LIQUID CRYSTAL COMPOSITION, LIQUID CRYSTAL ELEMENT, SENSOR, LIQUID CRYSTAL LENS, OPTICAL COMMUNICATION DEVICE, AND ANTENNA

Abstract

A nematic liquid crystal composition having a high Δn and a high Δε in a liquid crystal material that enables greater phase control over electromagnetic waves in the microwave or millimeter wave range, and a liquid crystal element, a sensor, a liquid crystal lens, an optical communication device, and an antenna including the nematic liquid crystal composition. Specifically, a liquid crystal composition containing one or two or more compounds represented by general formula (i) in the specification and one or two or more compounds represented by general formula (ii) in the specification, and having a high Δn and a high Δε.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal composition comprising: one or two or more compounds represented by general formula (i) below: ##STR00076## in general formula (i), R.sup.i1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, wherein one or two or more non-adjacent —CH.sub.2-'s in the alkyl group are each independently optionally substituted with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—, and one or two or more hydrogen atoms in R.sup.i1 are each independently optionally substituted with a fluorine atom, A.sup.i1, A.sup.i2, and A.sup.i3 each independently represent a group selected from the group consisting of the following groups (a) to (c): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, wherein one —CH.sub.2— or two or more non-adjacent —CH.sub.2-'s in the 1,4-cyclohexylene group are optionally substituted with —O—, (b) a 1,4-phenylene group, wherein one —CH═ or two or more non-adjacent —CH='s in the 1,4-phenylene group are optionally substituted with —N═, and (c) a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, wherein one —CH═ or two or more non-adjacent —CH='s in the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group are optionally substituted with —N═, one or two or more hydrogen atoms in the group (a), the group (b), and the group (c) are each independently optionally substituted with a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, Z.sup.i1 and Z.sup.i2 each independently represent —OCH.sub.2—, —CH.sub.2O—, —C.sub.2H.sub.4—, —C.sub.4H.sub.8—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, —CF.sub.2O—, —OCF.sub.2—, —CF.sub.2CF.sub.2—, —C≡C—, or a single bond, wherein at least one Z.sup.i1 or Z.sup.i2 represents —C≡C—, m.sup.i1 represents 1 or 2, a plurality of A.sup.i1s, if present, are optionally same or different, and a plurality of Z.sup.i1s, if present, are optionally same or different; and one or two or more compounds represented by general formula (ii) below: ##STR00077## in general formula (ii), R.sup.ii1 and R.sup.ii2 each independently represent a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, wherein one or two or more non-adjacent —CH.sub.2-'s in the alkyl group are each independently optionally substituted with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—, and one or two or more hydrogen atoms in R.sup.ii1 and R.sup.ii2 are each independently optionally substituted with a fluorine atom, wherein R.sup.ii1 and R.sup.ii2 do not simultaneously represent a substituent selected from a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, and a cyano group, Z.sup.ii1, Z.sup.ii2, and Z.sup.ii3 each independently represent a single bond, —OCH.sub.2—, —CH.sub.2O—, —C.sub.2H.sub.4—, —C.sub.4H.sub.8—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, —CF.sub.2O—, —OCF.sub.2—, —CF.sub.2CF.sub.2—, or —C≡C—, A.sup.ii1, A.sup.ii2, A.sup.ii3, A.sup.ii4, A.sup.ii5, and A.sup.ii6 each independently represent a group selected from the group consisting of the following groups (a) to (c): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, wherein one —CH.sub.2— or two or more non-adjacent —CH.sub.2-'s in the 1,4-cyclohexylene group are optionally substituted with —O—, (b) a 1,4-phenylene group, wherein one —CH═ or two or more non-adjacent —CH='s in the 1,4-phenylene group are optionally substituted with —N═, and (c) a naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, wherein one —CH═ or two or more non-adjacent —CH='s in the naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group are optionally substituted with —N═, one or two or more hydrogen atoms in the group (a), the group (b), and the group (c) are each independently optionally substituted with a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and m.sup.ii1, m.sup.ii2, and m.sup.ii3 each independently represent 0 or 1, wherein m.sup.ii1+m.sup.ii2+m.sup.ii3 represents 0 or 1.

2. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the compound represented by general formula (i) is general formula (i-1) below: ##STR00078## in general formula (i-1), R.sup.i1, A.sup.i1, Z.sup.i1, Z.sup.i2, and m.sup.i1 respectively have a same meaning as R.sup.i1, A.sup.i1, Z.sup.i1, Z.sup.i2, and m.sup.i1 in general formula (i), and X.sup.i1 to X.sup.i6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, wherein X.sup.i1 and X.sup.i2 do not simultaneously represent a fluorine atom, and X.sup.i3 and X.sup.i4 do not simultaneously represent a fluorine atom.

3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the compound represented by general formula (ii) is general formula (ii-1) below: ##STR00079## in general formula (ii-1), R.sup.ii1, R.sup.ii2, Z.sup.ii1, Z.sup.ii2, Z.sup.ii3, A.sup.ii1, A.sup.ii4, A.sup.ii6, m.sup.ii1, m.sup.ii2, and m.sup.ii3 respectively have a same meaning as R.sup.ii1, R.sup.ii2, Z.sup.ii1, Z.sup.ii2, Z.sup.ii3, A.sup.ii1, A.sup.ii4, A.sup.ii6, m.sup.ii1, m.sup.ii2, and m.sup.ii3 in general formula (ii), A.sup.ii2 represents a group selected from the group consisting of the following groups (d) to (f): ##STR00080## X.sup.iid1, X.sup.iid2, X.sup.iie1, X.sup.iie2, X.sup.iif1, and X.sup.iif2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, X.sup.ii1, X.sup.ii2, X.sup.ii3, and X.sup.ii4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

4. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, further comprising one or two or more compounds selected from general formula (1a), general formula (1b), and general formula (1c) below: ##STR00081## in general formulae (la) to (1c), R.sup.11, R.sup.12, and R.sup.13 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkynyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein one methylene group or two or more non-adjacent methylene groups in these groups are optionally substituted with —O— or —S—, and one or two or more hydrogen atoms in these groups are optionally substituted with a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom, M.sup.11, M.sup.12, M.sup.13, M.sup.14, M.sup.15, and M.sup.16 each independently represent any one of the following group (a), group (b), or group (d): (a) a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, wherein one methylene group or two or more non-adjacent methylene groups in the trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group are optionally substituted with —O— or —S—, (b) a 1,4-phenylene group, wherein one —CH═ or two or more non-adjacent —CH='s in the 1,4-phenylene group are optionally substituted with —N═, a 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, or a 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group, and (d) a 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, a 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octylene group, a piperidine-2,5-diyl group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, one or two or more hydrogen atoms in the group (a), the group (b), or the group (d) are each optionally substituted with a cyano group, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a trifluoromethyl group, or a trifluoromethoxy group, L.sup.11, L.sup.12, L.sup.13, L.sup.14, L.sup.15, and L.sup.16 each independently represent a single bond, —COO—, —OCO—, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.2—, —(CH.sub.2).sub.4—, —OCH.sub.2—, —CH.sub.2O—, —OCF.sub.2—, —CF.sub.2O—, or —C≡C—, p, q, and s each independently represent 0, 1, or 2, a plurality of M.sup.12s, M.sup.14s, M.sup.16s, L.sup.11s, L.sup.13s, and/or L.sup.15s, if present, are optionally same or different, X.sup.11, X.sup.12, X.sup.13, X.sup.14, X.sup.15, X.sup.16, and X.sup.17 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, and Y.sup.11, Y.sup.12, and Y.sup.13 each independently represent a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a cyano group, a thiocyanato group, a cyanato group, —C≡C—CN, a trifluoromethoxy group, a trifluoromethyl group, a 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl group, a difluoromethoxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkynyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein one methylene group or two or more non-adjacent methylene groups in these groups are optionally substituted with —O— or —S—, and one or two or more hydrogen atoms in these groups are optionally substituted with a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom, provided that the compound represented by general formula (i) is excluded from the compounds represented by general formulae (1a), (1b), and (1c).

5. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 4, wherein the compound represented by general formula (1a) is general formula (1a-1) below: ##STR00082## in the formula, Y.sup.11, X.sup.11, and X.sup.12 respectively have a same meaning as Y.sup.11, X.sup.11, and X.sup.12 in general formula (1a), R.sup.1a1 represents an alkynyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, wherein one or two or more non-adjacent —CH.sub.2-'s in the alkynyl group are each independently optionally substituted with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—, and one or two or more hydrogen atoms in R.sup.1a1 are each independently optionally substituted with a fluorine atom, X.sup.13 to X.sup.15 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, wherein X.sup.11 and X.sup.13 do not simultaneously represent a fluorine atom, and X.sup.14 and X.sup.15 do not simultaneously represent a fluorine atom, A.sup.1a1 has a same meaning as M.sup.11 in general formula (1a), Z.sup.1a1 has a same meaning as L.sup.11 in general formula (1a), and m.sup.1a1 represents 0 or 1.

6. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein Δn at 25° C. and 589.0 nm is 0.3 or higher.

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

8. The liquid crystal element according to claim 7, wherein the liquid crystal element is driven by an active matrix system or a passive matrix system.

9. A liquid crystal element wherein a dielectric constant is reversely switched by reversely changing an orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal composition according to claim 1.

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

11. A liquid crystal lens comprising the liquid crystal composition according to claim 1.

12. An optical communication device comprising the liquid crystal composition according to claim 1.

13. An antenna comprising the liquid crystal composition according to claim 1.

14. The antenna according to claim 13, comprising: a first substrate having a plurality of slots; a second substrate facing the first substrate and having a power feed section; a first dielectric layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; a plurality of patch electrodes disposed corresponding to the slots; a third substrate having the patch electrodes; and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the third substrate, wherein the liquid crystal layer contains the liquid crystal composition.

15. A compound represented by general formula (i-1-1a) below: ##STR00083## in general formula (i-1-1a), R.sup.i1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, wherein one or two or more non-adjacent —CH.sub.2-'s in the alkyl group are each independently optionally substituted with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—, and one or two or more hydrogen atoms in R.sup.i1 are each independently optionally substituted with a fluorine atom, A.sup.i1 represents a group selected from the group consisting of the following groups (a) to (c): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, wherein one —CH.sub.2— or two or more non-adjacent —CH.sub.2-'s in the 1,4-cyclohexylene group are optionally substituted with —O—, (b) a 1,4-phenylene group, wherein one —CH═ or two or more non-adjacent —CH='s in the 1,4-phenylene group are optionally substituted with —N═, and (c) a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, wherein one —CH═ or two or more non-adjacent —CH='s in the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group are optionally substituted with —N═, hydrogen atoms in the group (a), the group (b), and the group (c) are each independently optionally substituted with a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, Z.sup.i1 each independently represents —OCH.sub.2—, —CH.sub.2O—, —C.sub.2H.sub.4—, —C.sub.4H.sub.8—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, —CF.sub.2O—, —OCF.sub.2—, —CF.sub.2CF.sub.2—, —C≡C—, or a single bond, m.sup.i2 represents 0 or 1, Z.sup.ia1 and Z.sup.ia2 each independently represent a single bond or —C≡C—, wherein at least one of these represents —C≡C—, X.sup.i1, X.sup.i2, X.sup.i3, X.sup.i5, and X.sup.i6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, X.sup.i7, X.sup.i8, and X.sup.i9 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, wherein X.sup.i7 and X.sup.i8 do not simultaneously represent a fluorine atom, and at least one of X.sup.i2, X.sup.i5, X.sup.i6, X.sup.i8, and X.sup.i9 represents a fluorine atom, a plurality of A.sup.i1s, if present, are optionally same or different, and a plurality of Z.sup.i1s, if present, are optionally same or different.

16. A compound represented by general formula (ii-1a) below: ##STR00084## in general formula (ii-1a), R.sup.iia2 represents a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, X.sup.iid1 and X.sup.iia2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, R.sup.ii1 represents a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, wherein one or two or more non-adjacent —CH.sub.2-'s in the alkyl group are each independently optionally substituted with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—, and one or two or more hydrogen atoms in R.sup.ii1 are each independently optionally substituted with a fluorine atom, wherein R.sup.ii1 and R.sup.iia2 do not simultaneously represent a substituent selected from a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, and a cyano group, X.sup.iia1 and X.sup.iia2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and X.sup.iia3, X.sup.iia4, and X.sup.iia5 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or a chlorine atom, wherein at least one of X.sup.iia3, X.sup.iia4, and X.sup.iia5 represents a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a vehicle equipped with an antenna according to the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 2 is an exemplary exploded view of the antenna according to the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 3 is an exemplary exploded view of an antenna body according to the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 4 is an exemplary top view of a slot array part in the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 5 is an exemplary top view of projection of the antenna body according to the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a form of a sectional view of the antenna body in FIG. 5 cut along line A-A.

[0043] FIG. 7 is another form of a sectional view of the antenna body in FIG. 5 cut along line A-A.

[0044] FIG. 8 is another exemplary top view of projection of the antenna body according to the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the antenna body in FIG. 8 cut along line C-C.

[0046] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the antenna body in FIG. 8 cut along line B-B.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0047] A liquid crystal composition, a liquid crystal element, a sensor, a lens, an optical communication device, and an antenna of the present invention will be described in detail below based on embodiments thereof.

[0048] A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains a compound represented by general formula (i) and a compound represented by general formula (ii). The compounds represented by general formula (i) and general formula (ii) are described in order below. The compound represented by general formula (i) has a high Δε and a relatively high Δn and has even more favorable miscibility. Because of this, a liquid crystal composition stable at room temperature can be provided.

[0049] The liquid crystal compound represented by general formula (i) in the present invention is as follows.

##STR00003##

[0050] In general formula (i), R.sup.i1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, wherein one or two or more non-adjacent —CH.sub.2-'s in the alkyl group are each independently optionally substituted with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—, and one or two or more hydrogen atoms in R.sup.i1 are each independently optionally substituted with a fluorine atom.

[0051] R.sup.i1 is a linear or branched group and preferably a linear group. R.sup.i1 preferably represents an alkyl group having 2 to 11 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 3 to 9 carbon atoms, and even more preferably an alkyl group having 4 to 7 carbon atoms.

[0052] Examples of the alkyl group in the present description include, but not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, isodecyl, dodecyl, and 2-ethylhexyl, and a linear alkyl group is preferred.

[0053] A methylene group in R.sup.i1 in general formula (i) is optionally substituted with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO— such that oxygen atoms are not directly adjacent to each other. Specifically, R.sup.i1 is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxy 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, preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkoxy 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, even more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and even more preferably an alkyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0054] When the reliability of the entire liquid crystal composition is important, R.sup.i1 is preferably an alkyl group. When the viscosity of the entire liquid crystal composition is important, R.sup.i1 is preferably an alkenyl group.

[0055] The alkenyl group in the present description is preferably selected from groups represented by any of formulae (R1) to (R5). (The black circle in each formula represents a carbon atom in a ring structure.)

##STR00004##

[0056] The alkenyloxy group in the present description is preferably selected from groups represented by any of formulae (R6) to (R10). (The black circle in each formula represents a carbon atom in a ring structure.)

##STR00005##

[0057] The alkoxy group in the present description includes, but not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, and hexoxy, and a linear alkoxy group is preferred.

[0058] When the ring structure to which R.sup.i1 is bonded is a phenyl group (aromatic group), a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and an alkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms are preferred. When the ring structure to which it is bonded is a saturated ring structure such as cyclohexane, pyran, and dioxane, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and a linear alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms are preferred. To stabilize the nematic phase, the total number of carbon atoms and oxygen atoms, if present, is preferably 5 or less, and preferably they are linear.

