Nematic liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display element using same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nematic liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound and having a negative dielectric anisotropy () and PSA or PSVA liquid crystal display element produced by using the same. The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention can provide PSA or PSVA liquid crystal display element, in which a sufficient pretilt angle is included, the amount of remaining monomer is small, there are no or almost no problems, e.g., alignment defects and display defects, arisen from a low voltage holding rate (VHR) and the like, and excellent response performance is exhibited. A liquid crystal display element using the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is useful for an active-matrix-drive liquid crystal display element and can be applied to PSA, PSVA, and other liquid crystal display elements.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal composition containing: a polymerizable compound as a first component selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by a general formula (I-21) and a general formula (I-22), ##STR00050## wherein in the formulae (I-21) and (I-22), each of R.sup.101 to R.sup.106 independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, P.sup.11S.sup.11, or P.sup.12S.sup.12, three or four of R.sup.101 to R.sup.106 represent P.sup.11S.sup.11 or P.sup.12S.sup.12, at least one of included S.sup.11 and S.sup.12 is a single bond, each of A.sup.11 and B.sup.11 independently represents a 1,4-phenylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, in which the group may be unsubstituted or be substituted with an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or a halogen, and L.sup.13 represents OCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, C.sub.2H.sub.4, COO, OCO, CHCR.sup.aCOO, CHCR.sup.aOCO, COOCR.sup.aCH, OCOCR.sup.aCH, (CH.sub.2).sub.zCOO, (CH.sub.2).sub.zOCO, OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.z, COO(CH.sub.2).sub.z, CHCH, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, or CC wherein in the formulae, each R.sup.a independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and in the formulae, z represents an integer of 1 to 4; ##STR00051## and at least one liquid crystal compound having an alkenyl side chain group as a second component, wherein the liquid crystal compound having the alkenyl side chain group is a compound represented by a general formula (II), ##STR00052## wherein in the formula (II), R.sup.21 represents an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, R.sup.22 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, one CH.sub.2 or each of a plurality of CH.sub.2 that do not adjoin, which is present in R.sup.22, may be independently substituted with O and/or S, each of at least one hydrogen atom present in R.sup.22 may be independently substituted with a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom, and n.sup.21 represents 0 or 1.

2. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, comprising at least one compound selected from the compound group represented by a general formula (III-1) and a general formula (III-2) as a third component, ##STR00053## wherein in the formulae (III-1) and (III-2), each of R.sup.31 to R.sup.34 independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, one CH.sub.2 or each of a plurality of CH.sub.2 that do not adjoin, present in R.sup.31 to R.sup.34, may be independently substituted with O and/or S, each of at least one hydrogen atom present in R.sup.31 to R.sup.34 may be independently substituted with a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom, each of ring A.sup.32, ring B.sup.31, and ring B.sup.32 represents a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-phenylene group, a 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, a 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octylene group, a piperidine-1,4-diyl group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, and each of Z.sup.31 and Z.sup.32 independently represents OCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CF.sub.2CF.sub.2, or a single bond.

3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, comprising at least one compound selected from the compound group represented by a general formula (IV-A) to a general formula (IV-J) as another component, ##STR00054## wherein in the formulae (IV-A) to (IV-J), each of R.sup.41 and R.sup.42 independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, X.sup.41 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, alkoxy group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a fluorine atom, or a hydrogen atom.

4. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, further comprising at least one compound selected from the compound group represented by a general formula (I-31) and a general formula (I-32), ##STR00055## wherein in the formulae (I-31) and (I-32), R.sup.107 represents P.sup.107S.sup.107, R.sup.110 represents P.sup.110S.sup.110, each of P.sup.107 and P.sup.110 independently represents any one of formula (R-1) to formula (R-15), each of S.sup.107 and S.sup.107 independently represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, at least one CH.sub.2 in the alkylene group may be substituted with O, OCO, or COO such that oxygen atoms do not directly adjoin, each of R.sup.108, R.sup.109, R.sup.111, and R.sup.112 independently represents any one of formula (R-1) to formula (R-15), an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a fluorine atom, or a hydrogen atom, A.sup.12 represents a 1,4-phenylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, a pyridine-2,5-diyl group, a pyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, an indan-2,5-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl group, in which the group may be unsubstituted or may be substituted with an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a halogen, a cyano group, or a nitro group, and L.sup.14 represents a single bond, OCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, C.sub.2H.sub.4, COO, OCO, CHCR.sup.aCOO, CHCR.sup.aOCO, COOCR.sup.aCH, OCOCR.sup.aCH, (CH.sub.2).sub.zCOO, (CH.sub.2).sub.zOCO, OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.z, COO(CH.sub.2).sub.z, CHCH, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, or CC wherein each R.sup.a independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and z represents an integer of 1 to 4.

5. A liquid crystal display element comprising the liquid crystal composition according to claim 1.

6. An active-matrix-drive liquid crystal display element comprising the liquid crystal composition according to claim 1.

7. A liquid crystal display element of PSA mode, PSVA mode, PS-IPS mode, or PS-FSS mode, comprising the liquid crystal composition according to claim 1.

8. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein a liquid crystal display element comprising the liquid crystal composition has a voltage holding rate of 77-86, the voltage holding rate being after radiation of 12 (J) of UV with high-pressure mercury lamp.

9. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein said at least one of L.sup.11 and L.sup.12 represents (CH.sub.2).sub.zC(O)O, (CH.sub.2).sub.zO(CO), O(CO)(CH.sub.2).sub.z, (CO)O(CH.sub.2).sub.z.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(1) A liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention contains a polymerizable compound represented by general formula (I-1)

(2) ##STR00004##
as a first component.
In the formula, Z represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or R.sup.12, and is preferably R.sup.12.

(3) R.sup.11 represents P.sup.11S.sup.11, R.sup.12 represents P.sup.12S.sup.12, and each of P.sup.11 and P.sup.12 independently represents any one of formula (R-1) to formula (R-15)

(4) ##STR00005## ##STR00006##
and is preferably formula (R-1) or formula (R-2).

(5) A plurality of R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 may be the same or may be different from each other.

