotropy, like for example LC molecules, which change their orientation upon an external stimulus like an electric or magnetic field, resulting in a change of the transmission of the layer for polarized or unpolarized light.

[0069] As used herein, the terms tilt and tilt angle will be understood to mean a tilted alignment of the LC molecules of an LC medium relative to the surfaces of the cell in an LC display (here preferably a PSA display). The tilt angle here denotes the average angle (<90) between the longitudinal molecular axes of the LC molecules (LC director) and the surface of the plane-parallel outer plates which form the LC cell. A low value for the tilt angle (i.e. a large deviation from the 90 angle) corresponds to a large tilt here. A suitable method for measurement of the tilt angle is given in the examples. Unless indicated otherwise, tilt angle values disclosed above and below relate to this measurement method.

[0070] As used herein, the terms reactive mesogen and RM will be understood to mean a compound containing a mesogenic or liquid crystalline skeleton, and one or more functional groups attached thereto which are suitable for polymerisation and are also referred to as polymerisable group or P.

[0071] Unless stated otherwise, the term polymerisable compound as used herein will be understood to mean a polymerisable monomeric compound.

[0072] As used herein, the term low-molecular-weight compound will be understood to mean to a compound that is monomeric and/or is not prepared by a polymerisation reaction, as opposed to a polymeric compound or a polymer.

[0073] As used herein, the term unpolymerisable compound will be understood to mean a compound that does not contain a functional group that is suitable for polymerisation under the conditions usually applied for the polymerisation of the RMs.

[0074] The term mesogenic group as used herein is known to the person skilled in the art and described in the literature, and means a group which, due to the anisotropy of its attracting and repelling interactions, essentially contributes to causing a liquid-crystal (LC) phase in low-molecular-weight or polymeric substances. Compounds containing mesogenic groups (mesogenic compounds) do not necessarily have to have an LC phase themselves. It is also possible for mesogenic compounds to exhibit LC phase behaviour only after mixing with other compounds and/or after polymerisation. Typical mesogenic groups are, for example, rigid rod- or disc-shaped units. An overview of the terms and definitions used in connection with mesogenic or LC compounds is given in Pure Appl. Chem. 2001, 73(5), 888 and C. Tschierske, G. Pelzl, S. Diele, Angew. Chem. 2004, 116, 6340-6368.

[0075] The term spacer group, hereinafter also referred to as Sp, as used herein is known to the person skilled in the art and is described in the literature, see, for example, Pure Appl. Chem. 2001, 73(5), 888 and C. Tschierske, G. Pelzl, S. Diele, Angew. Chem. 2004, 116, 6340-6368. As used herein, the terms spacer group or spacer mean a flexible group, for example an alkylene group, which connects the mesogenic group and the polymerisable group(s) in a polymerisable mesogenic compound.

[0076] Above and below,

##STR00004##

denotes a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene ring, and

##STR00005##

denotes a 1,4-phenylene ring.

[0077] Above and below organic group denotes a carbon or hydrocarbon group.

[0078] Carbon group denotes a mono- or polyvalent organic group containing at least one carbon atom, where this either contains no further atoms (such as, for example, CC) or optionally contains one or more further atoms, such as, for example, N, O, S, B, P, Si, Se, As, Te or Ge (for example carbonyl, etc.). The term hydrocarbon group denotes a carbon group which additionally contains one or more H atoms and optionally one or more heteroatoms, such as, for example, N, O, S, B, P, Si, Se, As, Te or Ge.

[0079] Halogen denotes F, Cl, Br or I.

[0080] CO, C(O) and C(O) denote a carbonyl group, i.e.

##STR00006##

[0081] A carbon or hydrocarbon group can be a saturated or unsaturated group. Unsaturated groups are, for example, aryl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups. A carbon or hydrocarbon radical having more than 3 C atoms can be straight-chain, branched and/or cyclic and may also contain spiro links or condensed rings.

[0082] The terms alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, etc., also encompass polyvalent groups, for example alkylene, arylene, heteroarylene, etc.

[0083] The term aryl denotes an aromatic carbon group or a group derived therefrom. The term heteroaryl denotes aryl as defined above, containing one or more heteroatoms, preferably selected from N, O, S, Se, Te, Si and Ge.

[0084] Preferred carbon and hydrocarbon groups are optionally substituted, straight-chain, branched or cyclic, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy and alkoxycarbonyloxy having 1 to 40, preferably 1 to 20, very preferably 1 to 12, C atoms, optionally substituted aryl or aryloxy having 5 to 30, preferably 6 to 25, C atoms, or optionally substituted alkylaryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryloxy, arylalkyloxy, arylcarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, arylcarbonyloxy and aryloxycarbonyloxy having 5 to 30, preferably 6 to 25, C atoms, wherein one or more C atoms may also be replaced by hetero atoms, preferably selected from N, O, S, Se, Te, Si and Ge.

[0085] Further preferred carbon and hydrocarbon groups are C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.20 alkynyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.20 allyl, C.sub.4-C.sub.20 alkyldienyl, C.sub.4-C.sub.20 polyenyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20 cycloalkyl, C.sub.4-C.sub.15 cycloalkenyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.30 aryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.30 alkylaryl, C.sub.6-C.sub.30 arylalkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.30 alkylaryloxy, C.sub.6-C.sub.30 arylalkyloxy, C.sub.2-C.sub.30 heteroaryl, C.sub.2-C.sub.30 heteroaryloxy.

[0086] Particular preference is given to C.sub.1-C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.12 alkenyl, C.sub.2-C.sub.12 alkynyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.25 aryl and C.sub.2-C.sub.25 heteroaryl.

[0087] Further preferred carbon and hydrocarbon groups are straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkyl having 1 to 20, preferably 1 to 12, C atoms, which are unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN and in which one or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may each be replaced, independently of one another, by C(R.sup.x)C(R.sup.x), CC, N(R.sup.x), O, S, CO, COO, OCO, OCOO in such a way that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, and

[0088] R.sup.x denotes H, F, Cl, CN, a straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkyl chain having 1 to 25 C atoms, in which, in addition, one or more non-adjacent C atoms may be replaced by O, S, CO, COO, OCO, OCOO and in which one or more H atoms may be replaced by F or Cl, or denotes an optionally substituted aryl or aryloxy group with 6 to 30 C atoms, or an optionally substituted heteroaryl or heteroaryloxy group with 2 to 30 C atoms.

[0089] Preferred alkyl groups are, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, 2-methylbutyl, n-pentyl, s-pentyl, cyclopentyl, n-hexyl, cyclohexyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-heptyl, cycloheptyl, n-octyl, cyclooctyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl, n-undecyl, n-dodecyl, dodecanyl, trifluoromethyl, perfluoro-n-butyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, perfluorooctyl, perfluorohexyl, etc.

[0090] Preferred alkenyl groups are, for example, ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, cyclopentenyl, hexenyl, cyclohexenyl, heptenyl, cycloheptenyl, octenyl, cyclooctenyl, etc.

[0091] Preferred alkynyl groups are, for example, ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl, octynyl, etc.

[0092] Preferred alkoxy groups are, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, 2-methoxy-ethoxy, n-propoxy, i-propoxy, n-butoxy, i-butoxy, s-butoxy, t-butoxy, 2-methylbutoxy, n-pentoxy, n-hexoxy, n-heptoxy, n-octoxy, n-nonoxy, n-decoxy, n-undecoxy, n-dodecoxy, etc.

[0093] Preferred amino groups are, for example, dimethylamino, methylamino, methylphenylamino, phenylamino, etc.

[0094] Aryl and heteroaryl groups can be monocyclic or polycyclic, i.e. they can contain one ring (such as, for example, phenyl) or two or more rings, which may also be fused (such as, for example, naphthyl) or covalently bonded (such as, for example, biphenyl), or contain a combination of fused and linked rings. Heteroaryl groups contain one or more heteroatoms, preferably selected from O, N, S and Se.

[0095] Particular preference is given to mono-, bi- or tricyclic aryl groups having 6 to 25 C atoms and mono-, bi- or tricyclic heteroaryl groups having 5 to 25 ring atoms, which optionally contain fused rings and are optionally substituted. Preference is furthermore given to 5-, 6- or 7-membered aryl and heteroaryl groups, in which, in addition, one or more CH groups may be replaced by N, S or O in such a way that O atoms and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another.

[0096] Preferred aryl groups are, for example, phenyl, biphenyl, terphenyl, [1,1:3,1 ]terphenyl-2-yl, naphthyl, anthracene, binaphthyl, phenanthrene, 9,10-dihydro-phenanthrene, pyrene, dihydropyrene, chrysene, perylene, tetracene, pentacene, benzopyrene, fluorene, indene, indenofluorene, spirobifluorene, etc.

[0097] Preferred heteroaryl groups are, for example, 5-membered rings, such as pyrrole, pyrazole, imidazole, 1,2,3-triazole, 1,2,4-triazole, tetrazole, furan, thiophene, selenophene, oxazole, isoxazole, 1,2-thiazole, 1,3-thiazole, 1,2,3-oxadiazole, 1,2,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,5-oxadiazole, 1,3,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,3-thiadiazole, 1,2,4-thiadiazole, 1,2,5-thiadiazole, 1,3,4-thiadiazole, 6-membered rings, such as pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, 1,3,5-triazine, 1,2,4-triazine, 1,2,3-triazine, 1,2,4,5-tetrazine, 1,2,3,4-tetrazine, 1,2,3,5-tetrazine, or condensed groups, such as indole, isoindole, indolizine, indazole, benzimidazole, benzotriazole, purine, naphthimidazole, phenanthrimidazole, pyridimidazole, pyrazinimidazole, quinoxalinimidazole, benzoxazole, naphthoxazole, anthroxazole, phenanthroxazole, isoxazole, benzothiazole, benzofuran, isobenzofuran, dibenzofuran, quinoline, isoquinoline, pteridine, benzo-5,6-quinoline, benzo-6,7-quinoline, benzo-7,8-quinoline, benzoisoquinoline, acridine, phenothiazine, phenoxazine, benzopyridazine, benzopyrimidine, quinoxaline, phenazine, naphthyridine, azacarbazole, benzocarboline, phenanthridine, phenanthroline, thieno[2,3b]thiophene, thieno[3,2b]thiophene, dithienothiophene, isobenzothiophene, dibenzothiophene, benzothiadiazothiophene, or combinations of these groups.

[0098] The aryl and heteroaryl groups mentioned above and below may also be substituted by alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl, fluorine, fluoroalkyl or further aryl or heteroaryl groups.

[0099] The (non-aromatic) alicyclic and heterocyclic groups encompass both saturated rings, i.e. those containing exclusively single bonds, and also partially unsaturated rings, i.e. those which may also contain multiple bonds. Heterocyclic rings contain one or more heteroatoms, preferably selected from Si, O, N, S and Se.

[0100] The (non-aromatic) alicyclic and heterocyclic groups can be monocyclic, i.e. contain only one ring (such as, for example, cyclohexane), or polycyclic, i.e. contain a plurality of rings (such as, for example, decahydronaphthalene or bicyclooctane). Particular preference is given to saturated groups. Preference is furthermore given to mono-, bi- or tricyclic groups having 5 to 25 ring atoms, which optionally contain fused rings and are optionally substituted. Preference is furthermore given to 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-membered carbocyclic groups, in which, in addition, one or more C atoms may be replaced by Si and/or one or more CH groups may be replaced by N and/or one or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by O and/or S.

[0101] Preferred alicyclic and heterocyclic groups are, for example, 5-membered groups, such as cyclopentane, tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrothiofuran, pyrrolidine, 6-membered groups, such as cyclohexane, silinane, cyclohexene, tetrahydropyran, tetrahydrothiopyran, 1,3-dioxane, 1,3-dithiane, piperidine, 7-membered groups, such as cycloheptane, and fused groups, such as tetrahydronaphthalene, decahydronaphthalene, indane, bicyclo[1.1.1]-pentane-1,3-diyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-diyl, spiro[3.3]heptane-2,6-diyl, octahydro-4,7-methanoindane-2,5-diyl.