[0059] In general formula (i), A.sup.i1, A.sup.i2, and A.sup.i3 each independently represent a divalent cyclic group in which one or two or more hydrogen atoms in the ring structure are each independently optionally substituted with a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The cyclic group is any of groups (a) to (c), and formula (a) or (b) is more preferred. Hydrogen atoms in the group (a), the group (b), and the group (c) are each independently optionally substituted with a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0060] (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (one —CH.sub.2— or two or more non-adjacent —CH.sub.2-'s in this group are optionally substituted with —O—),

[0061] (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (one —CH═ or two or more non-adjacent —CH='s in this group are optionally substituted with —N═), and

[0062] (c) a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one —CH═ or two or more non-adjacent —CH='s in the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group are optionally substituted with —N═.)

[0063] Specific examples of A.sup.i1, A.sup.i2, and A.sup.i3 include divalent cyclic groups represented by formulae (a1) to (a26) below.

##STR00006## ##STR00007## ##STR00008##

(In the above formulae, * represents a bond with a carbon atom or another atom.)

[0064] Among the above divalent cyclic groups, (a1) to (a3), (a5) to (a6), (a9) to (a10), and (a12) to (a25) are preferred, (a1) to (a3), (a5) to (a6), and (a12) to (a25) are more preferred, and (a1) to (a3) and (a12) to (a26) are even more preferred. In terms of improving Δn, (a5) to (a6), (a9) to (a10), and (a12) to (a26) are preferred, and (a1) to (a3), (a5) to (a6), and (a12) to (a26) are more preferred. In terms of further improving Δε, it is preferable that at least one or more of A.sup.i1, A.sup.i2, and A.sup.i3 have (a12), (a14), (a16), (a17), (a18), (a19), (a21), (a23), (a24), (a25), or (a26).

[0065] A plurality of A.sup.i1s, if present, may be the same or different.

[0066] In general formula (i), Z.sup.i1 and Z.sup.i2 each independently represent —OCH.sub.2—, —CH.sub.2O—, —C.sub.2H.sub.4—, —C.sub.4H.sub.8—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, —CF.sub.2O—, —OCF.sub.2—, —CF.sub.2CF.sub.2—, —C≡C—, or a single bond, wherein at least one Z.sup.i1 or Z.sup.i2 represents —C≡C—.

[0067] When Z.sup.i1 and Z.sup.i2 satisfy the above condition, a linking group between the ring structures forming mesogen easily ensures molecular linearity.

[0068] Since at least one of Z.sup.i1 and m.sup.i1 Z.sup.i2s represents —C≡C— in general formula (i), the compound represented by general formula (i) has at least one —C≡C— in its structure.

[0069] Preferably, Z.sup.i1 and Z.sup.i2 are independently a single bond, —C≡C—, —CH═CH—, or —CF═CF—. Z.sup.i1 and Z.sup.i2 are preferably each independently a single bond when the stability of the liquid crystal composition is important, and preferably —C≡C— when Δn is important.

[0070] A plurality of Z.sup.i1s, if present, may be the same or different.

[0071] m.sup.i1 represents 1 or 2, and preferably 1. When m.sup.i1 is 1 or 2, the compound represented by general formula (i) corresponds to a tricyclic or tetracyclic liquid crystal compound and exhibits high miscibility with other liquid crystal compounds.

[0072] A.sup.i1, A.sup.i2, and A.sup.i3, which are ring structures in a molecule of the compound represented by general formula (i) in the present invention, preferably have 1 to 5 fluorine atoms in total, and more preferably have 1 to 4 fluorine atoms.

[0073] A.sup.i1, A.sup.i2, and A.sup.i3, which are ring structures in a molecule of the compound represented by general formula (i) in the present invention, preferably have 0 to 3 halogen atoms (other than fluorine atoms) in total, and more preferably have 0 to 2 halogen atoms.

[0074] A.sup.i1, A.sup.i2, and A.sup.i3, which are ring structures in a molecule of the compound represented by general formula (i) in the present invention, preferably have 1 to 5 halogen atoms (including fluorine atoms) in total, and more preferably have 1 to 4 halogen atoms.

[0075] The compound represented by general formula (i) in the present invention has a cyano group bonded to A.sup.i3. In addition to the cyano group, A.sup.i1, A.sup.i2, and A.sup.i3 which are ring structures in a molecule may have 1 to 3 cyano groups in total.

[0076] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the compounds represented by general formula (i) may be used singly or in combination of two or more. The kinds of compounds that can be combined are not limited, and the compounds are used in appropriate combinations according to the desired performance, such as dielectric constant anisotropy, solubility at room temperature, transition temperature, and birefringence index. For example, one kind of liquid crystal compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, two kinds, three kinds, four kinds, five kinds, six kinds, seven kinds, eight kinds, nine kinds, or ten or more kinds are used.

[0077] The lower limit (% by mass) of the preferred amount of the compound represented by general formula (i) in the total amount of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is 1%, 2%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, 20%, 22%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, and 70%. In terms of preventing inconvenience such as precipitation, the upper limit of the preferred amount is 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 55%, 45%, 35%, 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, and 15%.

[0078] A preferred form of the compound represented by general formula (i) of the present invention is a compound in which, in general formula (i), R.sup.i1 is a linear alkyl group or alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, a linear alkenyl group or alkenyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, A.sup.i1, A.sup.i2, and A.sup.i3 are the above formulae (a1) to (a3), (a19), or (a24), Z.sup.i1 and Z.sup.i2 are each independently a single bond, —COO—, or —C≡C—, and Z.sup.i1 or Z.sup.i2 is —C≡C—, and m.sup.i1 represents 1. The preferred amount of the compound represented by general formula (i) is preferably 5 to 85% by mass, more preferably 10 to 83% by mass, and particularly preferably 13 to 80% by mass of the entire liquid crystal composition (100% by mass).

[0079] The compound represented by general formula (i) is preferably a compound represented by general formula (i-1) below.

##STR00009##

[0080] (In general formula (i-1), R.sup.i1, A.sup.i1, Z.sup.i1, Z.sup.i2, and m.sup.i1 respectively have the same meaning as R.sup.i1, A.sup.i1, Z.sup.i1, Z.sup.i2, and m.sup.i1 in general formula (i), and X.sup.i1 to X.sup.i6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, wherein X.sup.i1 and X.sup.i2 do not simultaneously represent a fluorine atom, and X.sup.i3 and X.sup.i4 do not simultaneously represent a fluorine atom.)

[0081] R.sup.i1, A.sup.i1, Z.sup.i1, Z.sup.i2, and m.sup.i1 in general formula (i-1) are the same as R.sup.i1, A.sup.i1, Z.sup.i1, Z.sup.i2, and m.sup.i1 in general formula (i) and are not further elaborated here.

[0082] In X.sup.i1 to X.sup.i6, X.sup.i1 and X.sup.i2 do not simultaneously represent a fluorine atom, and X.sup.i3 and X.sup.i4 do not simultaneously represent a fluorine atom, whereby the liquid crystal compound represented by general formula (i) easily exhibits a dielectric constant anisotropy (Δε) of 0 or more.

[0083] In terms of increasing the positive value of the dielectric constant anisotropy, preferably, at least one or more of X.sup.i2, X.sup.i4, X.sup.i5, and X.sup.i6 represents a fluorine atom. Introducing a halogen atom such as a fluorine atom at the lateral position of the ring structure is preferred because if so, the miscibility is improved. The use of the compound represented by general formula (i-1) easily ensures storage stability at room temperature.

[0084] m.sup.i1 A.sup.i1s and two benzene rings, which are ring structures in a molecule of the compound represented by general formula (i-1) in the present invention, preferably have 1 to 5 fluorine atoms in total, and more preferably have 1 to 4 fluorine atoms.

[0085] m.sup.i1 A.sup.i1s, which are ring structures in a molecule of the compound represented by general formula (i-1) in the present invention, preferably have 0 to 3 halogen atoms (other than fluorine atoms) in total, and more preferably have 0 to 2 halogen atoms.