(6) Each of S.sup.11 and S.sup.12 independently represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and at least one CH.sub.2 in the alkylene group may be substituted with O, OCO, or COO such that oxygen atoms do not directly adjoin. A single bond, an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, in which at least one CH.sub.2 in the alkylene group is substituted with O such that oxygen atoms do not directly adjoin, is preferable and a single bond is particularly preferable. Also, at least one of included S.sup.11 and S.sup.12 is a single bond, and preferably, all the included S.sup.11 and S.sup.12 are single bonds.

(7) Each of M.sup.11, M.sup.12, and M.sup.13 independently represents a 1,4-phenylene group, a benzene-1,2,4-triyl group, a benzene-1,2,4,6-tetrayl group, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, a pyridine-2,5-diyl group, a pyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, an indan-2,5-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl group, in which the group may be unsubstituted or may be substituted with an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a halogen, a cyano group, or a nitro group, and a 1,4-phenylene group, a benzene-1,2,4-triyl group, a benzene-1,2,4,6-tetrayl group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, an indan-2,5-diyl group, and a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, which are unsubstituted or substituted with a methyl group or a fluorine group, are preferable. The ring structures of M.sup.11, M.sup.12, and M.sup.13 present in general formula (I-1) may be completely unsubstituted. However, for the purpose of improving the compatibility of the liquid crystal composition, substitution with one or two fluorine groups or methyl groups in the entire ring structure is preferable and substitution with one fluorine group is more preferable.

(8) At least one of L.sup.11 and L.sup.12 represents O, S, CH.sub.2, OCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, CO, C.sub.2H.sub.4, COO, OCO, OCOOCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2OCOO, OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2O, CONR.sup.a, NR.sup.aCO, SCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2S, CHCR.sup.aCOO, CHCR.sup.aOCO, COOCR.sup.aCH, OCOCR.sup.aCH, COOCR.sup.aCHCOO, COOCR.sup.aCHOCO, OCOCR.sup.aCHCOO, OCOCR.sup.aCHOCO, (CH.sub.2).sub.zC(O)O, (CH.sub.2).sub.zO(CO), O(CO)(CH.sub.2).sub.z, (CO)O(CH.sub.2).sub.z, CHCH, CFCF, CFCH, CHCF, CF.sub.2, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CF.sub.2CH.sub.2, CH.sub.2CF.sub.2, CF.sub.2CF.sub.2, or CC (in the formulae, each R.sup.a independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and in the formulae, z represents an integer of 1 to 4), and each of the other L.sup.11 and L.sup.12 represents a single bond. Each of L.sup.11 and L.sup.12 that is not a single bond but is a linking group is preferably OCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, C.sub.2H.sub.4, COO, OCO, CHCR.sup.aCOO, CHCR.sup.aOCO, COOCR.sup.aCH, OCOCR.sup.aCH, (CH.sub.2).sub.zCOO, (CH.sub.2).sub.zOCO, OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.z, COO(CH.sub.2).sub.z, CHCH, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, or CC (in the formulae, each R.sup.a independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and in the formulae, z represents an integer of 1 to 4), more preferably COO, OCO, CHCHCOO, CHCHOCO, COOCHCH, OCOCHCH, (CH.sub.2).sub.2COO, (CH.sub.2).sub.2OCO, OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.2, COO(CH.sub.2).sub.2, or CC, and further preferably COO, OCO, CHCHCOO, OCOCHCH, (CH.sub.2).sub.2COO, OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.2, or CC.

(9) Each of n.sup.11 and n.sup.12 independently represents an integer of 0 to 3, and a total number of R.sup.1 and R.sup.12 is 3 or 4. A total number of R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 is preferably 3.

(10) A symbol m.sup.11 represents 2 or 3, and is preferably 2.

(11) That is, the polymerizable compound represented by general formula (I-1), which is the first component of the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, has a mesogenic structure including four or five rings, a linking group is included in one place therein, and three or four polymerizable groups are included, as shown in the above-described structure.

(12) Specific examples of polymerizable compounds represented by general formula (I-1) include compounds represented by general formulae (I-21) and (I-22) below.

(13) ##STR00007##

(14) In the formulae, each of R.sup.101 to R.sup.106 independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, P.sup.11S.sup.11, or P.sup.12S.sup.12, three or four of R.sup.101 to R.sup.106 represent P.sup.11S.sup.11 or P.sup.12S.sup.12, each of P.sup.11 and P.sup.12 independently represents any one of formula (R-1) to formula (R-15), each of S.sup.11 and S.sup.12 independently represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and at least one CH.sub.2 in the alkylene group may be substituted with O, OCO, or COO such that oxygen atoms do not directly adjoin. Preferably, each of R.sup.101 to R.sup.106 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or any one of formula (R-1) to formula (R-5), and three or four of R.sup.101 to R.sup.106 represent any one of formula (R-1) to formula (R-5). Further preferably, each of R.sup.101 to R.sup.106 independently represents a hydrogen atom or any one of formula (R-1) to formula (R-3), and three of R.sup.101 to R.sup.106 represent any one of formula (R-1) to formula (R-3).

(15) Each of A.sup.11 and B.sup.11 independently represents a 1,4-phenylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, in which the group may be unsubstituted or be substituted with an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or a halogen. A 1,4-phenylene group or a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, in which the group is unsubstituted or substituted with an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or a fluorine group, is preferable, and a 1,4-phenylene group, which is unsubstituted or substituted with a fluorine group, is further preferable.

(16) L.sup.13 represents OCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, C.sub.2H.sub.4, COO, OCO, CHCR.sup.aCOO, CHCR.sup.aOCO, COOCR.sup.aCH, OCOCR.sup.aCH, (CH.sub.2).sub.zCOO, (CH.sub.2).sub.zOCO, OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.z, COO(CH.sub.2).sub.z, CHCH, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, or CC (in the formulae, each R.sup.a independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and in the formulae, z represents an integer of 1 to 4). Each L.sup.13 is preferably OCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, C.sub.2H.sub.4, COO, OCO, CHCHCOO, CHCHOCO, COOCHCH, OCOCHCH, (CH.sub.2).sub.2COO, (CH.sub.2).sub.2OCO, OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.2, COO(CH.sub.2).sub.2, CHCH, or CC, and further preferably COO, OCO, CHCHCOO, OCOCHCH, (CH.sub.2).sub.2COO, OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.2, or CC.