[0102] Preferred substituents are, for example, solubility-promoting groups, such as alkyl or alkoxy, electron-withdrawing groups, such as fluorine, nitro or nitrile, or substituents for increasing the glass transition temperature (Tg) in the polymer, in particular bulky groups, such as, for example, t-butyl or optionally substituted aryl groups.

[0103] Preferred substituents, hereinafter also referred to as L, are, for example, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO.sub.2, NCO, NCS, OCN, SCN, C(O)N(R.sup.x).sub.2, C(O)Y.sup.1, C(O)R.sup.x, N(R.sup.x).sub.2, straight-chain or branched alkyl, alkoxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy or alkoxycarbonyloxy each having 1 to 25 C atoms, in which one or more H atoms may optionally be replaced by F or Cl, optionally substituted silyl having 1 to 20 Si atoms, or optionally substituted aryl having 6 to 25, preferably 6 to 15, C atoms,

[0104] wherein R.sup.x denotes H, F, Cl, CN, or straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl having 1 to 25 C atoms, wherein one or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2-groups are optionally replaced by O, S, CO, COO, OCO, OCOO in such a manner that O- and/or S-atoms are not directly connected with each other, and wherein one or more H atoms are each optionally replaced by F, Cl, P or P-Sp-, and

[0105] Y.sup.1 denotes halogen.

[0106] Substituted silyl or aryl preferably means substituted by halogen, CN, R.sup.0, OR.sup.0, COR.sup.0, COOR.sup.0, OCOR.sup.0 or OCOOR.sup.0, wherein R.sup.0 denotes H or alkyl with 1 to 20 C atoms.

[0107] Particularly preferred substituents L are, for example, F, Cl, CN, NO.sub.2, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2H.sub.5, OCH.sub.3, OC.sub.2H.sub.5, COCH.sub.3, COC.sub.2H.sub.5, COOCH.sub.3, COOC.sub.2H.sub.5, CF.sub.3, OCF.sub.3, OCHF.sub.2, OC.sub.2F.sub.5, furthermore phenyl.

##STR00007##

is preferably

##STR00008##

in which L has one of the meanings indicated above.

[0108] The polymerisable group P is a group which is suitable for a polymerisation reaction, such as, for example, free-radical or ionic chain polymerisation, polyaddition or polycondensation, or for a polymer-analogous reaction, for example addition or condensation onto a main polymer chain. Particular preference is given to groups for chain polymerisation, in particular those containing a CC double bond or CC triple bond, and groups which are suitable for polymerisation with ring opening, such as, for example, oxetane or epoxide groups.

[0109] Preferred groups P are selected from the group consisting of CH.sub.2CW.sup.1COO, CH.sub.2CW.sup.1CO,

##STR00009##

CH.sub.2CW.sup.2(O).sub.k3, CW.sup.1CHCO(O).sub.k3, CW.sup.1CHCONH, CH.sub.2CW.sup.1CONH, CH.sub.3CHCHO, (CH.sub.2CH).sub.2CHOCO, (CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2).sub.2CHOCO, (CH.sub.2CH).sub.2CHO, (CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2).sub.2N, (CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2).sub.2NCO, HOCW.sup.2W.sup.3, HSCW.sup.2W.sup.3, HW.sup.2N, HOCW.sup.2W.sup.3NH, CH.sub.2CW.sup.1CONH, CH.sub.2CH(COO).sub.k1-Phe-(O).sub.k2, CH.sub.2CH(CO).sub.k1-Phe-(O).sub.k2, Phe-CHCH, HOOC, OCN and W.sup.4W.sup.5W.sup.6Si, in which W.sup.1 denotes H, F, Cl, ON, CF.sub.3, phenyl or alkyl having 1 to 5 C atoms, in particular H, F, Cl or CH.sub.3, W.sup.2 and W.sup.3 each, independently of one another, denote H or alkyl having 1 to 5 C atoms, in particular H, methyl, ethyl or n-propyl, W.sup.4, W.sup.5 and W.sup.6 each, independently of one another, denote Cl, oxaalkyl or oxacarbonylalkyl having 1 to 5 C atoms, W.sup.7 and W.sup.8 each, independently of one another, denote H, Cl or alkyl having 1 to 5 C atoms, Phe denotes 1,4-phenylene, which is optionally substituted by one or more radicals L as defined above which are other than P-Sp-, k.sub.1, k.sub.2 and k.sub.3 each, independently of one another, denote 0 or 1, k.sub.3 preferably denotes 1, and k.sub.4 denotes an integer from 1 to 10.

[0110] Very preferred groups P are selected from the group consisting of CH.sub.2CW.sup.1COO, CH.sub.2CW.sup.1CO,

##STR00010##

CH.sub.2CW.sup.2O, CH.sub.2CW.sup.2, CW.sup.1CHCO(O).sub.k3, CW.sup.1CHCONH, CH.sub.2CW.sup.1CONH, (CH.sub.2CH).sub.2CHOCO, (CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2).sub.2CHOCO, (CH.sub.2CH).sub.2CHO, (CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2).sub.2N, (CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2).sub.2NCO, CH.sub.2CW.sup.1CONH, CH.sub.2CH(COO).sub.k1-Phe-(O).sub.k2, CH.sub.2CH(CO).sub.k1-Phe-(O).sub.k2, Phe-CHCH and W.sup.4W.sup.5W.sup.6Si, in which W.sup.1 denotes H, F, Cl, CN, CF.sub.3, phenyl or alkyl having 1 to 5 C atoms, in particular H, F, Cl or CH.sub.3, W.sup.2 and W.sup.3 each, independently of one another, denote H or alkyl having 1 to 5 C atoms, in particular H, methyl, ethyl or n-propyl, W.sup.4, W.sup.5 and W.sup.6 each, independently of one another, denote Cl, oxaalkyl or oxacarbonylalkyl having 1 to 5 C atoms, W.sup.7 and W.sup.8 each, independently of one another, denote H, Cl or alkyl having 1 to 5 C atoms, Phe denotes 1,4-phenylene, k.sub.1, k.sub.2 and k.sub.3 each, independently of one another, denote 0 or 1, k.sub.3 preferably denotes 1, and k.sub.4 denotes an integer from 1 to 10.

[0111] Very particularly preferred groups P are selected from the group consisting of CH.sub.2CW.sup.1COO, in particular CH.sub.2CHCOO, CH.sub.2C(CH.sub.3)COO and CH.sub.2CFCOO, furthermore CH.sub.2CHO, (CH.sub.2CH).sub.2CHOCO, (CH.sub.2CH).sub.2CHO,

##STR00011##

[0112] Further preferred polymerisable groups P are selected from the group consisting of vinyloxy, acrylate, methacrylate, fluoroacrylate, chloroacrylate, oxetane and epoxide, most preferably from acrylate and methacrylate.

[0113] If the spacer group Sp.sup.a,b is different from a single bond, it is preferably of the formula Sp-X, so that the respective radical P-Sp.sup.a,b- conforms to the formula P-Sp-X, wherein [0114] Sp denotes alkylene having 1 to 20, preferably 1 to 12, C atoms, which is optionally mono- or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN and in which, in addition, one or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may each be replaced, independently of one another, by O, S, NH, N(R.sup.0), Si(R.sup.0R.sup.00), CO, COO, OCO, OCOO, SCO, COS, N(R.sup.00)COO, OCON(R.sup.0), N(R.sup.0)CON(R.sup.0), CHCH or CC in such a way that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, [0115] X denotes O, S, CO, COO, OCO, OCOO, CON(R.sup.0), N(R.sup.0)CO, N(R.sup.0)CON(R.sup.0), OCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, SCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2S, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CF.sub.2S, SCF.sub.2, CF.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.2CF.sub.2, CF.sub.2CF.sub.2, CHN, NCH, NN, CHCR.sup.0, CY.sup.2CY.sup.3, CC, CHCHCOO, OCOCHCH or a single bond, [0116] R.sup.0 and R.sup.00 each, independently of one another, denote H or alkyl having 1 to 20 C atoms, and [0117] Y.sup.2 and Y.sup.3 each, independently of one another, denote H, F, Cl or CN.

[0118] X is preferably O, S, CO, COO, OCO, OCOO, CONR.sup.0, NR.sup.0CO, NR.sup.0CONR.sup.0 or a single bond.

[0119] Typical spacer groups Sp and -Sp-X are, for example, (CH.sub.2).sub.p1, (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.q1CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2SCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2NHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2 or (SiR.sup.0R.sup.00O).sub.p1, in which p1 is an integer from 1 to 12, q1 is an integer from 1 to 3, and R.sup.0 and R.sup.00 have the meanings indicated above.

[0120] Particularly preferred groups Sp.sup.a,b and -Sp-X are (CH.sub.2).sub.p1, (CH.sub.2).sub.p1O, (CH.sub.2).sub.p1OCO, (CH.sub.2).sub.p1COO, (CH.sub.2).sub.p1OCOO, in which p1 and q1 have the meanings indicated above.

[0121] Particularly preferred groups Sp are, in each case straight-chain, ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene, heptylene, octylene, nonylene, decylene, undecylene, dodecylene, octadecylene, ethyleneoxyethylene, methyleneoxybutylene, ethylenethioethylene, ethylene-N-methyliminoethylene, 1-methylalkylene, ethenylene, propenylene and butenylene.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the LC medium or component B) contains at least one compound selected from formula CY or its subformulae as described above and below.

[0123] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the LC medium or component B) contains at least one compound selected from formula PY or its subformulae as described above and below.

[0124] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the LC medium or component B) contains at least one compound selected from formula CY or its subformulae and at least one compound selected from formula PY or its subformulae.

[0125] Preferably the concentration of the compounds of formula CY and PY and their subformulae in the LC medium is from 10 to 70% by weight, very preferably from 15 to 50% by weight.

[0126] Preferably the concentration of the compounds of formula CY and its subformulae in the LC medium is from 2 to 40% by weight, very preferably from 3 to 30% by weight.

[0127] Preferably the concentration of the compounds of formula PY and its subformulae in the LC medium is from 5 to 50% by weight, very preferably from 10 to 40% by weight.

[0128] The LC medium does not contain any unpolymerisable compounds having a terphenyl group. Preferably the LC medium does not contain any compounds having a terphenyl group.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the LC medium or component B) comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00012## ##STR00013## ##STR00014##

in which a denotes 1 or 2, alkyl and alkyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms, and alkenyl denotes a straight-chain alkenyl radical having 2-6 C atoms, and (O) denotes an O-atom or a single bond. Alkenyl preferably denotes CH.sub.2CH, CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.3CHCH, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3CHCH or CH.sub.3CHCH(CH.sub.2).sub.2.

[0130] Especially preferred are compounds selected from formulae CY1, CY2, CY9 and CY10.

[0131] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the LC medium or component B) comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00015## ##STR00016## ##STR00017##

[0132] in which alkyl and alkyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms, and alkenyl denotes a straight-chain alkenyl radical having 2-6 C atoms, and (O) denotes an O atom or a single bond. Alkenyl preferably denotes CH.sub.2CH, CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.3CHCH, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3CHCH or CH.sub.3CHCH(CH.sub.2).sub.2.

[0133] Especially preferred are compounds selected from formulae PY1, PY2, PY9 and PY10.

[0134] In the LC medium according to the present invention, the use of an LC host mixture comprising compounds of formula CY and/or PY, but not containing any terphenyl compounds, together with the use of a polymerisable component comprising direactive and trireactive RMs, leads to advantageous properties in PSA displays. In particular, one or more of the following advantages could be achieved: [0135] good UV absorption also at longer wavelengths, [0136] quick and complete polymerisation of the RMs, [0137] quick generation of a low pretilt angle, especially already at low UV energy and/or at longer UV wavelengths, [0138] high pretilt angle stability after UV exposure, [0139] reduced image sticking, [0140] reduced ODF mura, [0141] high reliability and high VHR value after UV exposure and/or heat treatment, [0142] high birefringence, [0143] reduced viscosity [0144] faster response times.