[0086] m.sup.i1 A.sup.i1s and two benzene rings, which are ring structures in a molecule of the compound represented by general formula (i-1) in the present invention, preferably have 1 to 5 halogen atoms (including fluorine atoms) in total, and more preferably have 1 to 4 halogen atoms.

[0087] m.sup.i1 A.sup.i1s, which are ring structures in a molecule of the compound represented by general formula (i-1) in the present invention, preferably have 0 to 3 cyano groups in total, and more preferably have 0 to 2 cyano groups.

[0088] Examples of a preferred form of the compounds represented by general formula (i) and general formula (i-1) include compounds represented by general formulae (i-1-a) to (i-1-d) below.

##STR00010##

[0089] In general formulae (i-1-a) to (i-1-d), R.sup.i11 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, the ring X and the ring Y each independently represent a divalent cyclic group represented by formulae (a1) to (a26), and X.sup.i1, X.sup.i2, X.sup.i3, X.sup.i4, X.sup.i5, and X.sup.i6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom.

[0090] In general formulae (i-1-a) to (i-1-d), more preferably, the ring X and the ring Y are each independently (a1) to (a3), (a19), or (a24).

[0091] In general formulae (i-1-a) to (i-1-d), R.sup.i1 is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms in terms of reliability. Among the compounds above, (i-1-a), (i-1-b), and (i-1-c) are preferred.

[0092] Examples of a preferred form of the compounds represented by general formula (i) and general formula (i-1) include a compound represented by general formula (i-1-1) below. The compound represented by general formula (i-1-1) has a relatively high Δn and favorable miscibility. Because of this, a liquid crystal composition stable at room temperature can be obtained.

##STR00011##

(In general formula (i-1-1), R.sup.i1, X.sup.i1 to X.sup.i6, and A.sup.i1 respectively have the same meaning as R.sup.i1, X.sup.i1 to X.sup.i6, and A.sup.i1 in general formula (i) or general formula (i-1),

[0093] X.sup.i7, X.sup.i8, and X.sup.i9 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, wherein X.sup.i7 and X.sup.i8 do not simultaneously represent a fluorine atom,

[0094] Z.sup.i12 represents a single bond or —C≡C—,

[0095] Z.sup.i13 represents a single bond or —C≡C—, wherein at least one Z.sup.i2 or Z.sup.i3 represents —C≡C—, and

[0096] m.sup.i2 represents 0 or 1.)

[0097] In general formula (i-1-1), R.sup.i1, X.sup.i1 to X.sup.i6, and A.sup.i1 are the same as R.sup.i1, X.sup.i1 to X.sup.i6, and A.sup.i1 and Z.sup.i1 in general formula (i) or general formula (i-1) and are not further elaborated here.

[0098] In general formula (i-1-1), X.sup.i7 and X.sup.i8 do not simultaneously represent a fluorine atom, whereby the liquid crystal compound represented by general formula (i-1-1) easily exhibits a dielectric constant anisotropy (Δε) of 0 or more.

[0099] In terms of stability of the liquid crystal composition, preferably, one of Z.sup.i12 and Z.sup.i13 represents —C≡C— and the other represents a single bond.

[0100] In the compound represented by general formula (i-1-1) according to the present invention, preferably, at least one of X.sup.i1 to X.sup.i7 is a fluorine atom. That is, in a molecule of the compound represented by general formula (i-1-1) in the present invention, the benzene ring has a total of one or two or more fluorine atoms that are electron-withdrawing groups. Thus, the compound represented by general formula (i-1-1) more easily exhibits positive dielectric constant anisotropy, and introducing a halogen atom such as a fluorine atom at the lateral position of the ring structure is preferred because if so, the miscibility is improved. The use of the compound represented by general formula (i-1-1) easily ensures storage stability at room temperature.

[0101] A.sup.i1 and three benzene rings, which are ring structures in a molecule of the compound represented by general formula (i-1-1) in the present invention, preferably have 1 to 5 halogen atoms (including fluorine atoms) in total, and more preferably have 1 to 4 halogen atoms.

[0102] As specific structures of general formula (i) according to the present invention, tricyclic or tetracyclic liquid crystal compounds represented by general formulae (i.1) to (i.26) below are preferred. Tricyclic compounds are more preferred in terms of further improving the miscibility of the liquid crystal composition. In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the compounds represented by general formulae (i.1) to (i.26) may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

##STR00012## ##STR00013## ##STR00014## ##STR00015##

[0103] In general formulae (i.1) to (i.26), preferably, R.sup.i1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0104] Among the compounds represented by general formulae (i.1) to (i.26), (i.8) to (i.23) are preferred.

[0105] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the preferred amount of general formula (i) can be used as the amount of each of the compounds in general formulae (i.1) to (i.26) in the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0106] Examples of a preferred form of the compounds represented by general formula (i) and general formula (i-1) include a compound represented by general formula (i-1-1a) below. The compound represented by general formula (i-1-1a) has a tolan structure and has a cyano group at a terminal of the ring structure and has a fluorine atom in X.sup.i4, thereby improving Δε.

##STR00016##

(In general formula (i-1-1a), R.sup.i1, A.sup.i1, Z.sup.i1, and X.sup.i1 to X.sup.i3, X.sup.i5, and X.sup.i6 respectively have the same meaning as R.sup.i1, A.sup.i1, Z.sup.i1, X.sup.i1 to X.sup.i3, X.sup.i5, and X.sup.i6 in general formula (i-1),
m.sup.i2 represents 0 or 1,
Z.sup.ia1 and Z.sup.ia2 each independently represent a single bond or —C≡C—, wherein at least one of these represents —C≡C—,
X.sup.i7 to X.sup.i9 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, wherein X.sup.i7 and X.sup.i8 do not simultaneously represent a fluorine atom, and
in general formula (i-1-1a), at least one of X.sup.i2, X.sup.i5, X.sup.i6, X.sup.i8, and X.sup.i9 represents a fluorine atom.)

[0107] In general formula (i-1-1a), R.sup.i1, A.sup.i1, Z.sup.i1, and X.sup.i1 to X.sup.i3, X.sup.i5, and X.sup.i6 are the same as R.sup.i1, A.sup.i1, Z.sup.i1, and X.sup.i1 to X.sup.i3, X.sup.i5, and X.sup.i6 in general formula (i) or general formula (i-1) and are not further elaborated here.

[0108] In terms of stability of the liquid crystal composition, preferably, one of Z.sup.ia1 and Z.sup.ia2 represents —C≡C— and the other represents a single bond.

[0109] A.sub.i1 and three benzene rings, which are ring structures in a molecule of the compound represented by general formula (i-1-1a) in the present invention, preferably have 1 to 5 halogen atoms (including fluorine atoms) in total, and more preferably have 1 to 4 halogen atoms.

[0110] As specific structures of general formula (i) and general formula (i-1-1a) according to the present invention, tricyclic or tetracyclic liquid crystal compounds represented by general formulae (i.27) to (i.44) below are preferred. Tricyclic compounds are more preferred in terms of further improving the miscibility of the liquid crystal composition. In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the compounds represented by general formulae (i.27) to (i.44) may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

##STR00017## ##STR00018## ##STR00019##

[0111] In general formulae (i.27) to (i.44), R.sup.i1 has the same meaning as R.sup.i1 in general formula (i) but preferably represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0112] Among the compounds represented by general formulae (i.27) to (i.44), (i.27) to (i.34) are preferred.

[0113] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the preferred amount of general formula (i) can be used as the amount of each of the compounds in general formulae (i.27) to (i.44) in the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0114] The compound represented by general formula (i-1-1a) can be produced by a known method and can be produced, for example, by the following method.