(17) Further, the compounds represented by general formula (I-21) are preferably, for example, polymerizable compounds represented by general formulae (I-21-01) to (I-21-28).

(18) ##STR00008## ##STR00009## ##STR00010## ##STR00011##

(19) In the formulae, M.sup.A represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and L.sup.A represents COO, OCO, CHCR.sup.aCOO, CHCR.sup.aOCO, COOCR.sup.aCH, OCOCR.sup.aCH, (CH.sub.2).sub.zCOO, (CH.sub.2).sub.zOCO, OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.z, COO(CH.sub.2).sub.z, or CC (in the formulae, each R.sup.a independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and z represents an integer of 1 to 4). In this regard, z represents an integer of 1 to 4. However, 1 to 3 is preferable, 2 to 3 is preferable, and 2 is most preferable.

(20) Further, the compounds represented by general formula (I-22) are preferably polymerizable compounds represented by general formulae (I-22-01) to (I-22-28), for example.

(21) ##STR00012## ##STR00013## ##STR00014## ##STR00015##

(22) In the formulae, each of M.sup.A and L.sup.A represents the same as that described above.

(23) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention contains 0.01 to 5 percent by mass of polymerizable compound represented by general formula (I-1) as the first component, 0.01 to 1 percent by mass is preferable, 0.01 to 0.5 percent by mass is preferable, 0.01 to 0.4 percent by mass is preferable, 0.01 to 0.3 percent by mass is preferable, 0.02 to 0.3 percent by mass is preferable, and 0.05 to 0.2 percent by mass is preferable. For more details, in order to obtain a sufficient pretilt angle, a small amount of remaining monomer, or a high voltage holding rate (VHR), the content is preferably 0.05 to 0.3 percent by mass, and in the case where emphasis is placed on suppression of precipitation at low temperatures, the content is preferably 0.01 to 0.1 percent by mass. Also, in the case where a plurality of polymerizable compounds are contained, it is preferable that 0.02 to 0.2 percent by mass of polymerizable compounds represented by general formula (I-1) be contained.

(24) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention contains a liquid crystal compound having an alkenyl side chain group as the second component.

(25) The liquid crystal compound having an alkenyl side chain group refers to a compound having an unsaturated hydrocarbon portion in a hydrocarbon chain at an end of a mesogenic skeleton composed of a plurality of rings. Specifically, compounds represented by general formula (II)

(26) ##STR00016##
are included.
In the formula, R.sup.21 represents an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and is preferably an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms. R.sup.22 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, one CH.sub.2 or each of at least two CH.sub.2 that do not adjoin, which is present in R.sup.22, may be substituted with O and/or S, and each of at least one hydrogen atom present in R.sup.22 may be substituted with a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom. However, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms is preferable. n.sup.21 represents 0 or 1.

(27) Among the compounds represented by general formula (II), general formula (II-11) and general formula (II-12)

(28) ##STR00017##
(in the formulae, each of R.sup.V and .sup.RV1 independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms) are preferable.

(29) The compounds represented by general formula (II-11) and or general formula (II-12) are preferably formula (II-101) to formula (II-110), for example.

(30) ##STR00018##

(31) Regarding the second component, 1 to 60 percent by mass of compound represented by general formula (II) is contained, 5 to 60 percent by mass is preferable, 10 to 60 percent by mass is preferable, 20 to 60 percent by mass is preferable, 30 to 60 percent by mass is preferable, and 40 to 60 percent by mass is preferable. In more detail, in order to obtain a high response speed, the content is preferably 20 to 60 percent by mass. However, in the case where emphasis is placed on suppression of precipitation at low temperatures, the content is preferably 5 to 40 percent by mass. Also, in the case where emphasis is placed on a high voltage holding rate (VHR), it is preferable that 5 to 30 percent by mass of compound represented by general formula (IT) be contained.

(32) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention can contain a compound represented by general formula (III-1) and general formula (III-2)

(33) ##STR00019##
as a third component.

(34) In the formulae, each of R.sup.31 to R.sup.34 independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, one CH.sub.2 or each of at least two CH.sub.2 that do not adjoin, which is present in R.sup.31 to R.sup.34, may be substituted with O and/or S, and each of at least one hydrogen atom present in R.sup.31 to R.sup.34 may be independently substituted with a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom. However, each of R.sup.31 and R.sup.33 is independently preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, further preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and further preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms. Each of R.sup.32 and R.sup.34 is independently preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and further preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkoxyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

(35) Each of ring A.sup.32, ring B.sup.31, and ring B.sup.32 independently represents a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-phenylene group, a 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, a 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octylene group, a piperidine-1,4-diyl group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group. A trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group is preferable.

(36) Each of Z.sup.31 and Z.sup.32 independently represents OCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CF.sub.2CF.sub.2, or a single bond. However, CH.sub.2O, CF.sub.2O, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, CF.sub.2CF.sub.2, or a single bond is preferable, CH.sub.2O, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, or a single bond is further preferable, and CH.sub.2O or a single bond is particularly preferable.

(37) Specifically, the compounds represented by general formula (III-1) are preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-A1) to general formula (III-A4) below, preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-A1), preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-A3), preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-A4), further preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-A1), and further preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-A3).

(38) ##STR00020##

(39) In the formulae, each of R.sup.31 and R.sup.32 represents the same as that described above.

(40) Specifically, the compounds represented by general formula (III-2) are preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-B1) to general formula (III-B6) below, preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-B1), preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-B3), preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-B4), preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-B5), preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-B6), further preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-B1), and further preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-B3), further preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-B5), further preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-B6), particularly preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-31), and particularly preferably compounds represented by general formula (III-B5).

(41) ##STR00021##

(42) In the formulae, each of R.sup.33 and R.sup.34 represents the same as that described above.

(43) For more details, the third component is preferably a combination of general formula (III-A1) and general formula (III-B1), further preferably a combination of general formula (III-A1), general formula (III-B1), and general formula (III-B4), and further preferably a combination of general formula (III-A1), general formula (III-B1), and general formula (III-B5).