[0145] Since the LC medium according to the present invention shows high absorption at longer UV wavelengths, it is possible to use longer UV wavelengths for polymerisation, which is advantageous for the display manufacturing process.

[0146] The concentration of the polymerisable compounds having two or more polymerisable groups in the LC medium is from >0 to 2% by weight, preferably from 0.05 to 1% by weight, very preferably from 0.1 to 0.5% by weight.

[0147] The concentration of the polymerisable compounds having three or more polymerisable groups in the LC medium is from >0 to 1% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 0.5% by weight, very preferably from 0.01 to 0.2% by weight, most preferably from 0.01 to 0.15% by weight.

[0148] Preferably the LC medium or component A) according to the present invention contains, very preferably consists of, one or more polymerisable compounds having exactly two polymerisable groups (direactive polymerisable compounds) and one or more polymerisable compounds having exactly three polymerisable groups (trireactive polymerisable compounds).

[0149] The polymerisable compounds in the LC medium according to the present invention are preferably selected from RMs.

[0150] Preferably the LC medium contains one or more direactive polymerisable compounds or RMs selected from the following formulae

##STR00018## ##STR00019##

in which the individual radicals, on each occurrence identically or differently, and each, independently of one another, have the following meaning: [0151] Sp.sup.1, Sp.sup.2 a spacer group or a single bond, [0152] P.sup.1, P.sup.2 a polymerisable group, [0153] L F, Cl, CN, NO.sub.2, NCO, NCS, OCN, SCN, C(O)N(R.sup.x).sub.2, C(O)Y.sup.1, C(O)R.sup.x, N(R.sup.x).sub.2, optionally substituted silyl, optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl having 5 to 20 ring atoms, or straight-chain or branched alkyl having 1 to 25, particularly preferably 1 to 10, C atoms, in which, in addition, one or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may each be replaced, independently of one another, by C(R.sup.0)C(R.sup.00), CC, N(R.sup.0), O, S, CO, COO, OCO, OCOO in such a way that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, and in which, in addition, one or more H atoms may be replaced by F, Cl, CN, [0154] Z.sup.1-3 O, CO, COO, OCO, C(R.sup.yR.sup.z), CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, OCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2 or CF.sub.2CF.sub.2, [0155] R.sup.x H, F, Cl, CN, or straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl having 1 to 25 C atoms, wherein one or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2-groups are optionally replaced by O, S, CO, COO, OCO, OCOO in such a manner that O- and/or S-atoms are not directly connected with each other, and wherein one or more H atoms are each optionally replaced by F, Cl, P or P-Sp-, [0156] R.sup.y, R.sup.z H, F, CH.sub.3 or CF.sub.3, [0157] R.sup.0, R.sup.00 H or alkyl having 1 to 20 C atoms, [0158] Y.sup.1 halogen, preferably F or Cl, [0159] r 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, [0160] s 0, 1, 2 or 3, [0161] t 0, 1 or 2.

[0162] Preferred direactive polymerisable compounds of formula I1-I13 are those wherein both Sp.sup.1 and Sp.sup.2 are a single bond.

[0163] Further preferred direactive polymerisable compounds of formula I1-I13 are those wherein one of Sp.sup.1 and Sp.sup.2 is a single bond and the other is different from a single bond.

[0164] Further preferred direactive polymerisable compounds of formula I1-I13 are those wherein one of Sp.sup.1 and Sp.sup.2 is a single bond and the other is (CH.sub.2).sub.s1X, wherein s1 is an integer from 1 to 6, preferably 2, 3, 4 or 5, and X is the linkage to the benzene ring and denotes O, OCO, COO, OCOO or a single bond.

[0165] Especially preferred are compounds of formula I1.

[0166] Very preferred direactive compounds are selected from the following subformulae:

##STR00020## ##STR00021## ##STR00022## ##STR00023## ##STR00024## ##STR00025## ##STR00026##

[0167] The concentration of the direactive polymerisable compounds of formula I1-I13 and its subformulae in the LC medium is from >0 to 2% by weight, preferably from 0.05 to 1% by weight, very preferably from 0.1 to 0.5% by weight.

[0168] Preferably the LC medium contains one or more trireactive polymerisable compounds or RMs selected from the following formulae

##STR00027## ##STR00028##

in which P.sup.1, P.sup.2, Sp.sup.1, Sp.sup.2, L, r, s and t are as defined in formulae I1-I13, P.sup.3 has one of the meanings given for P.sup.1, and Sp.sup.3 has one of the meanings given for Sp.sup.1.

[0169] Preferred trireactive polymerisable compounds of formula II1-II14 are those wherein at least one of Sp.sup.1, Sp.sup.2 and Sp.sup.3 is a single bond and at least one of Sp.sup.1, Sp.sup.2 and Sp.sup.3 is different from a single bond.

[0170] Further preferred compounds of formula II1-II14 are those wherein those of Sp.sup.1, Sp.sup.2 and Sp.sup.3 that are different from a single bond denote (CH.sub.2).sub.s1X, wherein s1 is an integer from 1 to 6, preferably 2, 3, 4 or 5, and X is the linkage to the benzene ring and denotes O, OCO, COO, OCOO or a single bond.

[0171] Especially preferred are compounds of formula II1 and II9.

[0172] Very preferred compounds of formula II1-II14 are selected from the following subformulae:

##STR00029## ##STR00030## ##STR00031##

[0173] The concentration of the trireactive compounds of formula II1-II14 and its subformulae in the LC medium is from >0 to 1% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 0.5% by weight, very preferably from 0.01 to 0.2% by weight, most preferably from 0.01 to 0.15% by weight.

[0174] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the LC medium or component A) contains from 0.02 to 0.2% by weight of trireactive compounds selected from formulae II1-II5, very preferably of formula II1, or their subformulae.

[0175] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the LC medium or component A) contains from 0.01 to 0.1% by weight of trireactive compounds selected from formulae II9-II12, very preferably of formula II9, or their subformulae.

[0176] Further preferred compounds of formulae I1-I13 and II1-II14 are selected from the following preferred embodiments, including any combination thereof: [0177] P.sup.1 and P.sup.2 are selected from the group consisting of acrylate, methacrylate and oxetane, [0178] L does not denote or contain a polymerisable group, in at least one of the benzene rings in formulae I1-I13 and II1-II14 r+s+t is not 0, and is preferably 1 or 2, and L is selected from F, Cl, CN and straight-chain or branched alkyl having 1 to 25, particularly preferably 1 to 10, C atoms, in which, in addition, one or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may each be replaced, independently of one another, by C(R.sup.00)C(R.sup.00), CC, N(R.sup.00), O, S, CO, COO, OCO, OCOO in such a way that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, and in which, in addition, one or more H atoms may be replaced by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, [0179] in at least one of the benzene rings in formulae I1-I13 and II1-II14 r+s+t is not 0, and is preferably 1 or 2, and L is selected from F, CN, and alkyl or alkoxy with 1 to 6 C atoms that is optionally fluorinated, preferably F, Cl, CN, CH.sub.3, OCH.sub.3, OCF.sub.3, OCF.sub.2H or OCFH2, very preferably F.

[0180] In the compounds of formulae I1-I13 and II1-II14 the group

##STR00032##

is preferably

##STR00033##

wherein L on each occurrence, identically or differently, has one of the meanings given above or below, and is preferably F, Cl, CN, NO.sub.2, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2H.sub.5, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3, CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)C.sub.2H.sub.5, OCH.sub.3, OC.sub.2H.sub.5, COCH.sub.3, COC.sub.2H.sub.5, COOCH.sub.3, COOC.sub.2H.sub.5, CF.sub.3, OCF.sub.3, OCHF.sub.2, OC.sub.2F.sub.5, very preferably F, Cl, CN, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2H.sub.5, OCH.sub.3, COCH.sub.3, OCF.sub.3, more preferably F, Cl, CH.sub.3, OCH.sub.3, COCH.sub.3 oder OCF.sub.3, especially F or CH.sub.3.

[0181] Particular preference is given to LC media comprising two or three polymerisable compounds, preferably selected from the direactive and trireactive RMs as described above and below.

[0182] Preferably the total amount of the polymerisable compounds or component A) in the LC medium, which are preferably selected from the direactive and trireactive RMs as described above and below, is from >0 to 3% by weight, very preferably from 0.02 to 1% by weight, most preferably from 0.1 to 0.5% by weight.

[0183] For the production of PSA displays, the polymerisable compounds contained in the LC medium are polymerised or crosslinked (if one compound contains two or more polymerisable groups) by in-situ polymerisation in the LC medium between the substrates of the LC display, optionally while a voltage is applied to the electrodes.

[0184] The structure of the PSA displays according to the invention corresponds to the usual geometry for PSA displays, as described in the prior art cited at the outset. Geometries without protrusions are preferred, in particular those in which, in addition, the electrode on the colour filter side is unstructured and only the electrode on the TFT side has slots. Particularly suitable and preferred electrode structures for PS-VA displays are described, for example, in US 2006/0066793 A1.

[0185] A preferred PSA type LC display of the present invention comprises: [0186] a first substrate including a pixel electrode defining pixel areas, the pixel electrode being connected to a switching element disposed in each pixel area and optionally including a micro-slit pattern, and optionally a first alignment layer disposed on the pixel electrode, [0187] a second substrate including a common electrode layer, which may be disposed on the entire portion of the second substrate facing the first substrate, and optionally a second alignment layer, [0188] an LC layer disposed between the first and second substrates and including an LC medium comprising a polymerisable component A and a liquid crystal component B as described above and below, wherein the polymerisable component A may also be polymerised.

[0189] The first and/or second alignment layer controls the alignment direction of the LC molecules of the LC layer. For example, in PS-VA displays the alignment layer is selected such that it imparts to the LC molecules homeotropic (or vertical) alignment (i.e. perpendicular to the surface) or tilted alignment. Such an alignment layer may for example comprise a polyimide, which may also be rubbed, or may be prepared by a photoalignment method.

[0190] The LC layer with the LC medium can be deposited between the substrates of the display by methods that are conventionally used by display manufacturers, for example the so-called one-drop-filling (ODF) method. The polymerisable component of the LC medium is then polymerised for example by UV photopolymerisation. The polymerisation can be carried out in one step or in two or more steps.

[0191] The PSA display may comprise further elements, like a colour filter, a black matrix, a passivation layer, optical retardation layers, transistor elements for addressing the individual pixels, etc., all of which are well known to the person skilled in the art and can be employed without inventive skill.

[0192] The electrode structure can be designed by the skilled person depending on the individual display type. For example for PS-VA displays a multi-domain orientation of the LC molecules can be induced by providing electrodes having slits and/or bumps or protrusions in order to create two, four or more different tilt alignment directions.

[0193] Upon polymerisation the polymerisable compounds form a crosslinked polymer, which causes a certain pretilt of the LC molecules in the LC medium. Without wishing to be bound to a specific theory, it is believed that at least a part of the crosslinked polymer, which is formed by the polymerisable compounds, will phase-separate or precipitate from the LC medium and form a polymer layer on the substrates or electrodes, or the alignment layer provided thereon. Microscopic measurement data (like SEM and AFM) have confirmed that at least a part of the formed polymer accumulates at the LC/substrate interface.

[0194] The polymerisation can be carried out in one step. It is also possible firstly to carry out the polymerisation, optionally while applying a voltage, in a first step in order to produce a pretilt angle, and subsequently, in a second polymerisation step without an applied voltage, to polymerise or crosslink the compounds which have not reacted in the first step (end curing).

[0195] Suitable and preferred polymerisation methods are, for example, thermal or photopolymerisation, preferably photopolymerisation, in particular UV induced photopolymerisation, which can be achieved by exposure of the polymerisable compounds to UV radiation.

