LIQUID CRYSTAL COMPOSITION AND LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY INCLUDING THE SAME

Abstract

A liquid crystal composition includes at least one of a difunctional compound represented by Formula (1) defined herein and a difunctional compound represented by Formula (2) defined herein, and at least one of a monofunctional compound represented by Formula (3) defined herein and a monofunctional compound represented by Formula (4) defined herein.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal composition, comprising: at least one difunctional compound selected from the group consisting of difunctional compounds represented by Formulae (1) and (2), and at least one monofunctional compound selected from the group consisting of monofunctional compounds represented by Formulae (3) and (4), ##STR00041## wherein X.sup.1 to X.sup.6, Y.sup.1 to Y.sup.6, and W.sup.1 to W.sup.6 are each, independently of one another, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, a C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkynyl group, and a C.sub.4-C.sub.15 branched alkynyl group, wherein each of said C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkyl group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkyl group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenyl group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenyl group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkynyl group, and said C.sub.4-C.sub.15 branched alkynyl group is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one radical selected from the group consisting of halogen and hydroxyl, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of said C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkyl group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkyl group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenyl group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenyl group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkynyl group, and said C.sub.4-C.sub.15 branched alkynyl group is optionally replaced with a ring radical; Z.sup.1 to Z.sup.4 are each, independently of one another, selected from the group consisting of a single bond and a spacer group; Z.sup.5 and Z.sup.6 are each, independently of one another, selected from the group consisting of a single bond, a C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkylene group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenylene group, and a C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenylene group, wherein each of said C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkylene group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkylene group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenylene group, and said C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenylene group is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one halogen atom, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of said C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkylene group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkylene group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenylene group, and said C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenylene group is optionally replaced with a first divalent radical selected from the group consisting of O, CO, COO, and OCO, with the proviso that when at least two of said CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with said first divalent radicals, said first divalent radicals are not bonded to each other directly; Z.sup.7 and Z.sup.8 are each, independently of one another, selected from the group consisting of a single bond, COO, OCO, CC, a C.sub.1-C.sub.12 straight alkylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkylene group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkenylene group, and a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkenylene group, wherein each of said C.sub.1-C.sub.12 straight alkylene group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkylene group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkenylene group, and said C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkenylene group is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one halogen atom, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of said C.sub.1-C.sub.12 straight alkylene group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkylene group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkenylene group, and said C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkenylene group is optionally replaced with a O radical, with the proviso that when at least two of said CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with said O radicals, said O radicals are not bonded to each other directly; P.sup.1 to P.sup.3, A.sup.1, and A.sup.2 are each, independently of one another, selected from the group consisting of 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-cyclohexenylene, pyridine-2,5-diyl, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, benzofuran-2,5-diyl, tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl, a divalent trioxa-bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl functional group, a divalent dioxa-bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl functional group, and indane-2,5-diyl, each of which is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one radical selected from the group consisting of a C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.8 haloalkyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkoxyl group, halogen, a cyano group, and a nitro group; M.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of CH.sub.2, C(CH.sub.3).sub.2, C(CF.sub.3).sub.2, SiH.sub.2, Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2, and Si(CF.sub.3).sub.2; L.sup.1 to L.sup.3 are each, independently of one another, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, F, Cl, CN, a C.sub.1-C.sub.12 straight alkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkenyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkynyl group, and a C.sub.4-C.sub.12 branched alkynyl group, wherein each of said C.sub.1-C.sub.12 straight alkyl group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkyl group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkenyl group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkenyl group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkynyl group, and said C.sub.4-C.sub.12 branched alkynyl group is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one halogen atom, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of said C.sub.1-C.sub.12 straight alkyl group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkyl group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkenyl group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkenyl group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkynyl group, and said C.sub.4-C.sub.12 branched alkynyl group is optionally replaced with said first divalent radical selected from the group consisting of O, CO, COO, and OCO, with the proviso that when at least two of said CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with said first divalent radicals, said first divalent radicals are not bonded to each other directly; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each, independently of one another, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C.sub.1-C.sub.70 straight alkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.70 branched alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.70 straight alkenyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.70 branched alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.70 straight alkynyl group, and a C.sub.4-C.sub.70 branched alkynyl group, wherein each of said C.sub.1-C.sub.70 straight alkyl group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.70 branched alkyl group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.70 straight alkenyl group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.70 branched alkenyl group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.70 straight alkynyl group, and said C.sub.4-C.sub.70 branched alkynyl group is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one halogen atom, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of said C.sub.1-C.sub.70 straight alkyl group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.70 branched alkyl group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.70 straight alkenyl group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.70 branched alkenyl group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.70 straight alkynyl group, and said C.sub.4-C.sub.70 branched alkynyl group is optionally replaced with said first divalent radical selected from the group consisting of O, CO, COO, and OCO, with the proviso that when at least two of said CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with said first divalent radicals, said first divalent radicals are not bonded to each other directly; n is an integer ranging from 1 to 3, provided that when n is 2 or 3, a plurality of P.sup.1s are the same or different and a plurality of M.sup.1s are the same or different; m is an integer ranging from 0 to 3, provided that when m is 2 or 3, a plurality of Pas are the same or different; and t is an integer ranging from 1 to 2, provided that when t is 2, two A.sup.1s are the same or different and two Z.sup.7s are the same or different.

2. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein said difunctional compound represented by Formula (1) is a difunctional compound represented by Formula (1a), ##STR00042## wherein P.sup.1 and P.sup.2 are each, independently of one another, selected from the group consisting of 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-methyl-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene, and 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene; and M.sup.1, W.sup.1, and W.sup.2 are as defined in claim 1.

3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein said difunctional compound represented by Formula (2) is a difunctional compound represented by Formula (2a), ##STR00043## wherein P.sup.3 is selected from the group consisting of 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-methyl-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene, and 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene; and m, W.sup.3, and W.sup.4 are as defined in claim 1.

4. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein said monofunctional compound represented by Formula (3) is a monofunctional compound represented by Formula (3a), ##STR00044## wherein R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of a C.sub.1-C.sub.30 straight alkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.30 branched alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.30 straight alkenyl group, and a C.sub.3-C.sub.30 branched alkenyl group; and W.sup.5 is as defined in claim 1.

5. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein said monofunctional compound represented by Formula (4) is a monofunctional compound represented by Formula (4a), ##STR00045## wherein A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 are each, independently of one another, selected from the group consisting of 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-methyl-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene, and 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene; Z.sup.7 is selected from the group consisting of a single bond, COO, OCO, CC, a C.sub.1-6 straight alkylene group, and a C.sub.3-C.sub.6 branched alkylene group; and W.sup.6, Z.sup.6, and R.sup.2 are as defined in claim 1.

6. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein said at least one difunctional compound is in an amount ranging from 0.01 part by weight to 5 parts by weight and said at least one monofunctional compound is in an amount ranging from 0.1 part by weight to 20 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of said liquid crystal composition.

7. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, further comprising a liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (5), ##STR00046## wherein R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are each, independently of one another, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, a C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenyl group, and a C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenyl group, wherein each of said C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkyl group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkyl group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenyl group, and said C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenyl group is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one halogen atom, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of said C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkyl group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkyl group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenyl group, and said C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenyl group is optionally replaced with a O radical, with the proviso that when at least two of said CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with said O radicals, said O radicals are not bonded to each other directly; B.sup.1 and B.sup.2 are each, independently of one another, selected from the group consisting of 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, benzofuran-2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl, a divalent dioxa-bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl functional group, a divalent trioxa-bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl functional group, and indane-2,5-diyl, wherein each of said 1,4-phenylene, said 1,4-cyclohexylene, said benzofuran-2,5-diyl, said 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, and said tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one radical selected from the group consisting of halogen and a cyano group, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of said 1,4-phenylene, said 1,4-cyclohexylene, said benzofuran-2,5-diyl, said 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, and said tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl is optionally replaced with a second divalent radical selected from the group consisting of O, N, and S, with the proviso that when at least two of said CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with said second divalent radicals, said second divalent radicals are not bonded to each other directly; Z.sup.11 is selected from the group consisting of a single bond, a C.sub.1-C.sub.4 straight alkylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.4 branched alkylene group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.4 straight alkenylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.4 branched alkenylene group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.4 straight alkynylene group, and a C.sub.4 branched alkynylene group, wherein each of said C.sub.1-C.sub.4 straight alkylene group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.4 branched alkylene group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.4 straight alkenylene group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.4 branched alkenylene group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.4 straight alkynylene group, and said C.sub.4 branched alkynylene group is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one radical selected from the group consisting of halogen and a cyano group, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of said C.sub.1-C.sub.4 straight alkylene group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.4 branched alkylene group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.4 straight alkenylene group, said C.sub.3-C.sub.4 branched alkenylene group, said C.sub.2-C.sub.4 straight alkynylene group, and said C.sub.4 branched alkynylene group is optionally replaced with a third divalent radical selected from the group consisting of O and S, with the proviso that when at least two of said CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with said third divalent radicals, said third divalent radicals are not bonded to each other directly; and n1 is an integer ranging from 0 to 2, provided that when n1 is 2, two B.sup.1s are the same or different and two Z.sup.11s are the same or different.

8. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 7, wherein said liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (5) is selected from the group consisting of a liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (5a) and a liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (5b), ##STR00047## wherein R.sup.11, R.sup.12, and Z.sup.11 are as defined in claim 7; B.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of 1,4-phenylene and 1,4-cyclohexylene, wherein each of said 1,4-phenylene and said 1,4-cyclohexylene is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one radical selected from the group consisting of halogen and a cyano group, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of said 1,4-phenylene and said 1,4-cyclohexylene is optionally replaced with said second divalent radical selected from the group consisting of O, N, and S, with the proviso that when at least two of said CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with said second divalent radicals, said second divalent radicals are not bonded to each other directly; and n1 is an integer ranging from 1 to 2.

9. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 7, wherein said liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (5) is in an amount ranging from 20 parts by weight to 98 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of said liquid crystal composition.

10. A liquid crystal display, comprising the liquid crystal composition according to claim 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] A liquid crystal composition according to the disclosure includes:

[0029] at least one difunctional compound selected from the group consisting of difunctional compounds represented by Formulae (1) and (2), and

[0030] at least one monofunctional compound selected from the group consisting of monofunctional compounds represented by Formulae (3) and (4),

##STR00002##

[0031] wherein

[0032] X.sup.1 to X.sup.6, Y.sup.1 to Y.sup.6, and W.sup.1 to W.sup.6 each, independently of one another, represent hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, a C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkynyl group, or a C.sub.4-C.sub.15 branched alkynyl group, wherein each of the C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkyl group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkyl group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenyl group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenyl group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkynyl group, and the C.sub.4-C.sub.15 branched alkynyl group is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one radical selected from the group consisting of halogen and hydroxyl, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of the C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkyl group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkyl group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenyl group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenyl group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkynyl group, and the C.sub.4-C.sub.15 branched alkynyl group is optionally replaced with a ring radical;

[0033] Z.sup.1 to Z.sup.4 each, independently of one another, represent a single bond or a spacer group;

[0034] Z.sup.5 and Z.sup.6 each, independently of one another, represent a single bond, a C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkylene group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenylene group, or a C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenylene group, wherein each of the C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkylene group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkylene group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenylene group, and the C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenylene group is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one halogen atom, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of the C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkylene group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkylene group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenylene group, and the C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenylene group is optionally replaced with a first divalent radical selected from the group consisting of O, CO, COO, and OCO, with the proviso that when at least two of the CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with the first divalent radicals, the first divalent radicals are not bonded to each other directly;

[0035] Z.sup.7 and Z.sup.8 each, independently of one another, represent a single bond, COO, OCO, CC, a C.sub.1-C.sub.12 straight alkylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkylene group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkenylene group, and a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkenylene group, wherein each of the C.sub.1-C.sub.12 straight alkylene group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkylene group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkenylene group, and the C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkenylene group is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one halogen atom, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of the C.sub.1-C.sub.12 straight alkylene group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkylene group, the C.sub.2 C.sub.12 straight alkenylene group, and the C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkenylene group is optionally replaced with a O radical, with the proviso that when at least two of the CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with the O radicals, the O radicals are not bonded to each other directly;

[0036] P.sup.1 to P.sup.3, A.sup.1, and A.sup.2 each, independently of one another, represent 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-cyclohexenylene, pyridine-2,5-diyl, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, benzofuran-2,5-diyl, tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl, a divalent trioxa-bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl functional group, a divalent dioxa-bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl functional group, or indane-2,5-diyl, each of which is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one radical selected from the group consisting of a C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.8 haloalkyl group, a C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkoxyl group, halogen, a cyano group, and a nitro group;

[0037] M.sup.1 represents CH.sub.2, C(CH.sub.3).sub.2, C(CF.sub.3).sub.2, SiH.sub.2, Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2, or Si(CF.sub.3).sub.2;

[0038] L.sup.1 to L.sup.3 each, independently of one another, represent hydrogen, F, Cl, CN, a C.sub.1-C.sub.12 straight alkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkenyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkynyl group, or a C.sub.4-C.sub.12 branched alkynyl group, wherein each of the C.sub.1-C.sub.12 straight alkyl group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkyl group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkenyl group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkenyl group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkynyl group, and the C.sub.4-C.sub.12 branched alkynyl group is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one halogen atom, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of the C.sub.1-C.sub.12 straight alkyl group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkyl group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkenyl group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.12 branched alkenyl group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.12 straight alkynyl group, and the C.sub.4-C.sub.12 branched alkynyl group is optionally replaced with the first divalent radical selected from the group consisting of O, CO, COO, and OCO, with the proviso that when at least two of the CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with the first divalent radicals, the first divalent radicals are not bonded to each other directly;