##STR00020##

[0115] (In the formulae, R.sup.i1, A.sup.i1, Z.sup.i1, X.sup.i1 to X.sup.i3, and X.sup.i5 to X.sup.i9 respectively have the same meaning as R.sup.i1, A.sup.i1, Z.sup.i1, X.sup.i1 to X.sup.i3, and X.sup.i5 to X.sup.i9 in general formula (i-1-1a).)

[0116] The compound represented by general formula (I-1) is allowed to react with the compound represented by general formula (I-2) to yield the compound represented by general formula (I-3). Examples of the reaction method include the Sonogashira coupling reaction using a palladium catalyst, a copper catalyst, and a base. Specific examples of the palladium catalyst include those listed above. Specific examples of the copper catalyst include copper(I) iodide. Specific examples of the base include triethylamine.

[0117] The compound represented by general formula (I-3) is allowed to reach with, for example, sec-butyllithium and iodine to yield the compound represented by general formula (I-4).

[0118] The compound represented by general formula (I-4) is allowed to react with, for example, bis(pinacolato)diboron to yield the compound represented by general formula (I-5).

[0119] The compound represented by general formula (I-6) is allowed to react with the compound represented by general formula (I-5) to yield the compound represented by general formula (i-1-1a). Examples of the reaction method include cross-coupling in the presence of a metal catalyst and a base. Specific examples of the metal catalyst include [1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]palladium(II) dichloride, palladium(II) acetate, dichlorobis[di-tert-butyl(p-dimethylaminophenyl)phosphino]palladium(II), and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0). When palladium(II) acetate is used as the metal catalyst, a ligand such as triphenylphosphine or 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl may be added. Specific examples of the base include potassium carbonate, potassium phosphate, and cesium carbonate.

[0120] The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains one or two or more compounds represented by general formula (ii). The compound represented by general formula (ii) is as follows.

##STR00021##

[0121] The compound represented by general formula (ii) has a high Δn. The compound represented by general formula (ii) has excellent miscibility with the compound represented by general formula (i) and can be combined with the compound represented by general formula (i) to provide a liquid crystal composition that combines a high Δn and a high Δε.

[0122] In general formula (ii), R.sup.ii1 and R.sup.ii2 each independently represent a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, wherein one or two or more non-adjacent —CH.sub.2-'s in the alkyl group are each independently optionally substituted with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—, and one or two or more hydrogen atoms in R.sup.ii1 and R.sup.ii2 are each independently optionally substituted with a fluorine atom, wherein R.sup.ii1 and R.sup.ii2 do not simultaneously represent a substituent selected from a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, and a cyano group.

[0123] In general formula (ii), R.sup.ii1 is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxy 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, preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkoxy 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, even more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and even more preferably an alkyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0124] When the reliability is important, R.sup.ii1 is preferably an alkyl group. When lower viscosity is important, R.sup.ii1 is preferably an alkenyl group.

[0125] When the ring structure to which R.sup.ii1 is bonded is a phenyl group (aromatic group), a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and an alkenyl group having 4 to 5 carbon atoms are preferred. When the ring structure to which R.sup.ii1 is bonded is a saturated ring structure such as cyclohexane, pyran, and dioxane, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and a linear alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms are preferred. To stabilize the nematic phase, R.sup.ii1 preferably has a total number of carbon atoms and, if present, oxygen atoms of 5 or less and preferably is linear.

[0126] Here, the alkenyl group is preferably selected from groups represented by any of formulae (R1) to (R5) above.

[0127] R.sup.ii2 is preferably a fluorine atom, a cyano group, a trifluoromethyl group, or a trifluoromethoxy group when the compound represented by general formula (ii) is what is called a p-type compound with a positive Δε, and a fluorine atom or a cyano group is preferred.

[0128] When the compound represented by general formula (ii) is what is called a nonpolar compound in which Δε is almost zero, R.sup.ii2 has the same meaning as R.sup.ii1, wherein R.sup.ii2 and R.sup.ii1 may be the same or different.

[0129] In general formula (ii), Z.sup.ii1, Z.sup.ii2, and Z.sup.ii3 each independently represent a single bond, OCH.sub.2—, —CH.sub.2O—, —C.sub.2H.sub.4—, —C.sub.4H.sub.8—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, —CF.sub.2O—, —OCF.sub.2—, —CF.sub.2CF.sub.2, or —C≡C—.

[0130] Here, Z.sup.ii1 to Z.sup.ii3 are preferably single bonds.

[0131] In general formula (ii), A.sup.ii1, A.sup.ii2, A.sup.ii3, A.sup.ii4, A.sup.ii5, and A.sup.ii6 each independently represent a group selected from the group consisting of the following groups (a) to (c).

[0132] (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (one —CH.sub.2— or two or more non-adjacent —CH.sub.2-'s in this group are optionally substituted with —O—.)

[0133] (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (one —CH═ or two or more non-adjacent —CH='s in this group are optionally substituted with —N═.)

[0134] (c) a naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one —CH═ or two or more non-adjacent —CH='s in the naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group are optionally substituted with —N═.)

[0135] One or two or more hydrogen atoms in the group (a), the group (b), and the group (c) are each independently optionally substituted with a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0136] A.sup.ii1 to A.sup.ii6 are each independently preferably aromatic when a higher Δn is required, and preferably aliphatic in order to improve the response speed, and each independently preferably represent 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 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, a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, and more preferably represent the following structure:

##STR00022##

[0137] (R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.) particularly preferably a 1,4-phenylene group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, and a tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, wherein one or two or more hydrogens in the 1,4-phenylene group, the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, and the tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group are each independently optionally substituted with a fluorine atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0138] A.sup.ii2 preferably represents a group selected from the group consisting of the following groups (d) to (f):

##STR00023##

[0139] (X.sup.iid1, X.sup.iid2, X.sup.iie1, X.sup.iie2, X.sup.iif1, and X.sup.iif2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom)

in terms of improving Δn. The group (f) is preferred in terms of miscibility with other liquid crystal compounds.

[0140] In order to enhance the miscibility with other liquid crystal compositions, at least one of A.sup.ii1 to A.sup.ii6 preferably represents a 1,4-phenylene group substituted with an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and more preferably represents a 1,4-phenylene group substituted with an ethylene group.

[0141] In general formula (ii), m.sup.ii1, m.sup.ii2, and m.sup.ii3 each independently represent 0 or 1, where m.sup.ii1+m.sup.ii2+m.sup.ii3 represents 0 or 1.

[0142] Here, m.sup.ii1 is preferably 0 when the solubility in the liquid crystal composition is important, and preferably 1 when Δn and Tni are important.

[0143] Preferably, m.sup.ii1+m.sup.ii2+m.sup.ii3 is 0.

[0144] A.sup.i1 to A.sup.i6, which are ring structures in a molecule of the compound represented by general formula (ii) in the present invention, preferably have 1 to 5 fluorine atoms in total, and more preferably have 1 to 4 fluorine atoms.

[0145] A.sup.i1 to A.sup.i6, which are ring structures in a molecule of the compound represented by general formula (ii) in the present invention, preferably have 0 to 3 halogen atoms (other than fluorine atoms) in total, and more preferably have 0 to 2 halogen atoms.

[0146] A.sup.i1 to A.sup.i6, which are ring structures in a molecule of the compound represented by general formula (ii) in the present invention, preferably have 1 to 5 halogen atoms (including fluorine atoms) in total, and more preferably have 1 to 4 halogen atoms.

[0147] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the compounds represented by general formula (ii) may be used singly or in combination of two or more. The kinds of compounds that can be combined are not limited, and the compounds are used in appropriate combinations according to the desired performance, such as dielectric constant anisotropy, solubility at room temperature, transition temperature, and birefringence index. For example, one kind of liquid crystal compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, two kinds, three kinds, four kinds, five kinds, six kinds, seven kinds, eight kinds, nine kinds, or ten or more kinds are used.

[0148] The lower limit (% by mass) of the preferred amount of the compound represented by general formula (ii) in the total amount of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is 1%, 2%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, 20%, 22%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, and 70%. In terms of preventing inconvenience such as precipitation, the upper limit of the preferred amount is 70%, 65%, 55%, 45%, 35%, 30%, 28%, 25%, 23%, 20%, 18%, and 15%.