(44) For more details, the third component is preferably a combination of general formula (III-A3) and general formula (III-B5), further preferably a combination of general formula (III-A3), general formula (III-B4), and general formula (III-B5), and further preferably a combination of general formula (III-A3), general formula (III-B5), and general formula (III-B1).

(45) For more details, the third component is preferably a combination of general formula (III-A4) and general formula (III-B1), further preferably a combination of general formula (III-A4), general formula (III-A1), and general formula (III-B1), preferably a combination of general formula (III-A4) and general formula (III-B5), preferably a combination of general formula (III-A4), general formula (III-B5), and general formula (III-B4), preferably a combination of general formula (III-A4) and general formula (III-B1), and further preferably a combination of general formula (III-A4), general formula (III-B1), and general formula (III-B5).

(46) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention contains at least one of compounds represented by general formula (III-1) and general formula (III-2), and preferably contains 2 types to 10 types. The content thereof is preferably 10 to 90 percent by mass, further preferably 20 to 80 percent by mass, and particularly preferably 30 to 70 percent by mass.

(47) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention preferably contains at least one compound selected from the compounds represented by general formula (IV-A) to general formula (IV-J)

(48) ##STR00022##
as another component.

(49) In the formulae, each of R.sup.41 and R.sup.42 independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and is preferably an alkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

(50) X.sup.41 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, alkoxy group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a fluorine atom, or a hydrogen atom, and is preferably a methyl group, a fluorine atom, or a hydrogen atom, and further preferably a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom.

(51) In this regard, each of R.sup.41 and R.sup.42 in general formula (IV-F), general formula (IV-G), general formula (IV-H), and general formula (IV-I) may be an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

(52) Compounds selected from general formula (IV-A), general formula (IV-D), general formula (IV-F), general formula (IV-G), general formula (IV-H), and general formula (IV-I) among general formula (IV-A) to general formula (IV-J) are preferable, compounds selected from general formula (IV-A), general formula (IV-F), general formula (IV-G), general formula (IV-H), and general formula (IV-I) are further preferable, compounds selected from general formula (IV-F), general formula (IV-H), and general formula (IV-I) are further preferable, and compounds selected from general formula (III-F) and general formula (III-H) are particularly preferable.

(53) The content of the compounds selected from the compound group represented by general formula (IV-A) to general formula (IV-J) is 1 percent by mass to 60 percent by mass, preferably 5 percent by mass to 50 percent by mass, preferably 5 percent by mass to 40 percent by mass, preferably 10 percent by mass to 40 percent by mass, and preferably 10 percent by mass to 30 percent by mass.

(54) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention can further contain at least one of compounds represented by general formula (V).

(55) ##STR00023##

(56) In the formula, each of R.sup.61 and R.sup.62 independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

(57) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention may contain at least one of compounds represented by general formula (N-001).

(58) ##STR00024##

(59) In the formula, each of R.sup.N1 and R.sup.N2 independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

(60) In the formula, each of L.sup.1 and L.sup.2 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, CH.sub.3, or CF.sub.3, and at least one of L.sup.1 and L.sup.2 is preferably a fluorine atom. It is also preferable that both be a fluorine atom.

(61) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention can also contain at least one of compounds represented by general formula (VIII-a), general formula (VIII-c), and general formula (VIII-d).

(62) ##STR00025##

(63) In the formula, each of R.sup.51 and R.sup.52 independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(64) ##STR00026##

(65) In the formula, each of R.sup.51 and R.sup.52 represents the same as that described above, each of X.sup.51 and X.sup.52 independently represents a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom, and at least one of X.sup.51 and X.sup.52 is a fluorine atom.

(66) ##STR00027##

(67) In the formula, each of R.sup.51 and R.sup.52 represents the same as that described above, and each of X.sup.51 and X.sup.52 represents the same as that described above.

(68) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention may contain at least one of compounds represented by formula (V-9.1) to formula (V-9.3).

(69) ##STR00028##

(70) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A1), and general formula (IV-F) at the same time, preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A3), and general formula (IV-F) at the same time, preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A4), and general formula (IV-F) at the same time, preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-B1), and general formula (IV-F) at the same time, preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-B3), and general formula (IV-F) at the same time, preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-B4), and general formula (IV-F) at the same time, and preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-B5), and general formula (IV-F) at the same time.

(71) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention further preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A1), general formula (III-B1), and general formula (IV-F) at the same time, further preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A3), general formula (III-B5), and general formula (IV-F) at the same time, further preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A1), general formula (III-B4), and general formula (IV-F) at the same time, and further preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A1), general formula (III-B5), and general formula (IV-F) at the same time.

(72) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A1), and general formula (IV-H) at the same time, preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A3), and general formula (IV-H) at the same time, preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A4), and general formula (IV-H) at the same time, preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-B1), and general formula (IV-H) at the same time, preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-B3), and general formula (IV-H) at the same time, preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-B4), and general formula (IV-H) at the same time, and preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-B5), and general formula (IV-H) at the same time.

(73) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention further preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A1), general formula (III-B1), and general formula (IV-H) at the same time, further preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A3), general formula (III-B5), and general formula (IV-H) at the same time, further preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A1), general formula (III-B4), and general formula (IV-H) at the same time, and further preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A1), general formula (III-B5), and general formula (IV-H) at the same time.

(74) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A1), and general formula (IV-A) at the same time, preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A3), and general formula (IV-A) at the same time, preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A4), and general formula (IV-A) at the same time, preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-B1), and general formula (IV-A) at the same time, preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-B3), and general formula (IV-A) at the same time, preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-B4), and general formula (IV-A) at the same time, and preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-B5), and general formula (IV-A) at the same time.

(75) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention further preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A1), general formula (III-B1), and general formula (IV-A) at the same time, further preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A3), general formula (III-B5), and general formula (IV-A) at the same time, further preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A1), general formula (III-B4), and general formula (IV-A) at the same time, and further preferably contains compounds represented by formula (I-1), formula (II), general formula (III-A1), general formula (III-B5), and general formula (IV-A) at the same time.

(76) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention contains a polymerizable compound represented by general formula (I), but can also contain other polymerizable compounds together.

(77) In that case, compounds represented by general formula (I-31) and general formula (I-32)

(78) ##STR00029##
are preferable.