[0039] R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each, independently of one another, represent hydrogen, a C.sub.1-C.sub.70 straight alkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.70 branched alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.70 straight alkenyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.70 branched alkenyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.70 straight alkynyl group, or a C.sub.4-C.sub.70 branched alkynyl group, wherein each of the C.sub.1-C.sub.70 straight alkyl group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.70 branched alkyl group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.70 straight alkenyl group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.70 branched alkenyl group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.70 straight alkynyl group, and the C.sub.4-C.sub.70 branched alkynyl group is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one halogen atom, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of the C.sub.1-C.sub.70 straight alkyl group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.70 branched alkyl group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.70 straight alkenyl group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.70 branched alkenyl group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.70 straight alkynyl group, and the C.sub.4-C.sub.70 branched alkynyl group is optionally replaced with the first divalent radical selected from the group consisting of O, CO, COO, and OCO, with the proviso that when at least two of the CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with the first divalent radicals, the first divalent radicals are not bonded to each other directly;

[0040] n is an integer ranging from 1 to 3, provided that when n is 2 or 3, a plurality of P.sup.1s are the same or different and a plurality of M.sup.1s are the same or different;

[0041] m is an integer ranging from 0 to 3, provided that when m is 2 or 3, a plurality of Pas are the same or different; and

[0042] t is an integer ranging from 1 to 2, provided that when t is 2, two A.sup.1s are the same or different and two Z.sup.7s are the same or different.

[0043] The term difunctional compound as used herein indicates a compound having two terminal acrylate groups or two terminal acrylate-derived groups. Similarly, the term monofunctional compound as used herein indicates a compound having one terminal acrylate group or one terminal acrylate-derived group. The term acrylate-derived group as used herein indicates an acrylate group having at least one substituent at position 1 or position 2 thereof, and examples thereof include, but are not limited to,

##STR00003##

[0044] The term spacer group as used herein is a group for bonding a mesogenic group of a mesogenic compound to a polymerizable group of a polymerizable compound, and the details thereof may be found in, for example, Pure Appl. Chem. 73 (5), 888 (2001), C. Tschierske, G. Pelzl, S. Diele, Angew. Chem. 2004, 116, 6340-6368, and the like. Unless defined otherwise, examples of the spacer group, include, but are not limited to, O, COO, OCO, CC, S, N, a straight or branched alkylene group, a straight or branched alkenylene group, a straight or branched alkynylene group, and combinations thereof.

[0045] The term pyridine-2,5-diyl as used herein includes

##STR00004##

The term pyrimidine-2,5-diyl as used herein includes

##STR00005##

The term benzofuran-2,5-diyl as used herein includes

##STR00006##

The term 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl as used herein includes

##STR00007##

The term tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl as used herein includes

##STR00008##

The term divalent dioxa-bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl functional group as used herein includes

##STR00009##

The term divalenttrioxa-bicyclo[2.2.2]octylfunctionalgroup as used herein includes

##STR00010##

The term indane-2,5-diyl as used herein includes

##STR00011##

Difunctional Compound:

[0046] The difunctional compound is selected from the group consisting of the difunctional compound represented by Formula (1) and the difunctional compound represented by Formula (2) as defined above.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the difunctional compound represented by Formula (1) is a difunctional compound represented by Formula (1a),

##STR00012##

[0048] wherein

[0049] P.sup.1 and P.sup.2 each, independently of one another, represent 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-methyl-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene, or 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene; and

[0050] M.sup.1, W.sup.1, and W.sup.2 are as defined above for Formula (1).

[0051] The difunctional compound represented by Formula (1a) can be prepared by any methods well known in the art, for example, according to a reaction scheme shown below.

##STR00013##

[0052] wherein P.sup.1, P.sup.2, W.sup.1, W.sup.2, and M.sup.1 are as defined above.

[0053] In certain embodiments, both P.sup.1 and P.sup.2 in Formula (1a) are 1,4-phenylene, i.e., the difunctional compound represented by Formula (1a) is a difunctional compound represented by:

##STR00014##

[0054] wherein W.sup.1, W.sup.2, and M.sup.1 are as defined above.

[0055] In certain embodiments, P.sup.1 and P.sup.2 in Formula (1a) are 1,4-phenylene and 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, i.e., the difunctional compound represented by Formula (1a) is a difunctional compound represented by:

##STR00015##

[0056] wherein W.sup.1, W.sup.2, and M.sup.1 are as defined above.

[0057] The difunctional compound represented by Formula (1a) used in the following illustrated examples includes difunctional compounds represented by Formulae (1a-1), (1a-2), (1a-3), (1a-4), and (1a-5),

##STR00016##

[0058] In certain embodiments, the difunctional compound represented by Formula (2) is a difunctional compound represented by Formula (2a),

##STR00017##

[0059] wherein

[0060] P.sup.3 represents 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-methyl-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene, or 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene; and

[0061] m, W.sup.3, and W.sup.4 are as defined above for Formula (2).