[0196] Optionally one or more polymerisation initiators are added to the LC medium. Suitable conditions for the polymerisation and suitable types and amounts of initiators are known to the person skilled in the art and are described in the literature. Suitable for free-radical polymerisation are, for example, the commercially available photoinitiators Irgacure651, Irgacure184, Irgacure907, Irgacure369 or Darocure1173 (Ciba AG). If a polymerisation initiator is employed, its proportion is preferably 0.001 to 5% by weight, particularly preferably 0.001 to 1% by weight.

[0197] The polymerisable compounds according to the invention are also suitable for polymerisation without an initiator, which is accompanied by considerable advantages, such, for example, lower material costs and in particular less contamination of the LC medium by possible residual amounts of the initiator or degradation products thereof. The polymerisation can thus also be carried out without the addition of an initiator. In a preferred embodiment, the LC medium thus does not contain a polymerisation initiator.

[0198] The LC medium may also comprise one or more stabilisers in order to prevent undesired spontaneous polymerisation of the RMs, for example during storage or transport. Suitable types and amounts of stabilisers are known to the person skilled in the art and are described in the literature. Particularly suitable are, for example, the commercially available stabilisers from the Irganox series (Ciba AG), such as, for example, Irganox 1076. If stabilisers are employed, their proportion, based on the total amount of RMs or the polymerisable component (component A), is preferably 10-500,000 ppm, particularly preferably 50-50,000 ppm.

[0199] The polymerisable compounds of formula I do in particular show good UV absorption in, and are therefore especially suitable for, a process of preparing a PSA display including one or more of the following features: [0200] the polymerisable medium is exposed to UV light in the display in a 2-step process, including a first UV exposure step (UV-1 step) to generate the tilt angle, and a second UV exposure step (UV-2 step) to finish polymerization, [0201] the polymerisable medium is exposed to UV light in the display generated by an energy-saving UV lamp (also known as green UV lamps). These lamps are characterized by a relative low intensity ( 1/100- 1/10 of a conventional UV1 lamp) in their absorption spectra from 300-380 nm, and are preferably used in the UV2 step, but are optionally also used in the UV1 step when avoiding high intensity is necessary for the process. [0202] the polymerisable medium is exposed to UV light in the display generated by a UV lamp with a radiation spectrum that is shifted to longer wavelengths, preferably 340 nm or more, to avoid short UV light exposure in the PS-VA process.

[0203] Both using lower intensity and a UV shift to longer wavelengths protect the organic layer against damage that may be caused by the UV light.

[0204] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a process for preparing a PSA display as described above and below, comprising one or more of the following features: [0205] the polymerisable LC medium is exposed to UV light in a 2-step process, including a first UV exposure step (UV-1 step) to generate the tilt angle, and a second UV exposure step (UV-2 step) to finish polymerization, [0206] the polymerisable LC medium is exposed to UV light generated by a UV lamp having an intensity of from 0.5 mW/cm.sup.2 to 10 mW/cm.sup.2 in the wavelength range from 300-380 nm, preferably used in the UV2 step, and optionally also in the UV1 step, [0207] the polymerisable LC medium is exposed to UV light having a wavelength of 340 nm or more, and preferably 400 nm or less.

[0208] This preferred process can be carried out for example by using the desired UV lamps or by using a band pass filter and/or a cut-off filter, which are substantially transmissive for UV light with the respective desired wavelength(s) and are substantially blocking light with the respective undesired wavelengths. For example, when irradiation with UV light of wavelengths of 300-400 nm is desired, UV exposure can be carried out using a wide band pass filter being substantially transmissive for wavelengths 300 nm<<400 nm. When irradiation with UV light of wavelength of more than 340 nm is desired, UV exposure can be carried out using a cut-off filter being substantially transmissive for wavelengths >340 nm.

[0209] Substantially transmissive means that the filter transmits a substantial part, preferably at least 50% of the intensity, of incident light of the desired wavelength(s). Substantially blocking means that the filter does not transmit a substantial part, preferably at least 50% of the intensity, of incident light of the undesired wavelengths. Desired (undesired) wavelength e.g. in case of a band pass filter means the wavelengths inside (outside) the given range of , and in case of a cut-off filter means the wavelengths above (below) the given value of .

[0210] This preferred process enables the manufacture of displays by using longer UV wavelengths, thereby reducing or even avoiding the hazardous and damaging effects of short UV light components.

[0211] UV radiation energy is preferably from 5 to 100 J, depending on the production process conditions.

[0212] Preferably the LC medium according to the present invention does essentially consist of a polymerisable component A) and an LC component B) (or LC host mixture) as described above and below. However, the LC medium may additionally comprise one or more further components or additives, preferably selected from the list including but not limited to co-monomers, chiral dopants, polymerisation initiators, inhibitors, stabilizers, surfactants, wetting agents, lubricating agents, dispersing agents, hydrophobing agents, adhesive agents, flow improvers, defoaming agents, deaerators, diluents, reactive diluents, auxiliaries, colourants, dyes, pigments and nanoparticles.

[0213] Preference is given to LC media in which the polymerisable component A) consists exclusively of direactive and trireactive RMs as described above and below.

[0214] In another preferred embodiment the polymerisable component A) contains, in addition to the direactive and trireactive RMs as described above and below, one or more further polymerisable compounds (co-monomers), preferably selected from RMs.

[0215] Suitable and preferred mesogenic comonomers can be selected from the Table D below.

[0216] Besides the polymerisable component A) as described above, the LC media according to the present invention comprise an LC component B), or LC host mixture, comprising one or more, preferably two or more LC compounds which are selected from low-molecular-weight compounds that are unpolymerisable. These LC compounds are selected such that they stable and/or unreactive to a polymerisation reaction under the conditions applied to the polymerisation of the polymerisable compounds.

[0217] Examples of such compounds are the compounds of formula CY and PY.

[0218] Preference is given to LC media in which the LC component B), or the LC host mixture, has a nematic LC phase, and preferably has no chiral liquid crystal phase. The LC component B), or LC host mixture, is preferably a nematic LC mixture. Further preferably the LC component B) or LC host mixture, and the LC medium have a negative dielectric anisotropy .

[0219] Preference is furthermore given to achiral polymerisable compounds, and to LC media in which the compounds of component A and/or B are selected exclusively from the group consisting of achiral compounds.

[0220] Preferably the proportion of the LC component B) in the LC medium is from 95 to <100% by weight, very preferably from 99 to <100% by weight.

[0221] In a first preferred embodiment the LC medium contains an LC component B), or LC host mixture, based on compounds with negative dielectric anisotropy.

[0222] Such LC media are especially suitable for use in PS-VA and PS-UB-FFS displays. Particularly preferred embodiments of such an LC medium are those of sections a)-y) below, including any combinations thereof. The expression LC medium as used in these preferred embodiments is understood to refer also to an LC host mixture having the preferred features disclosed hereinafter: [0223] a) The LC medium contains one or more mesogenic or LC compounds comprising an alkenyl group (hereinafter also referred to as alkenyl compounds), wherein said alkenyl group is stable to a polymerisation reaction under the conditions used for polymerisation of the polymerisable compounds contained in the LC medium. [0224] Preferably the LC medium comprises one or more alkenyl compounds selected from formulae AN and AY

##STR00034## [0225] in which the individual radicals, on each occurrence identically or differently, and each, independently of one another, have the following meaning:

##STR00035## [0226] R.sup.A1 alkenyl having 2 to 9 C atoms or, if at least one of the rings X, Y and Z denotes cyclohexenyl, also one of the meanings of R.sup.A2, [0227] R.sup.A2 alkyl having 1 to 12 C atoms, in which, in addition, one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by O, CHCH, CO, OCO or COO in such a way that O atoms are not linked directly to one another, [0228] Z.sup.x CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CHCH, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, OCH.sub.2, COO, OCO, C.sub.2F.sub.4, CFCF, CHCHCH.sub.2O, or a single bond, preferably a single bond, [0229] L.sup.1,2 H, F, Cl, OCF.sub.3, CF.sub.3, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2F or CHF.sub.2H, preferably H, F or Cl, [0230] x 1 or 2, [0231] z 0 or 1. [0232] Preferred compounds of formula AN and AY are those wherein R.sup.A2 is selected from ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl and heptenyl. [0233] In a preferred embodiment the LC medium or LC host mixture comprises one or more compounds of formula AN selected from the following sub-formulae:

##STR00036## ##STR00037## [0234] in which alkyl and alkyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms, and alkenyl and alkenyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkenyl radical having 2-7 C atoms. Alkenyl and alkenyl* preferably denote CH.sub.2CH, CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.3CHCH, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3CHCH or CH.sub.3CHCH(CH.sub.2).sub.2. [0235] Preferably the LC medium comprises one or more compounds of formula AN1 or AN2, very preferably one or more compounds of formula AN1. [0236] In another preferred embodiment the LC medium or LC host mixture comprises one or more compounds of formula AN selected from the following sub-formulae:

##STR00038## [0237] in which m denotes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, i denotes 0, 1, 2 or 3, and R.sup.b1 denotes H, CH.sub.3 or C.sub.2H.sub.5. [0238] In another preferred embodiment the LC medium or LC host mixture comprises one or more compounds selected from the following sub-formulae:

##STR00039## [0239] Most preferred are compounds of formula AN1 a2 and AN1 a5. [0240] In another preferred embodiment the LC medium or LC host mixture comprises one or more compounds of formula AY selected from the following sub-formulae:

##STR00040## ##STR00041## ##STR00042## ##STR00043## ##STR00044## ##STR00045## [0241] in which alkyl and alkyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms, (O) denotes an O atom or a single bond, and alkenyl and alkenyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkenyl radical having 2-7 C atoms. Alkenyl and alkenyl* preferably denote CH.sub.2CH, CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.3CHCH, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3CHCH or CH.sub.3CHCH(CH.sub.2).sub.2. [0242] In another preferred embodiment the LC medium or LC host mixture comprises one or more compounds of formula AY selected from the following sub-formulae:

##STR00046## [0243] in which m and n each, independently of one another, denote 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, and alkenyl denotes CH.sub.2CH, CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.3CHCH, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3CHCH or CH.sub.3CHCH(CH.sub.2).sub.2. [0244] Preferably the proportion of compounds of formula AN and AY in the LC medium is from 2 to 70% by weight, very preferably from 5 to 60% by weight, most preferably from 10 to 50% by weight. [0245] Preferably the LC medium or LC host mixture contains 1 to 5, preferably 1, 2 or 3 compounds selected from formulae AN and AY. [0246] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the LC medium comprises one or more compounds of formula AY14, very preferably of AY14a. The proportion of compounds of formula AY14 or AY14a in the LC medium is preferably 3 to 20% by weight. [0247] The addition of alkenyl compounds of formula AN and/or AY enables a reduction of the viscosity and response time of the LC medium. [0248] b) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more compounds of the following formula:

##STR00047## [0249] in which the individual radicals have the following meanings:

##STR00048##

denotes

##STR00049##

denotes

##STR00050## [0250] R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 each, independently of one another, denote alkyl having 1 to 12 C atoms, in which, in addition, one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by O, CHCH, CO, OCO or COO in such a way that O atoms are not linked directly to one another, [0251] Z.sup.y denotes CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CHCH, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, OCH.sub.2, COO, OCO, C.sub.2F.sub.4, CFCF, CHCHCH.sub.2O or a single bond, preferably a single bond. [0252] The compounds of the formula ZK are preferably selected from the group consisting of the following sub-formulae:

##STR00051## [0253] in which alkyl and alkyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms, and alkenyl denotes a straight-chain alkenyl radical having 2-6 C atoms. Alkenyl preferably denotes CH.sub.2CH, CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.3CHCH, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3CHCH or CH.sub.3CHCH(CH.sub.2).sub.2. [0254] Especially preferred are compounds of formula ZK1. [0255] Particularly preferred compounds of formula ZK are selected from the following sub-formulae:

##STR00052## [0256] wherein the propyl, butyl and pentyl groups are straight-chain groups. [0257] Most preferred are compounds of formula ZK1a. [0258] c) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more compounds of the following formula:

##STR00053## [0259] in which the individual radicals on each occurrence, identically or differently, have the following meanings: [0260] R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 each, independently of one another, denote alkyl having 1 to 12 C atoms, where, in addition, one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by O, CHCH, CO, OCO or COO in such a way that O atoms are not linked directly to one another, preferably alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 6 C atoms,

##STR00054##

denotes

##STR00055##

denotes

##STR00056##

and [0261] e denotes 1 or 2. [0262] The compounds of the formula DK are preferably selected from the group consisting of the following sub-formulae:

##STR00057## [0263] in which alkyl and alkyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms, and alkenyl denotes a straight-chain alkenyl radical having 2-6 C atoms. Alkenyl preferably denotes CH.sub.2CH, CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.3CHCH, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3CHCH or CH.sub.3CHCH(CH.sub.2).sub.2. [0264] d) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more compounds of the following formula:

##STR00058## [0265] in which the individual radicals have, independently of each other and on each occurrence identically or differently, the following meanings:

##STR00059##

denotes

##STR00060## [0266] with at least one ring F being different from cyclohexylene, and [0267] preferably with at least one ring F denoting cyclohexenylene, [0268] f denotes 1 or 2, [0269] R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each, independently of one another, denote alkyl having 1 to 12 C atoms, where, in addition, one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by O, CHCH, CO, OCO or COO in such a way that O atoms are not linked directly to one another, [0270] Z.sup.x denotes CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CHCH, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, OCH.sub.2, COO, OCO, C.sub.2F.sub.4, CFCF, CHCHCH.sub.2O or a single bond, preferably a single bond, [0271] L.sup.1 and L.sup.2 each, independently of one another, denote F, Cl, OCF.sub.3, CF.sub.3, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2F, CHF.sub.2. [0272] Preferably, both radicals L.sup.1 and L.sup.2 denote F or one of the radicals L.sup.1 and L.sup.2 denotes F and the other denotes Cl. [0273] The compounds of the formula LY are preferably selected from the group consisting of the following sub-formulae:

##STR00061## ##STR00062## [0274] in which R.sup.1 has the meaning indicated above, alkyl denotes a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms, (O) denotes an O-atom or a single bond, and v denotes an integer from 1 to 6. R.sup.1 preferably denotes straight-chain alkyl having 1 to 6 C atoms or straight-chain alkenyl having 2 to 6 C atoms, in particular CH.sub.3, C.sub.2H.sub.5, n-C.sub.3H.sub.7, n-C.sub.4H.sub.9, n-C.sub.5H.sub.11, CH.sub.2CH, CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.3CHCH, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3CHCH or CH.sub.3CHCH(CH.sub.2).sub.2. [0275] Especially preferred are compounds of formula LY wherein at least one ring F denotes cyclohexenylene, in particular those of formulae LY1-LY3 and LY10-LY14. [0276] e) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the following formulae:

##STR00063## [0277] in which alkyl denotes C.sub.1-6-alkyl, L.sup.x denotes H or F, and X denotes F, Cl, OCF.sub.3, OCHF.sub.2 or OCHCF.sub.2. Particular preference is given to compounds of the formula G1 in which X denotes F. [0278] f) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the following formulae:

##STR00064## ##STR00065## [0279] in which R.sup.5 has one of the meanings indicated above for R.sup.1, alkyl denotes C.sub.1-6-alkyl, d denotes 0 or 1, and z and m each, independently of one another, denote an integer from 1 to 6. R.sup.5 in these compounds is particularly preferably C.sub.1-6-alkyl, C.sub.1-6-alkoxy or C.sub.2-6-alkenyl, and d is preferably 1. The LC medium according to the invention preferably comprises one or more compounds of the above-mentioned formulae in amounts of 5% by weight. [0280] g) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more biphenyl compounds selected from the group consisting of the following formulae:

##STR00066## [0281] in which alkyl and alkyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms, and alkenyl and alkenyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkenyl radical having 2-6 C atoms. Alkenyl and alkenyl* preferably denote CH.sub.2CH, CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.3CHCH, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3CHCH or CH.sub.3CHCH(CH.sub.2).sub.2. [0282] The proportion of the biphenyls of the formulae B1 to B3 in the LC mixture is preferably at least 3% by weight, in particular 5% by weight. [0283] The compounds of the formula B2 are particularly preferred. [0284] The compounds of the formulae B1 to B3 are preferably selected from the group consisting of the following sub-formulae:

##STR00067## [0285] in which alkyl* denotes an alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms. The medium according to the invention particularly preferably comprises one or more compounds of the formulae B1a and/or B2c. [0286] h) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more terphenyl compounds of the following formula:

##STR00068## [0287] in which R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 each, independently of one another, have one of the meanings indicated above, and

##STR00069## [0288] each, independently of one another, denote

##STR00070## [0289] in which L.sup.5 denotes F or Cl, preferably F, and L.sup.6 denotes F, Cl, OCF.sub.3, CF.sub.3, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2F or CHF.sub.2, preferably F. [0290] The compounds of the formula T are preferably selected from the group consisting of the following sub-formulae:

##STR00071## ##STR00072## ##STR00073## [0291] in which R denotes a straight-chain alkyl or alkoxy radical having 1-7 C atoms, R* denotes a straight-chain alkenyl radical having 2-7 C atoms, (O) denotes an oxygen atom or a single bond, and m denotes an integer from 1 to 6. R* preferably denotes CH.sub.2CH, CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.3CHCH, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3CHCH or CH.sub.3CHCH(CH.sub.2).sub.2. [0292] R preferably denotes methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy or pentoxy. [0293] The LC medium according to the invention preferably comprises the terphenyls of the formula T and the preferred sub-formulae thereof in an amount of 0.5-30% by weight, in particular 1-20% by weight. [0294] Particular preference is given to compounds of the formulae T1, T2, T3 and T21. In these compounds, R preferably denotes alkyl, furthermore alkoxy, each having 1-5 C atoms. [0295] The terphenyls are preferably employed in mixtures according to the invention if the n value of the mixture is to be 0.1. Preferred mixtures comprise 2-20% by weight of one or more terphenyl compounds of the formula T, preferably selected from the group of compounds T1 to T22. [0296] i) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more quaterphenyl compounds selected from the group consisting of the following formulae:

##STR00074## [0297] wherein [0298] R.sup.Q is alkyl, alkoxy, oxaalkyl or alkoxyalkyl having 1 to 9 C atoms or alkenyl or alkenyloxy having 2 to 9 C atoms, all of which are optionally fluorinated, [0299] X.sup.Q is F, Cl, halogenated alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 6 C atoms or halogenated alkenyl or alkenyloxy having 2 to 6 C atoms, [0300] L.sup.Q1 to L.sup.Q6 independently of each other are H or F, with at least one of L.sup.Q1 to L.sup.Q6 being F. [0301] Preferred compounds of formula Q are those wherein R.sup.Q denotes straight-chain alkyl with 2 to 6 C-atoms, very preferably ethyl, n-propyl or n-butyl. [0302] Preferred compounds of formula Q are those wherein L.sup.Q3 and L.sup.Q4 are F. Further preferred compounds of formula Q are those wherein L.sup.Q3, L.sup.Q4 and one or two of L.sup.Q1 and L.sup.Q2 are F. [0303] Preferred compounds of formula Q are those wherein X.sup.Q denotes F or OCF.sub.3, very preferably F. [0304] The compounds of formula Q are preferably selected from the following subformulae

##STR00075## [0305] wherein R.sup.Q has one of the meanings of formula Q or one of its preferred meanings given above and below, and is preferably ethyl, n-propyl or n-butyl. [0306] Especially preferred are compounds of formula Q1, in particular those wherein R.sup.Q is n-propyl. [0307] Preferably the proportion of compounds of formula Q in the LC medium is from >0 to 5% by weight, very preferably from 0.1 to 2% by weight, most preferably from 0.2 to 1.5% by weight. [0308] Preferably the LC medium contains 1 to 5, preferably 1 or 2 compounds of formula Q. [0309] The addition of quaterphenyl compounds of formula Q to the LC medium mixture enables to reduce ODF mura, whilst maintaining high UV absorption, enabling quick and complete polymerisation, enabling strong and quick tilt angle generation, and increasing the UV stability of the LC medium. [0310] Besides. the addition of compounds of formula Q, which have positive dielectric anisotropy, to the LC medium with negative dielectric anisotropy allows a better control of the values of the dielectric constants .sub. and , and in particular enables to achieve a high value of the dielectric constant .sub. while keeping the dielectric anisotropy constant, thereby reducing the kick-back voltage and reducing image sticking. [0311] k) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more compounds of formula C:

##STR00076## [0312] wherein [0313] R.sup.C denotes alkyl, alkoxy, oxaalkyl or alkoxyalkyl having 1 to 9 C atoms or alkenyl or alkenyloxy having 2 to 9 C atoms, all of which are optionally fluorinated, [0314] X.sup.C denotes F, Cl, halogenated alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 6 C atoms or halogenated alkenyl or alkenyloxy having 2 to 6 C atoms, [0315] L.sup.C1, L.sup.C2 independently of each other denote H or F, with at least one of L.sup.C1 and L.sup.C2 being F. [0316] Preferred compounds of formula C are those wherein R.sup.C denotes straight-chain alkyl with 2 to 6 C-atoms, very preferably ethyl, n-propyl or n-butyl. [0317] Preferred compounds of formula C are those wherein L.sup.C1 and L.sup.C2 are F. [0318] Preferred compounds of formula C are those wherein X.sup.C denotes F or OCF.sub.3, very preferably F. [0319] Preferred compounds of formula C are selected from the following formula

##STR00077## [0320] wherein R.sup.C has one of the meanings of formula C or one of its preferred meanings given above and below, and is preferably ethyl, n-propyl or n-butyl, very preferably n-propyl. [0321] Preferably the proportion of compounds of formula C in the LC medium is from >0 to 10% by weight, very preferably from 0.1 to 8% by weight, most preferably from 0.2 to 5% by weight. [0322] Preferably the LC medium contains 1 to 5, preferably 1, 2 or 3 compounds of formula C. [0323] The addition of compounds of formula C, which have positive dielectric anisotropy, to the LC medium with negative dielectric anisotropy allows a better control of the values of the dielectric constants .sub. and .sub., and in particular enables to achieve a high value of the dielectric constant ell while keeping the dielectric anisotropy constant, thereby reducing the kick-back voltage and reducing image sticking. Besides, the addition of compounds of formula C enables to reduce the viscosity and the response time of the LC medium. [0324] l) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the following formulae:

##STR00078## [0325] in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have the meanings indicated above and preferably each, independently of one another, denote straight-chain alkyl having 1 to 6 C atoms or straight-chain alkenyl having 2 to 6 C atoms. [0326] Preferred media comprise one or more compounds selected from the formulae 01, 03 and 04. [0327] m) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more compounds of the following formula:

##STR00079## [0328] in which [0329] denotes

##STR00080## [0330] R.sup.9 denotes H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2H.sub.5 or n-C.sub.3H.sub.7, (F) denotes an optional fluorine substituent, and q denotes 1, 2 or 3, and R.sup.7 has one of the meanings indicated for R.sup.1, preferably in amounts of >3% by weight, in particular 5% by weight and very particularly preferably 5-30% by weight. [0331] Particularly preferred compounds of the formula FI are selected from the group consisting of the following sub-formulae:

##STR00081## [0332] in which R.sup.7 preferably denotes straight-chain alkyl, and R.sup.9 denotes CH.sub.3, C.sub.2H.sub.5 or n-C.sub.3H.sub.7. Particular preference is given to the compounds of the formulae FI1, FI2 and FI3. [0333] n) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the following formulae:

##STR00082## [0334] in which R.sup.8 has the meaning indicated for R.sup.1, and alkyl denotes a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms. [0335] o) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more compounds which contain a tetrahydronaphthyl or naphthyl unit, such as, for example, the compounds selected from the group consisting of the following formulae:

##STR00083## ##STR00084## [0336] in which [0337] R.sup.10 and R.sup.11 each, independently of one another, denote alkyl having 1 to 12 C atoms, where, in addition, one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced [0338] by O, CHCH, CO, OCO or COO in such a way that O atoms are not linked directly to one another, preferably alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 6 C atoms, [0339] and R.sup.10 and R.sup.11 preferably denote straight-chain alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 6 C atoms or straight-chain alkenyl having 2 to 6 C atoms, and [0340] Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 each, independently of one another, [0341] denote C.sub.2H.sub.4, CHCH, (CH.sub.2).sub.4, (CH.sub.2).sub.3O, O(CH.sub.2).sub.3, CHCHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.2O, OCH.sub.2, COO, OCO, C.sub.2F.sub.4, CFCF, CFCH, CHCF, CH.sub.2 or a single bond. [0342] p) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more difluorodibenzo-chromans and/or chromans of the following formulae:

##STR00085## [0343] in which [0344] R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 each, independently of one another, have one of the meanings indicated above for R.sup.11, [0345] ring M is trans-1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene, [0346] Z.sup.m C.sub.2H.sub.4, CH.sub.2O, OCH.sub.2, COO or OCO, [0347] c is 0, 1 or 2, [0348] preferably in amounts of 3 to 20% by weight, in particular in amounts of 3 to 15% by weight. [0349] Particularly preferred compounds of the formulae BC, CR and RC are selected from the group consisting of the following sub-formulae:

##STR00086## ##STR00087## ##STR00088## [0350] in which alkyl and alkyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms, (O) denotes an oxygen atom or a single bond, c is 1 or 2, and alkenyl and alkenyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkenyl radical having 2-6 C atoms. Alkenyl and alkenyl* preferably denote CH.sub.2CH, CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.3CHCH, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3CHCH or CH.sub.3CHCH(CH.sub.2).sub.2. [0351] Very particular preference is given to mixtures comprising one, two or three compounds of the formula BC-2. [0352] q) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more fluorinated phenanthrenes and/or dibenzofurans of the following formulae:

##STR00089## [0353] in which R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 each, independently of one another, have one of the meanings indicated above for R.sup.11, b denotes 0 or 1, L denotes F, and r denotes 1, 2 or 3. [0354] Particularly preferred compounds of the formulae PH and BF are selected from the group consisting of the following sub-formulae:

##STR00090## [0355] in which R and R each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl or alkoxy radical having 1-7 C atoms. [0356] r) LC medium which additionally comprises one or more monocyclic compounds of the following formula

##STR00091## [0357] wherein [0358] R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each, independently of one another, denote alkyl having 1 to 12 C atoms, where, in addition, one or two non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by O, CHCH, CO, OCO or COO in such a way that O atoms are not linked directly to one another, preferably alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 6 C atoms, [0359] L.sup.1 and L.sup.2 each, independently of one another, denote F, Cl, OCF.sub.3, CF.sub.3, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2F, CHF.sub.2. [0360] Preferably, both L.sup.1 and L.sup.2 denote F or one of L.sup.1 and L.sup.2 denotes F and the other denotes Cl, [0361] The compounds of the formula Y are preferably selected from the group consisting of the following sub-formulae:

##STR00092## [0362] in which, Alkyl and Alkyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkyl radical having 1-6 C atoms, Alkoxy denotes a straight-chain alkoxy radical having 1-6 C atoms, Alkenyl and Alkenyl* each, independently of one another, denote a straight-chain alkenyl radical having 2-6 C atoms, and O denotes an oxygen atom or a single bond. Alkenyl and Alkenyl* preferably denote CH.sub.2CH, CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.3CHCH, CH.sub.3CH.sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCH, CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3CHCH or CH.sub.3CHCH(CH.sub.2).sub.2. [0363] Particularly preferred compounds of the formula Y are selected from the group consisting of the following sub-formulae:

##STR00093## [0364] wherein Alkoxy preferably denotes straight-chain alkoxy with 3, 4, or 5 C atoms. [0365] s) LC medium which, apart from the polymerisable compounds as described above and below, does not contain any compounds which contain a terminal vinyloxy group (OCHCH.sub.2). [0366] t) LC medium which comprises 1 to 5, preferably 1, 2 or 3, polymerisable compounds, preferably selected from polymerisable compounds as described above and below. [0367] u) LC medium which comprises 1 to 8, preferably 1 to 5, compounds of the formulae CY1, CY2, PY1 and/or PY2. The proportion of these compounds in the mixture as a whole is preferably 5 to 60% by weight, particularly preferably 10 to 35% by weight. The content of these individual compounds is preferably in each case 2 to 20% by weight. [0368] v) LC medium which comprises 1 to 8, preferably 1 to 5, compounds of the formulae CY9, CY10, PY9 and/or PY10. The proportion of these compounds in the mixture as a whole is preferably 5 to 60% by weight, particularly preferably 10 to 35% by weight. The content of these individual compounds is preferably in each case 2 to 20% by weight. [0369] w) LC medium which comprises 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 8, compounds of the formula ZK, in particular compounds of the formulae ZK1, ZK2 and/or ZK6. The proportion of these compounds in the mixture as a whole is preferably 3 to 25% by weight, particularly preferably 5 to 45% by weight. The content of these individual compounds is preferably in each case 2 to 20% by weight. [0370] x) LC medium in which the proportion of compounds of the formulae CY, PY and ZK in the mixture as a whole is greater than 70% by weight, preferably greater than 80% by weight. [0371] y) LC medium which contains one or more, preferably 1 to 5, compounds selected of formula PY1-PY8, very preferably of formula PY2. The proportion of these compounds in the mixture as a whole is preferably 1 to 30% by weight, particularly preferably 2 to 20% by weight. The content of these individual compounds is preferably in each case 1 to 20% by weight. [0372] z) LC medium wherein the LC host mixture essentially consists of compounds of formula CY, PY, AN, AY, and optionally ZK [0373] z1) LC medium in which the LC host mixture contains one or more, preferably 1, 2 or 3, compounds of formula BF1, and one or more, preferably 1, 2 or 3, compounds selected from formulae AY14, AY15 and AY16, very preferably of formula AY14. The proportion of the compounds of formula AY14-AY16 in the LC host mixture is preferably from 2 to 35%, very preferably from 3 to 30%. The proportion of the compounds of formula BF1 in the LC host mixture is preferably from 0.5 to 20%, very preferably from 1 to 15%. Further preferably the LC host mixture according to this preferred embodiment contains one or more, preferably 1, 2 or 3 compounds of formula T, preferably selected from formula T1, T2 and T5, very preferably from formula T2 or T5. The proportion of the compounds of formula T in the LC host mixture medium is preferably from 0.5 to 15%, very preferably from 1 to 10%.

[0374] In a second preferred embodiment the LC medium contains an LC host mixture based on compounds with positive dielectric anisotropy. Such LC media are especially suitable for use in PS-OCB-, PS-TN-, PS-Posi-VA-, PS-IPS- or PS-FFS-displays.

[0375] Particularly preferred is an LC medium of this second preferred embodiment, which contains one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds of formula AA and BB

##STR00094##

and optionally contains, in addition to the compounds of formula AA and/or BB, one or more compounds of formula CC

##STR00095##

in which the individual radicals have the following meanings:

##STR00096##

each, independently of one another, and on each occurrence, identically or differently

##STR00097##

each, independently of one another, and on each occurrence, identically or differently

##STR00098## [0376] R.sup.21, R.sup.31, R.sup.41, R.sup.42 each, independently of one another, alkyl, alkoxy, oxaalkyl or alkoxyalkyl having 1 to 9 C atoms or alkenyl or alkenyloxy having 2 to 9 C atoms, all of which are optionally fluorinated, [0377] X.sup.0 F, Cl, halogenated alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 6 C atoms or halogenated alkenyl or alkenyloxy having 2 to 6 C atoms, [0378] Z.sup.31 CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CF.sub.2CF.sub.2, COO, trans-CHCH, trans-CFCF, CH.sub.2O or a single bond, preferably CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, COO, trans-CHCH or a single bond, particularly preferably COO, trans-CHCH or a single bond, [0379] Z.sup.41, Z.sup.42 CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, COO, trans-CHCH, trans-CFCF, CH.sub.2O, CF.sub.2O, CC or a single bond, preferably a single bond, [0380] L.sup.21, L.sup.22, L.sup.31, L.sup.32 H or F, [0381] g 0, 1, 2 or 3, [0382] h 0, 1, 2 or 3. [0383] X.sup.0 is preferably F, Cl, CF.sub.3, CHF.sub.2, OCF.sub.3, OCHF.sub.2, OCFHCF.sub.3, OCFHCHF.sub.2, OCFHCHF.sub.2, OCF.sub.2CH.sub.3, OCF.sub.2CHF.sub.2, OCF.sub.2CHF.sub.2, OCF.sub.2CF.sub.2CHF.sub.2, OCF.sub.2CF.sub.2CHF.sub.2, OCFHCF.sub.2CF.sub.3, OCFHCF.sub.2CHF.sub.2, OCF.sub.2CF.sub.2CF.sub.3, OCF.sub.2CF.sub.2CClF.sub.2, OCClFCF.sub.2CF.sub.3 or CHCF.sub.2, very preferably F or OCF.sub.3

[0384] The compounds of formula AA are preferably selected from the group consisting of the following formulae:

##STR00099##

[0385] in which A.sup.21, R.sup.21, X.sup.0, L.sup.21 and L.sup.22 have the meanings given in formula AA, L.sup.23 and L.sup.24 each, independently of one another, are H or F, and X.sup.0 is preferably F.

[0386] Particularly preferred are compounds of formulae AA1 and AA2.

[0387] Particularly preferred compounds of formula AA1 are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00100##

[0388] in which R.sup.21, X.sup.0, L.sup.21 and L.sup.22 have the meaning given in formula AA1, L.sup.23, L.sup.24, L.sup.25 and L.sup.26 are each, independently of one another, H or F, and X.sup.0 is preferably F.

[0389] Very particularly preferred compounds of formula AA1 are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00101##

[0390] In which R.sup.21 is as defined in formula AA1.

[0391] Very preferred compounds of formula AA2 are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00102## ##STR00103##

[0392] in which R.sup.21, X.sup.0, L.sup.21 and L.sup.22 have the meaning given in formula AA2, L.sup.23, L.sup.24, L.sup.25 and L.sup.26 each, independently of one another, are H or F, and X.sup.0 is preferably F.

[0393] Very particularly preferred compounds of formula AA2 are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00104## ##STR00105##

[0394] in which R.sup.21 and X.sup.0 are as defined in formula AA2.

[0395] Particularly preferred compounds of formula AA3 are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00106##

[0396] in which R.sup.21, X.sup.0, L.sup.21 and L.sup.22 have the meaning given in formula AA3, and X.sup.0 is preferably F.

[0397] Particularly preferred compounds of formula AA4 are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00107##

[0398] in which R.sup.21 is as defined in formula AA4.

[0399] The compounds of formula BB are preferably selected from the group consisting of the following formulae:

##STR00108##

[0400] in which g, A.sup.31, A.sup.32, R.sup.31, X.sup.0, L.sup.31 and L.sup.32 have the meanings given in formula BB, and X.sup.0 is preferably F. Particularly preferred are compounds of formulae BB1 and BB2.

[0401] Particularly preferred compounds of formula BB1 are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00109##

[0402] in which R.sup.31, X.sup.0, L.sup.31 and L.sup.32 have the meaning given in formula BB1, and X.sup.0 is preferably F.