(79) In the formulae, R.sup.107 represents P.sup.107S.sup.107, R.sup.110 represents P.sup.110S.sup.110, each of P.sup.107 and P.sup.110 represents any one of formula (R-1) to formula (R-15), each of S.sup.107 and S.sup.110 independently represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and at least one CH.sub.2 in the alkylene group may be substituted with O, OCO, or COO such that oxygen atoms do not directly adjoin. Each of S.sup.107 and S.sup.110 is preferably a single bond, an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, in which at least one CH.sub.2 in the alkylene group is substituted with O such that oxygen atoms do not directly adjoin, and particularly preferably a single bond. In the formulae, each of R.sup.108, R.sup.109, R.sup.111, and R.sup.112 independently represents any one of formula (R-1) to formula (R-15), an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a fluorine atom, or a hydrogen atom, A.sup.12 represents a 1,4-phenylene group, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, a pyridine-2,5-diyl group, a pyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, an indan-2,5-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl group, in which the group may be unsubstituted or may be substituted with an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a halogen, a cyano group, or a nitro group, and L.sup.14 represents a single bond, OCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, C.sub.2H.sub.4, COO, OCO, CHCR.sup.aCOO, CHCR.sup.aOCO, COOCR.sup.aCH, OCOCR.sup.aCH, (CH.sub.2).sub.zCOO, (CH.sub.2).sub.zOCO, OCO (CH.sub.2).sub.z, COO(CH.sub.2).sub.z, CHCH, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, or CC (in the formulae, each R.sup.a independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and in the formulae, z represents an integer of 1 to 4).

(80) The polymerizable compounds represented by general formula (I-31) and general formula (I-32) have a mesogenic structure including two or three rings and can further improve the compatibility of the liquid crystal composition by being used in combination with the polymerizable compound represented by general formula (I-1) serving as the first component of the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention.

(81) The content of the polymerizable compounds represented by general formula (I-31) and general formula (I-32) is preferably 0 to 2.00 percent by mass, further preferably 0.01 to 1.00 percent by mass, and particularly preferably 0.02 to 0.60 percent by mass.

(82) The compounds represented by general formula (I-32) are preferably compounds represented by, for example, formula (XX-1) to (XX-10), and further preferably formula (XX-1) to (XX-4).

(83) ##STR00030## ##STR00031##

(84) In formula (XX-1) to (XX-10), Sp.sup.XX represents an alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or O(CH.sub.2).sub.s (in the formula, s represents an integer of 2 to 7, and the oxygen atom is bonded to a ring).

(85) In formula (XX-1) to formula (XX-10), a hydrogen atom in a 1,4-phenylene group may be further substituted with any one of F, Cl, CF.sub.3, CH.sub.3, and formula (R-1) to formula (R-15).

(86) The compounds represented by general formula (I-32) are preferably compounds represented by, for example, formula (M31) to (M48).

(87) ##STR00032## ##STR00033## ##STR00034##

(88) Also, polymerizable compounds represented by formula (M301) to formula (M316) are preferable.

(89) ##STR00035## ##STR00036## ##STR00037##
In formula (M301) to formula (M316), hydrogen atom in a 1,4-phenylene group and a naphthalene group may be further substituted with any one of F, Cl, CF.sub.3, and CH.sub.3.

(90) Also, polymerizable compounds represented by formula (Ia-1) to formula (Ia-31) are preferable.

(91) ##STR00038## ##STR00039## ##STR00040## ##STR00041## ##STR00042##

(92) The liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention may contain common nematic liquid crystals, smectic liquid crystals, cholesteric liquid crystals, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, light stabilizers or infrared absorbents, and the like in addition to the above-described compounds.

(93) Examples of antioxidants include hindered phenols represented by general formula (H-1) to general formula (H-4).

(94) ##STR00043##

(95) In general formula (H-1) to general formula (H-4), R.sup.H1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, one CH.sub.2 or each of at least two CH.sub.2 that do not adjoin, which is present in the group, may be independently substituted with O or S, and each of at least one hydrogen atom present in the group may be independently substituted with a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom. Specifically, an alkyl group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms is preferable, and an alkyl group having 3 to 7 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms is further preferable.

(96) In general formula (H-4), MH.sup.4 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms (at least one CH.sub.2 in the alkylene group may be substituted with O, CO, COO, or OCO such that oxygen atoms do not directly adjoin), OCH.sub.2, CH.sub.2O, COO, OCO, CF.sub.2O, OCF.sub.2, CH.sub.2CF.sub.2, CHCHCOO, CHCHOCO, COOCHCH, OCOCHCH, CHCH, CC, a single bond, a 1,4-phenylene group (any hydrogen atom in the 1,4-phenylene group may be substituted with a fluorine atom), or a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group. An alkylene group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms is preferable. The number of carbon atoms is further preferably 2 to 12, the number of carbon atoms is further preferably 3 to 10, the number of carbon atoms is further preferably 4 to 10, the number of carbon atoms is further preferably 5 to 10, and the number of carbon atoms is further preferably 6 to 10 because the number of carbon atoms is preferably large in consideration of the volatility but it is preferable that the number of carbon atoms be not excessively large in consideration of the viscosity.

(97) In general formula (H-1) to general formula (H-4), one CH or at least two CH that do not adjoin in a 1,4-phenylene group may be substituted with N. Also, each of hydrogen atoms in a 1,4-phenylene group may be independently substituted with a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom.

(98) In general formula (H-1) to general formula (H-4), one CH.sub.2 or at least two CH.sub.2 that do not adjoin in a 1,4-cyclohexylene group may be substituted with O or S. Also, each of hydrogen atoms in a 1,4-cyclohexylene group may be independently substituted with a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom.

(99) Specific examples include formula (H-11) to formula (H-15).

(100) ##STR00044##

(101) In the case where an antioxidant is contained in the liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention, 10 mass ppm or more is preferable, 20 mass ppm or more is preferable, and 50 mass ppm or more is preferable. In the case where the antioxidant is contained, the upper limit is 10,000 mass ppm, preferably 1,000 mass ppm, preferably 500 mass ppm, and preferably 100 mass ppm.