[0062] In certain embodiments, in Formula (2a), m is 2, and the two P.sup.3s represent 1,4-phenylene and 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylen, respectively, i.e., the difunctional compound represented by Formula (2a) is a difunctional compound represented by:

##STR00018##

[0063] wherein W.sup.3 and W.sup.4 are as defined above.

[0064] In certain embodiments, in Formula (2a), m is 1, and both P.sup.3s are 1,4-phenylene, i.e., the difunctional compound represented by Formula (2a) is a difunctional compound represented by:

##STR00019##

[0065] wherein W.sup.3 and W.sup.4 are as defined above.

[0066] The difunctional compound represented by Formula (1a) used in the following illustrated examples includes difunctional compounds represented by Formulae (2a-1) and (2a-2),

##STR00020##

[0067] Monofunctional Compound:

[0068] The monofunctional compound is selected from the group consisting of the monofunctional compound represented by Formula (3) and the monofunctional compound represented by Formula (4) as defined above.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the monofunctional compound represented by Formula (3) is a monofunctional compound represented by Formula (3a),

##STR00021##

[0070] wherein

[0071] R.sup.1 represents a C.sub.1-C.sub.30 straight alkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.30 branched alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.30 straight alkenyl group, or a C.sub.3-C.sub.30 branched alkenyl group; and

[0072] W.sup.5 is as defined above for Formula (3).

[0073] The monofunctional compound represented by Formula (3a) used in the following illustrated examples includes monofunctional compounds represented by Formulae (3a-1), (3a-2), (3a-3), (3a-4), and (3a-5),

##STR00022##

[0074] In certain embodiments, the monofunctional compound represented by Formula (4) is a monofunctional compound represented by Formula (4a),

##STR00023##

[0075] wherein

[0076] A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 each, independently of one another, represent 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-methyl-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene, or 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene;

[0077] Z.sup.7 represents a single bond, COO, OCO, CC, a C.sub.1-C.sub.6 straight alkylene group, or a C.sub.3-C.sub.6 branched alkylene group; and

[0078] W.sup.6, Z.sup.6, and R.sup.2 are as defined above for Formula (4).

[0079] In certain embodiments, in Formula (4a), t is 1, ring A.sup.1 represents 1,4-phenylene, Z.sup.7 represents a single bond, and ring A.sup.2 represents 1,4-cyclohexylene, i.e., the monofunctional compound represented by Formula (4a) is a monofunctional compound represented by:

##STR00024##

[0080] wherein W.sup.6, Z.sup.6, and R.sup.2 are as defined above.

[0081] In certain embodiments, in Formula (4a), t is 1, ring A.sup.1 represents 1,4-cyclohexylene, Z.sup.7 represents a single bond, and ring A.sup.2 represents 1,4-cyclohexylene, i.e., the monofunctional compound represented by Formula (4a) is a monofunctional compound represented by:

##STR00025##

[0082] wherein W.sup.6, Z.sup.6, and R.sup.2 are as defined above.

[0083] In certain embodiments, in Formula (4a), t is 2, each ring A.sup.1 represents 1,4-phenylene, two Z.sup.7s represent COO and a single bond, respectively, and ring A.sup.2 represents 1,4-cyclohexylene, i.e., the monofunctional compound represented by Formula (4a) is a monofunctional compound represented by:

##STR00026##

[0084] wherein W.sup.6, Z.sup.6, and R.sup.2 are as defined above.

[0085] In certain embodiments, in Formula (4a), t is 2, each ring A.sup.1 represents 1,4-phenylene, two Z.sup.7s represent CF.sub.2O and a single bond, respectively, and ring A.sup.2 represents 1,4-cyclohexylene, i.e., the monofunctional compound represented by Formula (4a) is a monofunctional compound represented by:

##STR00027##

[0086] wherein W.sup.6, Z.sup.6, and R.sup.2 are as defined above.

[0087] In certain embodiments, in Formula (4a), t is 2, each ring A.sup.1 represents 1,4-phenylene, two Z.sup.7s represent CH.sub.2O and a single bond, respectively, and ring A.sup.2 represents 1,4-cyclohexylene, i.e., the monofunctional compound represented by Formula (4a) is a monofunctional compound represented by:

##STR00028##

[0088] wherein W.sup.6, Z.sup.6, and R.sup.2 are as defined above.

[0089] In certain embodiments, in Formula (4a), t is 2, each ring A.sup.1 represents 1,4-phenylene, two Z.sup.7s represent CH.sub.2CH.sub.2 and a single bond, respectively, and ring A.sup.2 represents 1,4-cyclohexylene, i.e., the monofunctional compound represented by Formula (4a) is a monofunctional compound represented by:

##STR00029##

[0090] wherein W.sup.6, Z.sup.6, and R.sup.2 are as defined above.