[0149] The compound represented by general formula (ii) is preferably a compound represented by general formula (ii-1) below.

##STR00024##

[0150] (In general formula (ii-1), R.sup.ii1, R.sup.ii2, Z.sup.ii1, Z.sup.ii2, Z.sup.ii3, A.sup.ii1, A.sup.ii4, A.sup.ii6, m.sup.ii1, m.sup.ii2, and m.sup.ii3 respectively have the same meaning as R.sup.ii1, R.sup.ii2, Z.sup.ii1, Z.sup.ii2, Z.sup.ii3, A.sup.ii1, A.sup.ii4, A.sup.ii6, m.sup.ii1, m.sup.ii2, and m.sup.ii3 in general formula (ii),

[0151] A.sup.ii2 represents a group selected from the group consisting of the following groups (d) to (f):

##STR00025##

[0152] (X.sup.iid1, X.sup.iid2, X.sup.iie1, X.sup.iie2, X.sup.iif1, and X.sup.iif2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom)

[0153] X.sup.ii1, X.sup.ii2, X.sup.ii3, and X.sup.ii4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.)

[0154] In general formula (ii-1), R.sup.ii1, R.sup.ii2, Z.sup.ii1, Z.sup.ii2, Z.sup.ii3, A.sup.ii1, A.sup.ii4, A.sup.ii6, m.sup.ii1, m.sup.ii2 and m.sup.ii3 are the same as R.sup.ii1, R.sup.ii2, Z.sup.ii1, Z.sup.ii2, Z.sup.ii3, A.sup.ii1, A.sup.ii4, A.sup.ii6, m.sup.ii1, m.sup.ii2, and m.sup.ii3 in general formula (ii) and are not further elaborated here.

[0155] X.sup.iid1, X.sup.iid2, X.sup.iie1, X.sup.iie2, X.sup.iif1, and X.sup.iif2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, preferably one of them is a fluorine atom in terms of improving Δε, and more preferably they all are fluorine atoms.

[0156] Preferably, at least one of X.sup.ii1, X.sup.ii2, X.sup.ii3, and X.sup.ii4 is a fluorine atom in terms of improving Δε. The total number of fluorine atoms of Xiii, X.sup.ii2, X.sup.ii3, and X.sup.ii4 is preferably 0 to 3, and more preferably 0 to 2.

[0157] X.sup.ii1, X.sup.ii2, X.sup.ii3, and X.sup.ii4 are preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms in terms of miscibility, and more preferably an ethyl group.

[0158] The ring structure to which X.sup.ii1 and X.sup.ii2 are bonded and the ring structure to which X.sup.ii3 and X.sup.ii4 are bonded are each preferably the following structure.

##STR00026##

[0159] (Et represents an ethyl group.)

[0160] As specific structures of general formula (ii) according to the present invention, tricyclic or tetracyclic compounds represented by general formulae (ii.1) to (ii.38) below are preferred. Tricyclic compounds are more preferred in terms of further improving the miscibility of the liquid crystal composition. In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the compounds represented by general formulae (ii.1) to (ii.38) may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

##STR00027## ##STR00028##

[0161] In general formula (ii.1) to general formula (ii.38), R.sup.ii1 and R.sup.ii2 each independently represent the same meaning as R.sup.ii1 and R.sup.ii2 in general formula (ii), wherein R.sup.ii1 preferably represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. R.sup.ii2 preferably represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyloxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a fluorine atom, or a chlorine atom.

[0162] Among the compounds represented by general formula (ii.1) to general formula (ii.38), general formulae (ii-1), (ii-10) to (ii-11), and (ii-25) to (ii-29) are preferred.

[0163] Examples of a preferred form of the compounds represented by general formula (ii) and general formula (ii-1) include a compound represented by general formula (ii-1a) below. The compound represented by general formula (ii-1a) has a tolan structure and has two or more electron-withdrawing groups represented by fluorine atoms, chlorine atoms, or cyano atoms in a molecule, thereby improving Δε.

##STR00029##

[0164] (In general formula (ii-1a), R.sup.ii1, X.sup.iid1, and X.sup.iid2 have the same meaning as R.sup.ii1, X.sup.iid1, and X.sup.iid2 in general formula (ii-1),

[0165] R.sup.iia2 represents a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, wherein one or two or more non-adjacent —CH.sub.2-'s in the alkyl group are each independently optionally substituted with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO— or OCO—, and one or two or more hydrogen atoms in R.sup.ii1 are each independently optionally substituted with a fluorine atom, wherein R.sup.ii1 and R.sup.iia2 do not simultaneously represent a substituent selected from a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, and a cyano group,

[0166] X.sup.iia1 and X.sup.iia2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and

[0167] X.sup.iia3, X.sup.iia4, and X.sup.iia5 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or a chlorine atom, wherein at least one of X.sup.iia3, X.sup.iia4, and X.sup.iia5 represents a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom.)

[0168] In general formula (ii-1a), R.sup.ii1, X.sup.iid1, and X.sup.iid2 are the same as R.sup.ii1, X.sup.iid1, and X.sup.iid2 in general formula (ii) or general formula (ii-1) and are not further elaborated here.

[0169] In general formula (ii-1a), in terms of improving solubility, at least one of X.sup.iia1 and X.sup.iia2 preferably represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and more preferably represents an ethyl group.

[0170] In general formula (ii-1a), in terms of further improving Δε, at least one or more of X.sup.iia3 and X.sup.iia4 represents a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom.

[0171] In general formula (ii-1a), when R.sup.iia2 represents a chlorine atom or a cyano group, preferably, X.sup.iia3 represents a fluorine atom.

[0172] Three benzene rings, which are ring structures in a molecule of the compound represented by general formula (ii-1a) in the present invention, preferably have 1 to 5 halogen atoms (including fluorine atoms) in total, and more preferably have 1 to 4 halogen atoms.

[0173] As specific structures of general formula (ii) and general formula (ii-1a) according to the present invention, liquid crystal compounds represented by general formulae (ii-41) to (ii-52) below are preferred. In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the compounds represented by general formulae (ii-41) to (ii-54) may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

##STR00030## ##STR00031##

[0174] In general formula (ii-41) to general formula (ii-54), R.sup.ii1 and R.sup.ii2 each independently represent the same meaning as R.sup.ii1 and R.sup.ii2 in general formula (ii), wherein R.sup.ii1 preferably represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Et represents an ethyl group.

[0175] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the preferred amount of general formula (ii) can be used as the amount of each of the compounds in general formula (ii-41) to general formula (ii-54) in the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0176] The compound represented by general formula (ii-1a) can be produced by a known method and can be produced, for example, by the following method.

##STR00032##

[0177] (In the formulae, R.sup.ii1, R.sup.iia2, X.sup.iia1 to X.sup.iia5, X.sup.iid1, and X.sup.iid2 respectively have the same meaning as R.sup.ii1, R.sup.iia2, X.sup.iia1 to X.sup.iia5, X.sup.iid1, and X.sup.iid2 in general formula (ii-1a).)

[0178] The compound represented by general formula (II-1) is allowed to react with the compound represented by general formula (II-2) to yield the compound represented by general formula (II-3).

[0179] The compound represented by general formula (II-3) is allowed to react with the compound represented by general formula (II-4) to yield the compound represented by general formula (ii-1a).

[0180] Examples of a preferred specific form of the compounds represented by general formula (ii) and general formula (ii-1) include compounds represented by structural formulae (ii-1.1) to (ii-1.96) below.

##STR00033## ##STR00034## ##STR00035## ##STR00036##

[0181] In the formulae, Xs each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

##STR00037##

[0182] In the formulae, Xs each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

##STR00038##

[0183] Among the compounds represented by structural formulae (ii-1.1) to (ii-1.96), (ii-1.2) to (ii-1.8), (ii-1.12) to (ii-1.18), (ii-1.22) to (ii-1.28), (ii-1.32) to (ii-1.38), and (ii-1.41) to (ii-1.96) are preferred.