[0403] Very particularly preferred compounds of formula BB1a are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00110##

[0404] in which R.sup.31 is as defined in formula BB1.

[0405] Very particularly preferred compounds of formula BB1 b are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00111##

[0406] in which R.sup.31 is as defined in formula BB1.

[0407] Particularly preferred compounds of formula BB2 are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00112## ##STR00113##

[0408] in which R.sup.31, X.sup.0, L.sup.31 and L.sup.32 have the meaning given in formula BB2, L.sup.33, L.sup.34, L.sup.35 and L.sup.36 are each, independently of one another, H or F, and X.sup.0 is preferably F.

[0409] Very particularly preferred compounds of formula BB2 are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00114##

in which R.sup.31 is as defined in formula BB2.

[0410] Very particularly preferred compounds of formula BB2b are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae

##STR00115##

in which R.sup.31 is as defined in formula BB2.

[0411] Very particularly preferred compounds of formula BB2c are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00116##

in which R.sup.31 is as defined in formula BB2.

[0412] Very particularly preferred compounds of formula BB2d and BB2e are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00117##

in which R.sup.31 is as defined in formula BB2.

[0413] Very particularly preferred compounds of formula BB2f are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00118##

in which R.sup.31 is as defined in formula BB2.

[0414] Very particularly preferred compounds of formula BB2g are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00119##

in which R.sup.31 is as defined in formula BB2.

[0415] Very particularly preferred compounds of formula BB2h are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00120##

in which R.sup.31 and X.sup.0 are as defined in formula BB2.

[0416] Very particularly preferred compounds of formula BB2i are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00121##

in which R.sup.31 and X.sup.0 are as defined in formula BB2.

[0417] Very particularly preferred compounds of formula BB2k are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00122##

in which R.sup.31 and X.sup.0 are as defined in formula BB2.

[0418] Alternatively to, or in addition to, the compounds of formula BB1 and/or BB2 the LC media may also comprise one or more compounds of formula BB3 as defined above.

[0419] Particularly preferred compounds of formula BB3 are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00123##

in which R.sup.31 is as defined in formula BB3.

[0420] Preferably the LC media according to this second preferred embodiment comprise, in addition to the compounds of formula AA and/or BB, one or more dielectrically neutral compounds having a dielectric anisotropy in the range from 1.5 to +3, preferably selected from the group of compounds of formula CC as defined above.

[0421] Particularly preferred compounds of formula CC are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00124## ##STR00125##

[0422] In which R.sup.41 and R.sup.42 have the meanings given in formula CC, and preferably denote each, independently of one another, alkyl, alkoxy, fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkoxy with 1 to 7 C atoms, or alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkoxyalkyl or fluorinated alkenyl with 2 to 7 C atoms, and L.sup.4 is H or F.

[0423] Preferably the LC media according to this second preferred embodiment comprise, in addition or alternatively to the dielectrically neutral compounds of formula CC, one or more dielectrically neutral compounds having a dielectric anisotropy in the range from 1.5 to +3, selected from the group of compounds of formula DD.

##STR00126##

[0424] In which A.sup.41, A.sup.42, Z.sup.41, Z.sup.42, R.sup.41, R.sup.42 and h have the meanings given in formula CC.

[0425] Particularly preferred compounds of formula DD are selected from the group consisting of the following subformulae:

##STR00127##

in which R.sup.41 and R.sup.42 have the meanings given in formula DD and R.sup.41 preferably denotes alkyl bedeutet, and in formula DD1 R.sup.42 preferably denotes alkenyl, particularly preferably (CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCHCH.sub.3, and in formula DD2 R.sup.42 preferably denotes alkyl, (CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCH.sub.2 or (CH.sub.2).sub.2CHCHCH.sub.3.

[0426] The compounds of formula AA and BB are preferably used in the LC medium according to the invention in a concentration from 2 to 60% by weight, more preferably from 3 to 35% by weight, and very particularly preferably from 4 to 30% by weight in the mixture as a whole.

[0427] The compounds of formula CC and DD are preferably used in the LC medium according to the invention in a concentration from 2 to 70% by weight, more preferably from 5 to 65% by weight, even more preferably from 10 to 60% by weight, and very particularly preferably from 10%, preferably 15%, to 55% by weight in the mixture as a whole.

[0428] The combination of compounds of the preferred embodiments mentioned above with the polymerised compounds described above causes low threshold voltages, low rotational viscosities and very good low-temperature stabilities in the LC media according to the invention at the same time as constantly high clearing points and high HR values, and allows the rapid establishment of a particularly low pretilt angle in PSA displays. In particular, the LC media exhibit significantly shortened response times, in particular also the grey-shade response times, in PSA displays compared with the media from the prior art.

[0429] The LC media and LC host mixtures of the present invention preferably have a nematic phase range 80 K, very preferably 100 K, and preferably a rotational viscosity 250 mPa.Math.s, very preferably 200 mPa.Math.s, at 20 C.

[0430] In the VA-type displays according to the invention, the molecules in the layer of the LC medium in the switched-off state are aligned perpendicular to the electrode surfaces (homeotropically) or have a tilted homeotropic alignment. On application of an electrical voltage to the electrodes, a realignment of the LC molecules takes place with the longitudinal molecular axes parallel to the electrode surfaces.

[0431] LC media according to the invention based on compounds with negative dielectric anisotropy according to the first preferred embodiment, in particular for use in displays of the PS-VA and PS-UB-FFS type, have a negative dielectric anisotropy , preferably from 0.5 to 10, in particular from 2.5 to 7.5, at 20 C. and 1 kHz.

[0432] The birefringence n in LC media according to the invention for use in displays of the PS-VA and PS-UB-FFS type is preferably below 0.16, particularly preferably from 0.06 to 0.14, very particularly preferably from 0.07 to 0.12.

[0433] In the OCB-type displays according to the invention, the molecules in the layer of the LC medium have a bend alignment. On application of an electrical voltage, a realignment of the LC molecules takes place with the longitudinal molecular axes perpendicular to the electrode surfaces.

[0434] LC media according to the invention for use in displays of the PS-OCB, PS-TN, PS-IPS, PS-posi-VA and PS-FFS type are preferably those based on compounds with positive dielectric anisotropy according to the second preferred embodiment, and preferably have a positive dielectric anisotropy from +4 to +17 at 20 C. and 1 kHz.

[0435] The birefringence n in LC media according to the invention for use in displays of the PS-OCB type is preferably from 0.14 to 0.22, particularly preferably from 0.16 to 0.22.

[0436] The birefringence n in LC media according to the invention for use in displays of the PS-TN-, PS-posi-VA-, PS-IPS- oder PS-FFS-type is preferably from 0.07 to 0.15, particularly preferably from 0.08 to 0.13.

[0437] LC media according to the invention, based on compounds with positive dielectric anisotropy according to the second preferred embodiment, for use in displays of the PS-TN-, PS-posi-VA-, PS-IPS- oder PS-FFS-type, preferably have a positive dielectric anisotropy from +2 to +30, particularly preferably from +3 to +20, at 20 C. and 1 kHz.

[0438] The LC media according to the invention may also comprise further additives which are known to the person skilled in the art and are described in the literature, such as, for example, polymerisation initiators, inhibitors, stabilisers, surface-active substances or chiral dopants. These may be polymerisable or non-polymerisable. Polymerisable additives are accordingly ascribed to the polymerisable component or component A). Non-polymerisable additives are accordingly ascribed to the non-polymerisable component or component B).

[0439] In a preferred embodiment the LC media contain one or more chiral dopants, preferably in a concentration from 0.01 to 1% by weight, very preferably from 0.05 to 0.5% by weight. The chiral dopants are preferably selected from the group consisting of compounds from Table B below, very preferably from the group consisting of R- or S-1011, R- or S-2011, R- or S-3011, R- or S-4011, and R- or S-5011.

[0440] In another preferred embodiment the LC media contain a racemate of one or more chiral dopants, which are preferably selected from the chiral dopants mentioned in the previous paragraph.

[0441] Furthermore, it is possible to add to the LC media, for example, 0 to 15% by weight of pleochroic dyes, furthermore nanoparticles, conductive salts, preferably ethyldimethyldodecylammonium 4-hexoxybenzoate, tetrabutylammonium tetraphenylborate or complex salts of crown ethers (cf., for example, Haller et al., Mol. Cryst. Liq. Cryst. 24, 249-258 (1973)), for improving the conductivity, or substances for modifying the dielectric anisotropy, the viscosity and/or the alignment of the nematic phases. Substances of this type are described, for example, in DE-A 22 09 127, 22 40 864, 23 21 632, 23 38 281, 24 50 088, 26 37 430 and 28 53 728.

[0442] The individual components of the preferred embodiments a)-z) of the LC media according to the invention are either known or methods for the preparation thereof can readily be derived from the prior art by the person skilled in the relevant art, since they are based on standard methods described in the literature. Corresponding compounds of the formula CY are described, for example, in EP-A-0 364 538. Corresponding compounds of the formula ZK are described, for example, in DE-A-26 36 684 and DE-A-33 21 373.

[0443] The LC media which can be used in accordance with the invention are prepared in a manner conventional per se, for example by mixing one or more of the above-mentioned compounds with one or more polymerisable compounds as defined above, and optionally with further liquid-crystalline compounds and/or additives. In general, the desired amount of the components used in lesser amount is dissolved in the components making up the principal constituent, advantageously at elevated temperature. It is also possible to mix solutions of the components in an organic solvent, for example in acetone, chloroform or methanol, and to remove the solvent again, for example by distillation, after thorough mixing. The invention furthermore relates to the process for the preparation of the LC media according to the invention.

[0444] It goes without saying to the person skilled in the art that the LC media according to the invention may also comprise compounds in which, for example, H, N, O, Cl, F have been replaced by the corresponding isotopes like deuterium etc.

[0445] The following examples explain the present invention without restricting it. However, they show the person skilled in the art preferred mixture concepts with compounds preferably to be employed and the respective concentrations thereof and combinations thereof with one another. In addition, the examples illustrate which properties and property combinations are accessible.

[0446] The following abbreviations are used:

[0447] (n, m, z: in each case, independently of one another, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6)

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE A [00128] [00129] [00130] [00131] [00132] [00133] [00134] [00135] [00136] [00137] [00138] [00139] [00140] [00141] [00142] [00143] [00144] [00145] [00146] [00147] [00148] [00149] [00150] [00151] [00152] [00153] [00154] [00155] [00156] [00157] [00158] [00159] [00160] [00161] [00162] [00163] [00164] [00165] [00166] [00167] [00168] [00169] [00170] [00171] [00172] [00173] [00174] [00175] [00176] [00177] [00178] [00179] [00180] [00181] [00182] [00183] [00184] [00185] [00186] [00187] [00188] [00189] [00190] [00191] [00192] [00193] [00194] [00195] [00196] [00197] [00198] [00199] [00200] [00201] [00202] [00203]

[0448] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the LC media according to the invention comprise one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds from Table A.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE B [00204] C 15 [00205] CB 15 [00206] CM 21 [00207] R/S-811 [00208] CM 44 [00209] CM 45 [00210] CM 47 [00211] CN [00212] R/S-2011 [00213] R/S-3011 [00214] R/S-4011 [00215] R/S-5011 [00216] R/S-1011

[0449] Table B shows possible chiral dopants which can be added to the LC media according to the invention.

[0450] The LC media preferably comprise 0 to 10% by weight, in particular 0.01 to 5% by weight, particularly preferably 0.1 to 3% by weight, of dopants. The LC media preferably comprise one or more dopants selected from the group consisting of compounds from Table B.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE C [00217] [00218] [00219] [00220] [00221] [00222] [00223] [00224] [00225] [00226] [00227] [00228] [00229] [00230] [00231] [00232] [00233] [00234] [00235] [00236] [00237] [00238] [00239] [00240] [00241] [00242] [00243] [00244] [00245] [00246] [00247] [00248] [00249] [00250] [00251] [00252] [00253] [00254] [00255]

[0451] Table C shows possible stabilisers which can be added to the LC media according to the invention.