[0091] The monofunctional compound represented by Formula (4a) used in the following illustrated examples includes monofunctional compounds represented by Formulae (4a-1), (4a-2), (4a-3), (4a-4), (4a-5), (4a-6), and (4a-7),

##STR00030##

Liquid Crystal Composition:

[0092] In the liquid crystal composition according to the disclosure, an amount of the at least one difunctional compound and that of the at least one monofunctional compound can be adjusted depending on specific requirements of the liquid crystal displays and/or properties of other liquid crystal compounds optionally used in the liquid crystal composition.

[0093] In certain embodiments, the at least one difunctional compound is in an amount ranging from 0.01 part by weight to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the liquid crystal composition. In certain embodiments, the at least one difunctional compound is in an amount ranging from 0.01 part by weight to 3 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the liquid crystal composition. In certain embodiments, the at least one difunctional compound is in an amount ranging from 0.1 part by weight to 3 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the liquid crystal composition.

[0094] In certain embodiments, the at least one monofunctional compound is in an amount ranging from 0.1 part by weight to 20 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the liquid crystal composition. In certain embodiments, the at least one monofunctional compound is in an amount ranging from 1 part by weight to 15 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the liquid crystal composition. In certain embodiments, the at least one monofunctional compound is in an amount ranging from 2 parts by weight to 10 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the liquid crystal composition.

[0095] In addition to the at least one difunctional compound and the at least one monofunctional compound, the liquid crystal composition according to the disclosure may include other liquid crystal compound(s) having at least one acrylate group or at least one acrylated-derived group. Examples of such other liquid crystal compound(s) include, but are not limited to, a liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (I) and a liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (II),

##STR00031##

[0096] In certain embodiments, the liquid crystal composition according to the disclosure further includes a liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (5),

##STR00032##

[0097] wherein

[0098] R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 each, independently of one another, represent hydrogen, halogen, a C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkyl group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkyl group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenyl group, or a C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenyl group, wherein each of the C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkyl group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkyl group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenyl group, and the C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenyl group is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one halogen atom, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of the C.sub.1-C.sub.15 straight alkyl group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkyl group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.15 straight alkenyl group, and the C.sub.3-C.sub.15 branched alkenyl group is optionally replaced with a O radical, with the proviso that when at least two of the CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with the O radicals, the O radicals are not bonded to each other directly;

[0099] B.sup.1 and B.sup.2 each, independently of one another, represent 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, benzofuran-2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl, a divalent dioxa-bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl functional group, a divalenttrioxa-bicyclo[2.2.2]octylfunctionalgroup, or indane-2,5-diyl, wherein each of the 1,4-phenylene, the 1,4-cyclohexylene, the benzofuran-2,5-diyl, the 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, and the tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one radical selected from the group consisting of halogen and a cyano group, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of the 1,4-phenylene, the 1,4-cyclohexylene, the benzofuran-2,5-diyl, the 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, and the tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl is optionally replaced with a second divalent radical selected from the group consisting of O, N, and S, with the proviso that when at least two of the CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with the second divalent radicals, the second divalent radicals are not bonded to each other directly;

[0100] Z.sup.11 represents a single bond, a C.sub.1-C.sub.4 straight alkylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.4 branched alkylene group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.4 straight alkenylene group, a C.sub.3-C.sub.4 branched alkenylene group, a C.sub.2-C.sub.4 straight alkynylene group, or a C.sub.4 branched alkynylene group, wherein each of the C.sub.1-C.sub.4 straight alkylene group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.4 branched alkylene group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.4 straight alkenylene group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.4 branched alkenylene group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.4 straight alkynylene group, and the C.sub.4 branched alkynylene group is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one radical selected from the group consisting of halogen and a cyano group, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of the C.sub.1-C.sub.4 straight alkylene group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.4 branched alkylene group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.4 straight alkenylene group, the C.sub.3-C.sub.4 branched alkenylene group, the C.sub.2-C.sub.4 straight alkynylene group, and the C.sub.4 branched alkynylene group is optionally replaced with a third divalent radical selected from the group consisting of O and S, with the proviso that when at least two of the CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with the third divalent radicals, the third divalent radicals are not bonded to each other directly; and

[0101] n1 is an integer ranging from 0 to 2, provided that when n1 is 2, two B.sup.1s are the same or different and two Z.sup.11s are the same or different.

[0102] In certain embodiments, the liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (5) is selected from the group consisting of a liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (5a) and a liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (5b),

##STR00033##

[0103] wherein

[0104] R.sup.11, R.sup.12, and Z.sup.11 are as defined above for Formula (5);

[0105] B.sup.1 represents 1,4-phenylene or 1,4-cyclohexylene, wherein each of the 1,4-phenylene and the 1,4-cyclohexylene is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one radical selected from the group consisting of halogen and a cyano group, and at least one CH.sub.2 group in each of the 1,4-phenylene and the 1,4-cyclohexylene is optionally replaced with the second divalent radical selected from the group consisting of O, N, and S, with the proviso that when at least two of the CH.sub.2 groups are replaced with the second divalent radicals, the second divalent radicals are not bonded to each other directly; and

[0106] n1 is 1 or 2.