(102) In the liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention, the total content of the first component, the second component, the third component, and compounds selected from a compound group represented by general formula (IV-A) to general formula (IV-J) is preferably 70 to 100 percent by mass, further preferably 80 to 100 percent by mass, and particularly preferably 85 to 100 percent by mass.

(103) The dielectric anisotropy () at 25 C. of the liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention is 2.0 to 8.0, preferably 2.0 to 6.0, more preferably 2.0 to 5.0, and particularly preferably 2.5 to 5.0.

(104) The refractive index anisotropy (n) at 20 C. of the liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention is 0.08 to 0.14, more preferably 0.09 to 0.13, and particularly preferably 0.09 to 0.12. For further details, in the case where a narrow cell gap is employed, 0.10 to 0.13 is preferable. In the case where a wide cell gap is employed, 0.08 to 0.10 is preferable.

(105) The viscosity () at 20 C. of the liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention is 10 to 30 mPa.Math.s, more preferably 10 to 25 mPa.Math.s, and particularly preferably 10 to 22 mPa.Math.s.

(106) The rotational viscosity (1) at 20 C. of the liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention is 60 to 130 mPa.Math.s, more preferably 60 to 110 mPa.Math.s, and particularly preferably 60 to 100 mPa.Math.s.

(107) The nematic phase-isotropic liquid phase transition temperature (T.sub.ni) of the liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound according to the present invention is 60 C. to 120 C., more preferably 70 C. to 100 C., and particularly preferably 70 C. to 85 C.

(108) The liquid crystal display element using the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention has a remarkable feature that rapid response is exhibited. In addition, a sufficient pretilt angle is obtained, the amount of remaining monomer is zero or small to such an extent that no problem occurs, the voltage holding rate (VHR) is high, and there are no problems, e.g., alignment defects and display defects, or the problems are sufficiently suppressed. Also, the pretilt angle and the amount of remaining monomer can be easily controlled and, thereby, optimization and reduction of the production energy cost are easily performed. Therefore, the liquid crystal display element according to the present invention is most suitable for improvement of the production efficiency and stable mass production.

(109) The liquid crystal display element using the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is particularly useful for an active-matrix-drive liquid crystal display element and can be applied to PSA mode, PSVA mode, VA mode, PS-IPS mode, or PS-FFS mode liquid crystal display elements.

(110) Two substrates of a liquid crystal cell included in the liquid crystal display element can use glass or a flexible transparent material such as plastic, and one of them may be an opaque material such as silicon. A transparent substrate having a transparent electrode layer can be obtained by, for example, sputtering indium tin oxide (ITO) on an transparent substrate, e.g., a glass plate.

(111) A color filter can be formed by, for example, a pigment dispersion method, a printing method, an electrodeposition method, a staining method, or the like. A method for forming a color filter by the pigment dispersion method will be described as an example. The transparent substrate is coated with a curable color composition for a color filter, patterning is performed, and curing is performed by heating or light irradiation. This step is performed for each of three colors of red, green, and blue and, thereby, a pixel portion for the color filter can be formed. In addition, a pixel electrode provided with active elements, e.g., TFTs, thin film diodes, and metal insulator metal resistivity elements, may be disposed on the substrate.

(112) The above-described substrates are opposed to each other with the transparent electrode layer inside. In this case, the distance between the substrates may be adjusted by interposing a spacer therebetween. In this case, it is preferable that the thickness of the resulting light control layer be adjusted to 1 to 100 m, and 1.5 to 10 m is further preferable. In the case where a polarizing plate is used, it is preferable that a product of the refractive index n and a cell thickness d of a liquid crystal be adjusted such that the contrast is maximized. Meanwhile, in the case where two polarizing plates are included, the polarization axis of each polarizing plate can be adjusted such that the viewing angle and the contrast are adjusted to become good. In addition, a phase difference film for increasing the viewing angle can also be used. Examples of spacers include glass particles, plastic particles, alumina particles, and photoresist materials. Thereafter, the substrate is screen printed with a sealing agent, e.g., an epoxy-based thermosetting composition, such that a liquid crystal injection hole is provided, the substrates are bonded to each other, and heating is performed so as to thermally cure the sealing agent.

(113) Regarding the method for interposing a liquid crystal composition between the two substrates, a common vacuum injection method or ODF method can be used.

(114) A method for polymerizing the polymerizable compound in the liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound, in which the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains the polymerizable compound, is preferably a method for performing polymerization by radiating active energy rays, e.g., ultraviolet rays and electron beams, alone, in combination, or sequentially because an appropriate polymerization rate is desirable so as to obtain good alignment performance of the liquid crystal. In the case where ultraviolet rays are used, a polarized light source may be used or an unpolarized light source may be used. Meanwhile, in the case where the polymerization is performed in the state in which the liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound is interposed between two substrates, at least the substrate on the irradiation surface side has to be provided with appropriate transparency with respect to the active energy rays. Also, a method, in which only a specific portion is polymerized by using a mask during light irradiation, the alignment state of an unpolymerized portion is then changed by changing the conditions, e.g., an electric field, a magnetic field, and a temperature, and polymerization is further performed by radiating active energy rays, may be employed. In particular, in ultraviolet exposure, it is preferable that ultraviolet exposure be performed while an alternating current electric field is applied to the liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound. Regarding the applied alternating current electric field, the frequency of an alternating current is preferably 10 Hz to 10 kHz, the frequency is more preferably 60 Hz to 10 kHz, and the voltage is selected depending on the predetermined pretilt angle of the liquid crystal display element. That is, the pretilt angle of the liquid crystal display element can be controlled by the applied voltage. It is preferable that the pretilt angle of a liquid crystal display element of MVA mode be controlled to 80 degrees to 89.9 degrees from the viewpoint of alignment stability and contrast.