[0184] In the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, if the amount of the compound represented by general formula (ii) is small, its effect is small, and therefore the lower limit of the preferred amount in the composition is 1% by mass, 2% by mass, 5% by mass, 7% by mass, 9% by mass, 10% by mass, 12% by mass, 15% by mass, 17% by mass, 20% by mass, 25% by mass, and 30% by mass. In terms of preventing inconvenience such as precipitation, the upper limit of the preferred amount is 50% by mass, 40% by mass, 30% by mass, 25% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 15% by mass, 13% by mass, and 10% by mass.

[0185] The above is a description of the compounds represented by general formula (i) and general formula (ii), which are essential components of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention. The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may contain, as optional components, one or two or more selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formulae (1a) to (1c), compounds represented by general formulae (2a) to (2c), and compounds represented by general formula (iii) The optional components of the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention will be described below.

[0186] Preferably, the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention further contains one or two or more compounds selected from general formula (1a), general formula (1b), and general formula (1c) below.

##STR00039##

[0187] In general formulae (1a) to (1c),

[0188] R.sup.11, R.sup.12, and R.sup.13 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkynyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein one methylene group or two or more non-adjacent methylene groups in these groups are optionally substituted with —O— or —S—, and one or two or more hydrogen atoms in these groups are optionally substituted with a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom,

[0189] M.sup.11, M.sup.12, M.sup.13, M.sup.14, M.sup.15, and M.sup.16 each independently represent any one of the following group (a), group (b), or group (d),

[0190] (a) a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group or two or more non-adjacent methylene groups in this group are optionally substituted with —O— or —S—),

[0191] (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (one —CH═ or two or more non-adjacent —CH='s in this group are optionally substituted with —N═), a 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, or a 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene group, and

[0192] (d) a 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, a 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octylene group, a piperidine-2,5-diyl group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group,

[0193] one or two or more hydrogen atoms in the group (a), the group (b), or the group (d) are each optionally substituted with a cyano group, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a trifluoromethyl group, or a trifluoromethoxy group,

[0194] L.sup.11, L.sup.12, L.sup.13, L.sup.14, L.sup.15, and L.sup.16 each independently represent a single bond, —COO—, —OCO—, —CH.sub.2CH.sub.2—, —(CH.sub.2).sub.4—, —OCH.sub.2—, —CH.sub.2O—, —OCF.sub.2—, —N═N—, —CF.sub.2O—, or —C≡C—,

[0195] p, q, and s each independently represent 0, 1, or 2,

[0196] a plurality of M.sup.12s, M.sup.14s, M.sup.16s, L.sup.11s, L.sup.13s, and/or L.sup.15s, if present, may be the same or different,

[0197] X.sup.11, X.sup.12, X.sup.13, X.sup.14, X.sup.15, X.sup.16, and X.sup.17 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, and

[0198] Y.sup.11, Y.sup.12, and Y.sup.13 each independently represent a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a cyano group (—CN), a thiocyanato group (—SCN), a cyanato group (—OCN), —C≡C—CN, a trifluoromethoxy group, a trifluoromethyl group, a 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl group, a difluoromethoxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkynyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein one methylene group or two or more non-adjacent methylene groups in these groups are optionally substituted with —O— or —S—, and one or two or more hydrogen atoms in these groups are optionally substituted with a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom,

[0199] provided that the compound represented by general formula (i) is excluded from the compounds represented by (1a), (1b), and (1c).

[0200] The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably contains at least one or two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by general formulae (1a) to (1c), and particularly preferably contains two to eight compounds. In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the lower limit of the amount (100% by mass of the entire liquid crystal composition) of at least one or two or more liquid crystal compounds selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by general formula (1a) to general formula (1c) is preferably 1% by mass, more preferably 3% by mass, and even more preferably 5% by mass. In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the upper limit of the amount (100% by mass of the entire liquid crystal composition) of at least one or two or more liquid crystal compounds selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by general formula (1a) to general formula (1c) is 60% by mass, preferably 50% by mass, preferably 40% by mass, even more preferably 30% by mass.

[0201] The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention more preferably contains at least one or two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by general formula (1a) or (1b), and even more preferably contains at least one or two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by general formula (1a).

[0202] The lower limit of the preferred amount (% by mass) of the compound represented by formula (1a) in the total amount of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13%, 15%, 18%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%. In terms of preventing inconvenience such as precipitation, the upper limit of the preferred amount is 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, and 3%.

[0203] As a preferred form of the compounds of general formula (1a), compounds represented by general formula (1a.1) to general formula (1a.59) below are preferred.

##STR00040## ##STR00041## ##STR00042## ##STR00043##

[0204] In general formulae (1a.1) to (1a.59), R.sup.11a represents an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0205] R.sup.11c represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a cyano group, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms,

[0206] X.sup.11a to X.sup.iic, X.sup.iig, and X.sup.iih each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, and

[0207] Z.sup.11a, Z.sup.11b, Z.sup.11c, and Z.sup.11d each independently represent —OCH.sub.2—, —CH.sub.2O—, —C.sub.2H.sub.4—, —C.sub.4H.sub.8—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, —CF.sub.2O—, —OCF.sub.2—, —CF.sub.2CF.sub.2—, —C≡C—, or a single bond.

[0208] Among the compounds represented by general formulae (1a.1) to (1a.59), (1a.1) to (1a.24), (1a.26), and (1a.35) to (1a.54) are preferred.

[0209] Specific examples of the compounds of general formula (1a) include compounds represented by structural formulae (1a.11.1) to (1a.48.5) below.

##STR00044## ##STR00045## ##STR00046## ##STR00047## ##STR00048## ##STR00049##

[0210] Among the compounds represented by structural formulae (1a.11.1) to (1a.48.5), (1a.11.2) to (1a.11.5), (1a.18.2) to (1a.18.5), (1a.24.12) to (1a.24.15), (1a.28.2) to (1a.28.5), (1a.28.7) to (1a.28.10), (1a.35.3), (1a.36.3), (1a.47.3), and (1a.48.3) are preferred.

[0211] As a preferred form of general formula (1a), the compound represented by general formula (1a-1) is preferred. The compound represented by general formula (1a-1) can be used to produce a composition having a liquid crystal phase over a wide temperature range, low viscosity, good solubility at low temperatures, high specific resistance and voltage retention, and stability against heat and light, while achieving a high Δn.

##STR00050##

[0212] (In the formula, Y.sup.11, X.sup.11, and X.sup.12 respectively have the same meaning as Y.sup.11, X.sup.11, and X.sup.12 in general formula (1a),

[0213] R.sup.1a1 represents an alkynyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, wherein one or two or more non-adjacent —CH.sub.2-'s in the alkynyl group are each independently optionally substituted with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—, and one or two or more hydrogen atoms in R.sup.1a1 are each independently optionally substituted with a fluorine atom,

[0214] X.sup.13 to X.sup.15 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, wherein X.sup.11 and X.sup.13 do not simultaneously represent a fluorine atom, and X.sup.14 and X.sup.15 do not simultaneously represent a fluorine atom,

[0215] A.sup.1a1 has the same meaning as M.sup.11 in general formula (1a),

[0216] Z.sup.1a1 has the same meaning as L.sup.11 in general formula (1a), and

[0217] m.sup.1a1 represents 0 or 1.)

[0218] The compounds represented by formula (1a-1) may be used singly or in combination of two or more.

[0219] The lower limit of the amount (% by mass) of the compound represented by general formula (1a-1) in the total amount of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is preferably 1 mass %, preferably 2%, preferably 5%, preferably 7%, preferably 9%, preferably 10%, preferably 12%, preferably 15%, preferably 17%, and preferably 20%. In terms of preventing inconvenience such as precipitation, the upper limit is preferably 50%, preferably 40%, preferably 30%, preferably 25%, preferably 20%, preferably 18%, preferably 15%, preferably 13%, and preferably 10%.