[0107] The liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (5a) used in the following illustrated examples includes liquid crystal compounds represented by Formulae (5a-1), (5a-2), (5a-3), and (5a-4),

##STR00034##

[0108] In certain embodiments, in Formula (5b), n1 is 1 and B.sup.1 represents 1,4-cyclohexylene, i.e., the liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (5b) is a liquid crystal compound represented by:

##STR00035##

[0109] wherein R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are as defined above.

[0110] In certain embodiments, in Formula (5b), n1 is 1 and B.sup.1 represents 1,4-phenylene, i.e., the liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (5b) is a liquid crystal compound represented by:

##STR00036##

[0111] wherein R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are as defined above.

[0112] In certain embodiments, in Formula (5b), n1 is 2 and the two B.sup.1s represent 1,4-cyclohexylene and 1,4-phenylene, respectively, i.e., the liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (5b) is a liquid crystal compound represented by:

##STR00037##

[0113] wherein R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are as defined above.

[0114] In certain embodiments, in Formula (5b), n1 is 2 and both B.sup.1s represent 1,4-cyclohexylene, i.e., the liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (5b) is a liquid crystal compound represented by:

##STR00038##

[0115] wherein R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are as defined above.

[0116] The liquid crystal compound represented by Formula (5b) used in the following illustrated examples includes liquid crystal compounds represented by Formulae (5b-1), (5b-2), (5b-3), and (5b-4),

##STR00039##

[0117] In certain embodiments, the compound represented by Formula (5) is in an amount ranging from 20 parts by weight to 98 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the liquid crystal composition. In certain embodiments, the compound represented by Formula (5) is in an amount ranging from 50 parts by weight to 98 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the liquid crystal composition.

[0118] In addition, the liquid crystal composition according to the disclosure may optionally include any liquid crystal compounds having various properties.

Application:

[0119] The liquid crystal composition according to the disclosure can be used to make a liquid crystal layer of a liquid crystal display, especially a liquid crystal display without an alignment film.

[0120] Examples of the disclosure will be described hereinafter. It is to be understood that these examples are exemplary and explanatory and should not be construed as a limitation to the disclosure.

Synthesis Example 1: Preparation of a Difunctional Compound of Formula (1a-2)

[0121] The compound of Formula (1a-2) was synthesized according to the reaction scheme below.

##STR00040##

[0122] 4-bromophenol (0.1 mol) and tetrahydrofuran (100 ml) were added into a reaction flask. Then, N-butyl lithium (0.4 mol) was slowly added into the reaction flask at 70 C. under a nitrogen atmosphere, followed by stirring at 70 C. for 2 hours and further at 10 C. for 2 hours. After that, dimethyldichlorosilane (0.1 mol) was slowly added into the reaction flask at 70 C. under a nitrogen atmosphere, followed by stirring at 70 C. for 2 hours and further at room temperature for 10 hours. Then, triethylamine (0.2 mol) was added into the reaction flask, followed by stirring at room temperature for 10 minutes. Subsequently, 2-methylacryloyl chloride (0.2 mol) was added into the reaction flask, followed by stirring at room temperature for 2 hours to obtain a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate and a saline solution, followed by collecting an organic layer. The organic layer was concentrated and purified via column chromatography using a mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane in a volume ratio of 1:9 as an eluent to obtain the difunctional compound of Formula (1a-2) as a liquid. The molecular weight of the difunctional compound was determined using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and is shown to be m/z=380 [M].sup.+.

Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2: Preparation of Liquid Crystal Compositions

[0123] Each of the liquid crystal compositions of Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 was prepared by homogeneously mixing the compounds and the amounts thereof shown in Table 1 to a premix, followed by heating the premix to a clearing point (T.sub.ni) and then cooling to room temperature.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Comparative Amounts Examples Examples (part by weight) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 Difunctional 1a-1 0.18 compounds 1a-2 0.39 2.04 1a-3 0.19 1a-4 1a-5 2a-1 0.29 2a-2 0.58 0.90 Monofunctional 3a-1 7.38 2.90 compounds 3a-2 4.74 5.51 2.91 3a-3 2.90 0.98 4a-3 9.01 I 0.18 0.78 0.66 0.30 II 0.28 5a-1 9.23 9.48 9.65 9.68 9.01 9.78 9.18 9.71 9.97 5a-2 4.61 4.74 4.83 4.84 4.50 4.89 4.59 4.85 4.99 5a-3 11.07 11.37 11.58 11.62 10.81 11.74 11.02 11.65 11.96 5a-4 12.92 13.27 13.51 13.55 12.61 13.70 12.85 13.59 13.96 5b-1 9.23 9.48 9.65 9.68 9.01 9.78 9.18 9.71 9.97 5b-2 17.53 18.01 18.34 18.39 17.12 18.59 17.44 18.45 18.94 5b-3 13.84 14.22 14.48 14.52 13.51 14.68 13.77 14.56 14.96 5b-4 13.84 14.22 14.48 14.52 13.51 14.68 13.77 14.56 14.96