(115) The temperature during irradiation is preferably within the temperature range in which a liquid crystal state of the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is maintained. Preferably, polymerization is performed at a temperature close to room temperature, that is, typically 15 C. to 35 C. A metal halide lamp, a high-pressure mercury lamp, an extra-high-pressure mercury lamp, and the like can be used as the lamp for generating ultraviolet rays. Also, regarding the wavelength of radiated ultraviolet rays, it is preferable that ultraviolet rays in a wavelength region out of the absorption wavelength region of the liquid crystal composition be radiated. As necessary, it is preferable that ultraviolet rays be used after being cut. The intensity of the radiated ultraviolet rays is preferably 0.1 mW/cm.sup.2 to 100 W/cm.sup.2 and further preferably 2 mW/cm.sup.2 to 50 W/cm.sup.2. The amount of energy of the radiated ultraviolet rays can be appropriately adjusted, and is preferably 10 mJ/cm.sup.2 to 500 J/cm.sup.2 and further preferably 100 mJ/cm.sup.2 to 200 J/cm.sup.2. At the time of radiation of ultraviolet rays, the intensity may be changed. The time of radiation of ultraviolet rays is appropriately selected depending on the intensity of the radiated ultraviolet rays, and is preferably 10 seconds to 3,600 seconds and further preferably 10 seconds to 600 seconds.

EXAMPLES

(116) The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the examples, although the present invention is not limited to these examples. In this regard, % in the compositions of the following examples and the comparative examples refers to percent by mass. In the examples, the following abbreviations are used for expression of compounds.

(117) (Side chain)

(118) -n C.sub.nH.sub.2n+1 straight chain alkyl group having a carbon number of n

(119) n- C.sub.nH.sub.2n+1 straight chain alkyl group having a carbon number of n

(120) -On OC.sub.nH.sub.2n+1 straight chain alkoxyl group having a carbon number of n

(121) nO C.sub.nH.sub.2n+1O straight chain alkoxyl group having a carbon number of n

(122) V CHCH.sub.2

(123) V CH.sub.2CH

(124) V1 CHCHCH.sub.3

(125) 1V CH.sub.3CHCH

(126) -2V CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CHCH.sub.3

(127) V2- CH.sub.3CHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2

(128) -2V1 CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CHCHCH.sub.3

(129) 1V2 CH.sub.3CHCHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2

(130) (Linking Group)

(131) CF20- CF.sub.2O

(132) OCF2- OCF.sub.2

(133) -1O CH.sub.2O

(134) O1- OCH.sub.2

(135) COO COO

(136) (Ring Structure)

(137) ##STR00045## ##STR00046##

(138) In the examples, measured characteristics are as described below.

(139) T.sub.ni: nematic phase-isotropic liquid phase transition temperature ( C.)

(140) n: refractive index anisotropy at 20 C.

(141) : dielectric anisotropy at 25 C.

(142) : viscosity (mPa.Math.s) at 20 C.

(143) .sub.1: rotational viscosity (mPa.Math.s) at 20 C.

(144) K.sub.33: elastic modulus K.sub.33 (pN) at 20 C.

(145) VHR(UV): voltage holding rate after radiation of 12 (J) of UV with high-pressure mercury lamp

Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, Example 1, and Example 2

(146) A liquid crystal composition LC-100 was prepared. Compounds selected from polymerizable compounds RM-21-02, RM-21-08, XX-4, and M302 were added to the resulting LC-100 so as to prepare liquid crystal compositions LC-A (Comparative example 1), LC-B (Comparative example 2), LC-1 (Example 1), and LC-2 (Example 2) and the physical property values thereof were measured. The configurations of the liquid crystal compositions and results of the physical property values thereof are as shown in Table 1.

(147) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Comparative Comparative example 1 example 2 Example 1 Example 2 LC-100 LC-A LC-B LC-1 LC-2 RM-21-02 general formula (I-1), first component 0.2 0.07 RM-21-08 general formula (I-1), first component 0.2 XX-4 general formula (I-32) 0.4 M302 general formula (I-31) 0.4 0.53 LC-100 liquid crystal composition 99.6 99.6 99.6 99.4 3-Cy-Cy-V general formula (II), second component 20 2-Cy-Cy-V1 general formula (II), second component 5 3-Cy-Cy-V1 general formula (II), second component 14 3-Cy-1OPh5O2 general formula (III-1), third component 7 1V-Cy-1OPh5O1 general formula (III-1), third component 5 1V-Cy-1OPh5O2 general formula (III-1), third component 5 3-Cy-Ph5O2 general formula (III-1), third component 3-PhPh5O2 general formula (III-1), third component 2-Cy-Cy-1OPh5O2 general formula (III-2), third component 3-Cy-Cy-1OPh5O2 general formula (III-2), third component 13 V-Cy-Cy-1OPh5O2 general formula (III-2), third component 1V-Cy-Cy-1OPh5O1 general formula (III-2), third component 7 1V-Cy-Cy-1OPh5O2 general formula (III-2), third component 7 3-Cy-Cy-Ph5O2 general formula (III-2), third component 3-Cy-PhPh5O2 general formula (III-2), third component 3-Cy-PhPh5O3 general formula (III-2), third component 3-Cy-PhPh5O4 general formula (III-2), third component 3-Cy-Cy-2 general formula (IV-A) 3-PhPh-1 general formula (IV-F) 8 5-PhPh-1 general formula (IV-F) 3-Cy-Cy-Ph-1 general formula (IV-G) V-Cy-PhPh-3 general formula (IV-H) 9 3-PhPh5Ph-2 general formula (V) 1V2PhPh5Ph2V1 general formula (V) 3-NpPh5Ph-2 general formula (N-001) Total 100 100 100 100 100 Tni [ C.] 75 75 75 75 75 n 0.097 0.097 0.097 0.097 0.097 [mPa .Math. s] 13.3 13.3 13.3 13.3 13.3 1 [mPa .Math. s] 77 77 77 77 77 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 VHR(UV) 60 64 77 81 86

(148) ##STR00047##

(149) It was ascertained that the liquid crystal compositions LC-1 and LC-2 according to the present invention were liquid crystal compositions containing a polymerizable compound, in which physical property values of LC-100 were maintained, sufficient pretilt angles were obtained, there was no remaining monomer, and voltage holding rates (VHR) were high.

(150) On the other hand, regarding LC-A of Comparative example 1, a pretilt angle was hardly obtained, the amount of remaining monomer was large, and the value of VHR(UV) was a low value of 64%. Regarding the result of LC-B of Comparative example 2, VHR(UV) was a slightly higher value of 77%. However, a pretilt angle was hardly obtained and the amount of remaining monomer was large.