[0452] (n here denotes an integer from 1 to 12, preferably 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, terminal methyl groups are not shown).

[0453] The LC media preferably comprise 0 to 10% by weight, in particular 1 ppm to 5% by weight, particularly preferably 1 ppm to 1% by weight, of stabilisers. The LC media preferably comprise one or more stabilisers selected from the group consisting of compounds from Table C.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE D [00256] RM-1 [00257] RM-2 [00258] RM-3 [00259] RM-4 [00260] RM-5 [00261] RM-6 [00262] RM-7 [00263] RM-8 [00264] RM-9 [00265] RM-10 [00266] RM-11 [00267] RM-12 [00268] RM-13 [00269] RM-14 [00270] RM-15 [00271] RM-16 [00272] RM-17 [00273] RM-18 [00274] RM-19 [00275] RM-20 [00276] RM-21 [00277] RM-22 [00278] RM-23 [00279] RM-24 [00280] RM-25 [00281] RM-26 [00282] RM-27 [00283] RM-28 [00284] RM-29 [00285] RM-30 [00286] RM-31 [00287] RM-32 [00288] RM-33 [00289] RM-34 [00290] RM-35 [00291] RM-36 [00292] RM-37 [00293] RM-38 [00294] RM-39 [00295] RM-40 [00296] RM-41 [00297] RM-42 [00298] RM-43 [00299] RM-44 [00300] RM-45 [00301] RM-46 [00302] RM-47 [00303] RM-48 [00304] RM-49 [00305] RM-50 [00306] RM-51 [00307] RM-52 [00308] RM-53 [00309] RM-54 [00310] RM-55 [00311] RM-56 [00312] RM-57 [00313] RM-58 [00314] RM-59 [00315] RM-60 [00316] RM-61 [00317] RM-62 [00318] RM-63 [00319] RM-64 [00320] RM-65 [00321] RM-66 [00322] RM-67 [00323] RM-68 [00324] RM-69 [00325] RM-70 [00326] RM-71 [00327] RM-72

[0454] Table D shows illustrative compounds which can be used in the LC media in accordance with the present invention, preferably as reactive mesogenic compounds.

[0455] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mesogenic media comprise one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds from Table D.

[0456] In addition, the following abbreviations and symbols are used: [0457] V.sub.0 threshold voltage, capacitive [V] at 20 C., [0458] n.sub.e extraordinary refractive index at 20 C. and 589 nm, [0459] n.sub.o ordinary refractive index at 20 C. and 589 nm, [0460] n optical anisotropy at 20 C. and 589 nm, [0461] .sub. dielectric permittivity perpendicular to the director at 20 C. and 1 kHz, [0462] dielectric permittivity parallel to the director at 20 C. and 1 kHz, [0463] dielectric anisotropy at 20 C. and 1 kHz, [0464] cl.p., T(N,I) clearing point [ C.], [0465] .sub.1 rotational viscosity at 20 C. [mPa.Math.s], [0466] K.sub.1 elastic constant, splay deformation at 20 C. [pN], [0467] K.sub.2 elastic constant, twist deformation at 20 C. [pN], [0468] K.sub.3 elastic constant, bend deformation at 20 C. [pN].

[0469] Unless explicitly noted otherwise, all concentrations in the present application are quoted in percent by weight and relate to the corresponding mixture as a whole, comprising all solid or liquid-crystalline components, without solvents.

[0470] Unless explicitly noted otherwise, all temperature values indicated in the present application, such as, for example, for the melting point T(C,N), the transition from the smectic (S) to the nematic (N) phase T(S,N) and the clearing point T(N,I), are quoted in degrees Celsius ( C.). M.p. denotes melting point, cl.p.=clearing point. Furthermore, C=crystalline state, N=nematic phase, S=smectic phase and I=isotropic phase. The data between these symbols represent the transition temperatures.

[0471] All physical properties are and have been determined in accordance with Merck Liquid Crystals, Physical Properties of Liquid Crystals, Status November 1997, Merck KGaA, Germany, and apply for a temperature of 20 C., and n is determined at 589 nm and at 1 kHz, unless explicitly indicated otherwise in each case.

[0472] The term threshold voltage for the present invention relates to the capacitive threshold (V.sub.0), also known as the Freedericks threshold, unless explicitly indicated otherwise. In the examples, the optical threshold may also, as generally usual, be quoted for 10% relative contrast (V.sub.10).

[0473] Unless stated otherwise, the process of polymerising the polymerisable compounds in the PSA displays as described above and below is carried out at a temperature where the LC medium exhibits a liquid crystal phase, preferably a nematic phase, and most preferably is carried out at room temperature.

[0474] Unless stated otherwise, methods of preparing test cells and measuring their electrooptical and other properties are carried out by the methods as described hereinafter or in analogy thereto.

[0475] The display used for measurement of the capacitive threshold voltage consists of two plane-parallel glass outer plates at a separation of 25 m, each of which has on the inside an electrode layer and an unrubbed polyimide alignment layer on top, which effect a homeotropic edge alignment of the liquid-crystal molecules.

[0476] The display or test cell used for measurement of the tilt angles consists of two plane-parallel glass outer plates at a separation of 4 m, each of which has on the inside an electrode layer and a polyimide alignment layer on top, where the two polyimide layers are rubbed antiparallel to one another and effect a homeotropic edge alignment of the liquid-crystal molecules.

[0477] The polymerisable compounds are polymerised in the display or test cell by irradiation with UVA light of defined intensity for a prespecified time, with a voltage simultaneously being applied to the display (usually 10 V to 30 V alternating current, 60 Hz 1 kHz). In the examples, unless indicated otherwise, a metal halide lamp or high pressure mercury lamp and an intensity of 50 mW/cm.sup.2 is used for polymerisation. The intensity is measured using a standard UVA meter (Ushio UV-meter high end with UVA sensor).

[0478] The tilt angle is determined by crystal rotation experiment (Autronic-Melchers TBA-105). A low value (i.e. a large deviation from the 90 angle) corresponds to a large tilt here.

[0479] The VHR value is measured as follows: 0.3% of a polymerisable monomeric compound is added to the LC host mixture, and the resultant mixture is introduced into VA-VHR test cells which comprise an unrubbed VA-polyimide alignment layer. The LC-layer thickness d is approx. 6 m, unless stated otherwise. The VHR value is determined before and after UV exposure at 1 V, 60 Hz, 64 s pulse (measuring instrument: Autronic-Melchers VHRM-105).

[0480] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The preceding preferred specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

[0481] In the foregoing and in the examples, all temperatures are set forth uncorrected in degrees Celsius and, all parts and percentages are by weight, unless otherwise indicated.

[0482] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited herein and of corresponding European application No. 14004047.8, filed are incorporated by reference herein.

Example 1

[0483] The nematic LC host mixture N1 is formulated as follows.

TABLE-US-00005 CC-3-V 24.00% cl.p. 74.3 C. CC-3-V1 10.00% n 0.1090 CCY-3-O1 4.50% 3.2 CLY-3-O2 10.00% .sub. 3.5 CPY-2-O2 11.00% K.sub.3/K.sub.1 1.12 CPY-3-O2 10.50% .sub.1 88 mPa s PY-1-O4 7.50% V.sub.0 2.34 V PY-3-O2 12.50%

[0484] The mixture does not contain a terphenyl compound and has a low viscosity.

[0485] Polymerisable mixtures P1 and P2 according to the invention are prepared by adding the direactive RM D1 or D2, respectively, and the trireactive RM T1 to the nematic LC host mixture N1. Comparative polymerisable mixtures C1 and C2 are by adding only the direactive RM D1 or D2, respectively, to the nematic LC host mixture N1.

[0486] The RM structures are shown below.

##STR00328##

[0487] The compositions of the polymerisable mixtures are shown in Table 1.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 1 Polymerisable Mixture Composition Mix. No. LC Host RM D1 [%] RM D2 [%] RM T1 [%] C1 N1 0.4 0 0 P1 N1 0.3 0 0.1 C2 N1 0 0.4 0 P2 N1 0 0.3 0.1

Use Example A

[0488] The polymerisable mixtures according to the invention and the polymerisable comparison mixtures are each inserted into a VA e/o test cell. The test cells comprise a VA-polyimide alignment layer (JALS-2096-R1) which is rubbed antiparallel. The LC-layer thickness d is approx. 4 m.

[0489] For polymerisation of the RMs each test cell is irradiated with UV light using a wide band pass filter (300 nm<<400 nm) at varying radiation energy, and while applying a voltage of 14 Vpp (alternating current).

[0490] The tilt angle generated in of various polymerisable mixtures is determined after UV irradiation by a crystal rotation experiment (Autronic-Melchers TBA-105). The tilt angles are shown in Table 2.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 2 Tilt angles C1 P1 C2 P2 UV-Energy/J Pretilt Angle/ 0 88.9 89.0 89.1 89.1 3 88.7 86.5 88.7 87.7 6 87.4 85.4 87.8 86.9 10 86.9 84.8 86.8 86.4

[0491] From Table 2 it can be seen that the mixtures P1 and P2 according to the present invention, which contain a direactive RM (D1 or D2) and a trireactive monomer (T1), show a faster tilt angle generation especially at low radiation energy (3J) than the mixtures C1 and C2 which contain only the direactive RM (D1 or D2).

[0492] This shows that mixtures P1 and P2 according to the present invention provide the advantages of both low viscosity and good tilt angle generation, especially at low radiation energy, which is an important advantage for the display manufacturing process.

[0493] The VHR values of various polymerisable mixtures are measured before and after UV exposure for 80 min at 60 C. using a fluorescent UV lamp type C (305 nm355 nm).

[0494] The VHR values are shown in Table 3.

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 3 VHR values C1 P1 C2 P2 VHR/% Before UV 99.5 99.4 99.5 99.5 exposure & heat treatment After UV exposure 92.0 91.4 99.0 98.2 & heat treatment

[0495] From Table 3 it can be seen that the mixtures P1 and P2 according to the present invention, which contain a direactive RM (D1 or D2) and a trireactive RM (T1), show a VHR value that is comparable to the VHR value of mixtures C1 and C2 which contain only the direactive RM (D1 or D2).

[0496] This shows that mixtures P1 and P2 according to the present invention provide the advantages of both low viscosity and high reliability.

[0497] In order to determine the polymerisation rate, the residual content of unpolymerised RM (in % by weight) in the test cells is measured by HPLC after polymerisation. For this purpose the polymerisable mixture is polymerised in the test cell by exposure to UV light for varying time (40-80 min) using a fluorescent UV lamp type C (305 nm 355 nm).

[0498] The mixture is then rinsed out of the test cell using MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) and measured.

[0499] The residual concentrations of the respective monomer in the mixture after different exposure times are shown in Table 4.

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 4 Residual monomer content Exposure C1 P1 C2 P2 time/min Residual RM/Relative ratio % 40 0.0549 0.0252 0.1403 0.1075 60 0.0415 0.0153 0.0992 0.0839 80 0.0329 0.0142 0.0793 0.0674

[0500] From Table 4 it can be seen that the mixtures P1 and P2 according to the present invention, which contain a direactive RM (D1 or D2) and a trireactive RM (T1), show a better polymerisation with lower amount of residual RM than mixtures C1 and C2, which contain only the direactive RM (D1 or D2).

[0501] This shows that mixtures P1 and P2 according to the present invention provide the advantages of both low viscosity and complete polymerisation with low amount of residual RM.

[0502] Overall, the examples demonstrate that the mixture concept as claimed in this application is suitable for replacing mixtures with terphenyl compounds, and thereby combines the advantage of a low viscosity with the advantages of a good pretilt angle generation especially at low UV energy, a high reliability and a complete polymerisation.

[0503] The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples.

[0504] From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.