Application Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Application Examples 1 and 2: Preparation of Liquid Crystal Displays

[0124] Each of the liquid crystal compositions of Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 was injected into a space between two indium tin oxide-coated substrates (ITO-coated substrates) with a cell gap of 3.5 m, followed by sealing according to a common method for preparing a liquid crystal cell. A DC voltage of 12 V was applied to the liquid crystal cell thus prepared while irradiating with ultraviolet light (peak wavelength: 313 nm) for curing to obtain a liquid crystal display.

Measurements:

[0125] Each of the liquid crystal displays of Application Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Application Examples 1 and 2 was measured for vertical alignment thereof according the method below. Furthermore, each of the liquid crystal displays of Application Examples 2, 3, and 6, and Comparative Application Examples 1 and 2 was measured for voltage holding ratio and pretilt angle thereof according to the methods below. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3 below.

1. Vertical Alignment:

[0126] The liquid crystal display was disposed on a polarizing microscope equipped with a polarizer and an analyzer which were arranged orthogonally to one another. The liquid crystal display was irradiated using a light source disposed below the polarizing microscope, and the presence or absence of light leakage was observed to determine the vertical alignment of the liquid crystal display. Evaluation was made according to the standards below. [0127] : light leakage was not observed on the whole liquid crystal display [0128] : light leakage was observed on part(s) of the liquid crystal display [0129] x: light leakage was observed on the whole liquid crystal display

2. Voltage Holding Ratio:

[0130] A DC voltage (charge voltage: 5V, operating frequency: 0.6 Hz, and pulse width: 60 psec) was applied to the liquid crystal display at an environmental temperature of 60 C. to measure the voltage holding ratio thereof. A minimum current and an extremely low leakage voltage of the liquid crystal display were measured using a liquid crystal measuring instrument (Model: ALCT-IV1, Manufacturer: INSTEC Corporation) to determine the voltage holding ratio at a voltage of 5V.

3. Pretilt Angle:

[0131] The pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules in a liquid crystal cell was measured via a crystal rotation method. Specifically, the liquid crystal cell was rotated to change an incident angle of a laser light. The change in phase retardation of the laser light transmitted through the liquid crystal cell was used to determine the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal molecules.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Comparative Application Application Examples Examples Measurement 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 Vertical X X alignment

[0132] As shown in Table 2, all of the liquid crystal displays of Application Examples 1 to 7 have satisfactory vertical alignment, demonstrating that the liquid crystal composition according to the disclosure, which includes the specific difunctional compound and the specific monofunctional compound, exhibits satisfactory vertical alignment. Contrarily, the liquid crystal displays of Comparative Application Examples 1 and 2, in which the liquid crystal compositions only include the monofunctional compound or do not include the difunctional compound and the monofunctional compound, have inferior vertical alignment.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Comparative Application Application Examples Examples Measurements 2 3 6 1 2 Pretilt angle() 90.08 90.27 Voltage holding ratio (%) 96.70 80.69 92.63 69.29 37.14

[0133] As shown in Table 3, each of the liquid crystal displays of Application Examples 2, 3, and 6 has a voltage holding ratio that is significantly higher than that of each of the liquid crystal displays of Comparative Application Examples 1 and 2, demonstrating that the liquid crystal composition according to the disclosure can be used for preparing a liquid crystal display having a superior voltage holding ratio. In addition, each of the liquid crystal displays of Application Examples 2 and 3 has a satisfactory pretilt angle to satisfy subsequent requirements.

[0134] In view of the aforesaid, the liquid crystal composition according to the disclosure, which includes the specific difunctional compound and the specific monofunctional compound, exhibits satisfactory vertical alignment. In addition, the liquid crystal display prepared using the liquid crystal composition according to the disclosure exhibits a superior voltage holding ratio.

[0135] In the description above, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiment(s). It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that one or more other embodiments may be practiced without some of these specific details. It should also be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, an embodiment with an indication of an ordinal number and so forth means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in the practice of the disclosure. It should be further appreciated that in the description, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, FIGURE, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of various inventive aspects, and that one or more features or specific details from one embodiment may be practiced together with one or more features or specific details from another embodiment, where appropriate, in the practice of the disclosure.

[0136] While the disclosure has been described in connection with what is (are) considered the exemplary embodiment(s), it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s) but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.