(151) The response speeds of the liquid crystal display elements using them were measured. As a result, it was ascertained that rapid response was sufficiently exhibited. In this regard, the cell thickness was 3.5 um, an alignment layer was JALS2096, response speed measurement conditions were such that Von was 6 V, Voff was 1 V, and the measurement temperature was 25 C., and DMS703 produced by AUTRONIC-MELCHERS was used as the measurement apparatus.

Example 3, Example 4, and Example 5

(152) A liquid crystal composition LC-200 was prepared. Compounds selected from polymerizable compounds RM-21-03, RM-21-06, XX-2, and M302 were added to the resulting LC-200 so as to prepare liquid crystal compositions LC-3 (Example 3), LC-4 (Example 4), and LC-5 (Example 5) and the physical property values thereof were measured. The configurations of the liquid crystal compositions and results of the physical property values thereof are as shown in Table 2.

(153) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Example 3 Example 4 Example 5 LC-200 LC-3 LC-4 LC-5 RM-21-03 general formula (I-1), first component 0.05 0.1 RM-21-06 general formula (I-1), first component 0.1 0.1 XX-2 general formula (I-32) 0.3 M302 general formula (I-31) 0.35 0.5 LC-200 liquid crystal composition 99.6 99.4 99.5 3-Cy-Cy-V general formula (II), second component 37 2-Cy-Cy-V1 general formula (II), second component 3-Cy-Cy-V1 general formula (II), second component 3-Cy-1OPh5O2 general formula (III-1), third component 4 1V-Cy-1OPh5O1 general formula (III-1), third component 4 1V-Cy-1OPh5O2 general formula (III-1), third component 4 3-Cy-Ph5O2 general formula (III-1), third component 3-PhPh5O2 general formula (III-1), third component 3 2-Cy-Cy-1OPh5O2 general formula (III-2), third component 3 3-Cy-Cy-1OPh5O2 general formula (III-2), third component 7 V-Cy-Cy-1OPh5O2 general formula (III-2), third component 3 1V-Cy-Cy-1OPh5O1 general formula (III-2), third component 7 1V-Cy-Cy-1OPh5O2 general formula (III-2), third component 7 3-Cy-Cy-2 general formula (IV-A) 3-PhPh-1 general formula (IV-F) 4 5-PhPh-1 general formula (IV-F) 4 3-Cy-PhPh-2 general formula (IV-H) 4 V-Cy-PhPh-3 general formula (IV-H) 9 Total 100 100 100 100 Tni [ C.] 74 74 74 74 n 0.100 0.098 0.098 0.098 [mPa .Math. s] 12.7 12.7 12.7 12.7 1 [mPa .Math. s] 72 72 72 72 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 VHR(UV) 53 78 82 77

(154) ##STR00048##

(155) It was ascertained that the liquid crystal compositions LC-3, LC-4, and LC-5 according to the present invention were liquid crystal compositions containing a polymerizable compound, in which sufficient pretilt angles were obtained, there was no remaining monomer, and voltage holding rates (VHR) were high.

(156) The response speeds of the liquid crystal display elements using them were measured. As a result, it was ascertained that rapid response was sufficiently exhibited. In this regard, the cell thickness was 3.5 um, an alignment layer was JALS2096, response speed measurement conditions were such that Von was 6 V, Voff was 1 V, and the measurement temperature was 25 C., and DMS703 produced by AUTRONIC-MELCHERS was used as the measurement apparatus.

Example 6

(157) A liquid crystal composition LC-300 was prepared. Polymerizable compounds RM-22-02 and M301 were added to the resulting LC-300 so as to prepare a liquid crystal composition LC-6 (Example 6) and the physical property values thereof were measured. The configuration of the liquid crystal composition and results of the physical property values thereof are as shown in Table 3.

(158) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Example 6 LC-300 LC-6 RM-22-09 general formula (I-1), 0.1 first component M301 general formula (I-31) 0.4 LC-300 liquid crystal composition 99.5 3-Cy-Cy-V general formula (II), 29 second component 3-Cy-Cy-V1 general formula (II), 5 second component 3-Cy-1OPh5O2 general formula (III-1), third component 3-Cy-Ph5O2 general formula (III-1), 7 third component 3-PhPh5O2 general formula (III-1), 16 third component 2-Cy-PhPh5O2 general formula (III-2), 6 third component 3-Cy-PhPh5O3 general formula (III-2), 6 third component 3-Cy-PhPh5O4 general formula (III-2), 8 third component 3-Cy-Cy-Ph5O2 general formula (III-2), 10 third component 3-Cy-Cy-Ph5O3 general formula (III-2), 8 third component 3-Cy-Cy-2 general formula (IV-A) 3 3-PhPh-1 general formula (IV-F) 2 5-PhPh-1 general formula (IV-F) 3-Cy-PhPh-2 general formula (IV-H) Total 100 100 Tni [ C.] 81 81 n 0.105 0.105 [mPa .Math. s] 13.5 13.5 1 [mPa .Math. s] 80 80 3.1 3.1 VHR(UV) 53 81

(159) ##STR00049##

(160) It was ascertained that the liquid crystal composition LC-6 according to the present invention was a liquid crystal compositions containing a polymerizable compound, in which a sufficient pretilt angle was obtained, there was no remaining monomer, and a voltage holding rate (VHR) was high. The response speed of the liquid crystal display element using this was measured. As a result, it was ascertained that rapid response was sufficiently exhibited. In this regard, the cell thickness was 3.5 um, an alignment layer was JALS2096, response speed measurement conditions were such that Von was 6 V, Voff was 1 V, and the measurement temperature was 25 C., and DMS703 produced by AUTRONIC-MELCHERS was used as the measurement apparatus.

(161) Consequently, it was ascertained that regarding the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the refractive index anisotropy (n) and the nematic phase-isotropic liquid phase transition temperature (T.sub.ni) were not reduced, the viscosity () was sufficiently low, the rotational viscosity (.sub.1) was sufficiently low, the elastic modulus (K.sub.33) was large, and the negative dielectric anisotropy () having a large absolute value was exhibited, and regarding the VA, PSVA, or PSA liquid crystal display element using the liquid crystal composition, a sufficient pretilt angle was obtained, the amount of remaining monomer was small or zero, the voltage holding rate (VHR) was high, excellent display quality was exhibited, and the response speed was high.