[0220] In general formula (1a-1), R.sup.1a1 is preferably an alkynyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and preferably selected from groups represented by any of formulae (R11) to (R15). (The black circle in each formula represents a carbon atom in a ring structure.)

##STR00051##

[0221] (R13) and (R14) are particularly preferred.

[0222] In general formula (1a-1), Y.sup.11 is preferably a fluorine atom, a cyano group, a trifluoromethyl group, or a trifluoromethoxy group when the compound represented by general formula (1a-1) is what is called a p-type compound with a positive Δε, and preferably a fluorine atom or a cyano group in terms of improving Δε.

[0223] When the compound represented by general formula (1a-1) is what is called a nonpolar compound in which Δε is almost zero, Y.sup.11 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkynyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein one methylene group or two or more non-adjacent methylene groups in these groups preferably represent a group optionally substituted with —O— or —S—.

[0224] A.sup.1a1 is preferably aromatic when a higher Δn is required, preferably aliphatic in order to improve the response speed, preferably each 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 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, a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, and more preferably represents the following structure,

##STR00052##

more preferably represents a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group.

[0225] Z.sup.1a1 is preferably a single bond.

[0226] m.sup.1a1 is preferably 0 when the solubility in the liquid crystal composition is important, and preferably 1 when Δn and Tni are important.

[0227] X.sup.11 to X.sup.14 are all hydrogen atoms, or preferably one is a fluorine atom and the rest are hydrogen atoms, and preferably X.sup.14 is a fluorine atom and the rest are hydrogen atoms.

[0228] The compounds represented by general formula (1a-1) are preferably compounds represented by general formula (1a-11) to general formula (1a-34) below.

##STR00053## ##STR00054## ##STR00055## ##STR00056##

[0229] Preferably, the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention further contains one or two or more compounds represented by general formulae (2a) to (2c) below.

##STR00057##

[0230] In formulae (2a) to (2c),

[0231] R.sup.2a and R.sup.2b each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms and may be linear or have a methyl or ethyl branch, and may have a 3 to 6 membered ring structure, wherein arbitrary —CH.sub.2— present in the group is optionally substituted with —O—, —S—, —CH═CH—, —CH═CF—, —CF═CH—, —CF═CF—, or —C≡C—, and an arbitrary hydrogen atom in the group is optionally substituted with a fluorine atom or a trifluoromethoxy group,

[0232] the ring A, the ring B, the ring C, and the ring D each independently represent a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, a trans-decahydronaphthalene-trans-2,6-diyl group, a 1,4-phenylene group optionally substituted with one or two fluorine atoms or methyl groups, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group optionally substituted with one or more fluorine atoms, a tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group optionally substituted with one or two fluorine atoms, a 1,4-cyclohexenylene group optionally substituted with one or two fluorine atoms, a 1,3-dioxane-trans-2,5-diyl group, a pyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, or a pyridine-2,5-diyl group,

[0233] L.sup.2a, L.sup.2b, and L.sup.2c are each an independent linking group and represent a single bond, an ethylene group (—CH.sub.2CH.sub.2—), a 1,2-propylene group (—CH(CH.sub.3) CH.sub.2— and —CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3)—), a 1,4-butylene group, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCF.sub.2—, —CF.sub.2O, —CH═CH—, —CH═CF—, —CF═CH—, —CF═CF—, —C≡C—, or —CH═N—N═CH—.

[0234] The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by general formulae (2a) to (2c), and particularly preferably contains two to eight compounds. In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the lower limit of the amount (100% by mass of the entire liquid crystal composition) of at least one or two or more liquid crystal compounds selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by general formula (2a) to general formula (2c) is preferably 0% by mass, more preferably 3% by mass, and even more preferably 5% by mass. In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the upper limit of the amount (100% by mass of the entire liquid crystal composition) of at least one or two or more liquid crystal compounds selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by general formula (2a) to general formula (2c) is 50% by mass, preferably 45% by mass, preferably 38% by mass, and even more preferably 25% by mass.

[0235] The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention more preferably contains at least one or two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by general formula (2a) or (2b), and even more preferably contains one or two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by general formula (2a).

[0236] The lower limit of the preferred amount (% by mass) of the compound represented by formula (2a) in the total amount of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, and 3%. In terms of preventing inconvenience such as precipitation, the upper limit of the preferred amount is 45%, 35%, 25% 15%, 10%, 8%, and 5%.

[0237] Examples of a preferred form of the compounds represented by general formulae (2a) to (2c) include compounds represented by general formulae (2a-1) to (2a-28) below.

##STR00058## ##STR00059## ##STR00060## ##STR00061##

[0238] In general formulae (2a-1) to (2a-29), R.sup.2a and R.sup.2b each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, or a thioalkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and the ring E, the ring F, the ring G, and the ring H each independently represent any one of formulae (a1) to (a25).

[0239] Among the compounds of general formulae (2a-1) to (2a-29), (2a-1) to (2a-3), (2a-5), (2a-8) to (2a-10), and (2a-12) are preferred.

[0240] Specific examples of the compounds of general formula (2a) according to the present invention include compounds represented by structural formulae (2a-5.1) to (2a-5.13) and (2a-12.1) to (2a-12.8) below.

##STR00062## ##STR00063## ##STR00064## ##STR00065##

[0241] Among the compounds represented by structural formulae (2a-5.1) to (2a-5.13) and (2a-12.1) to (2a-12.8), (2a-5.2) to (2a-5.5), (2a-5.11) to (2a-5.13), and (2a-12.1) to (2a-12.4) are preferred.

[0242] Preferably, the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention further contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formula (iii).

##STR00066##

[0243] In general formula (iii),

[0244] R.sup.iii1 represents a linear or branched alkyl group or alkyl halide group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, wherein a methylene group or an alkylene halide group containing one secondary carbon atom in these groups is optionally substituted with —O—, —CH═CH—, or —C≡C— such that oxygen atoms are not directly adjacent to each other,

[0245] m.sup.iii1 represents an integer of 0, 1, or 2,

[0246] A.sup.iii1 to A.sup.iii3 each independently represent any one of the following groups (a) to (c),

[0247] (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (one methylene group or two or more non-adjacent methylene groups in this group are optionally substituted with —O— or —S—),

[0248] (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (one —CH═ or two or more non-adjacent —CH='s in this group are optionally substituted with —N═),

[0249] (c) a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one —CH═ or two or more non-adjacent —CH='s in the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group are optionally substituted with —N═),

[0250] hydrogen atoms in the groups (a) to (c) are each independently optionally substituted with a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or a linear or branched alkyl group or alkyl halide group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms,

[0251] Z.sup.iii1 and Z.sup.iii2 each independently represent a single bond, —C≡C—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, or —C(R.sup.iiia)═N—N═C(R.sup.iiib)—, wherein R.sup.iiia and R.sup.iiib each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a linear or branched alkyl group or alkyl halide group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and

[0252] a plurality of A.sup.iii1s and Z.sup.iii1s present when m.sup.iii1 is 2 may be the same or different.

[0253] In general formula (iii), R.sup.iii1 preferably represents a linear alkyl group or an alkyl halide group having 1 to 11 carbon atoms, wherein a methylene group or an alkylene halide group containing one secondary carbon atom in these groups is optionally substituted with —O—, —CH═CH—, or —C≡C— such that oxygen atoms are not directly adjacent to each other.

[0254] In general formula (iii), A.sup.iii1 to A.sup.iii3 are preferably each independently a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group optionally substituted with a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or a linear alkyl group or alkyl halide group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of A.sup.iii1 to A.sup.iii3 similarly include divalent cyclic groups represented by formulae (a1) to (a25) exemplified for A.sup.i1 of general formula (i). Specifically, A.sup.iii1 to A.sup.iii3 are each independently preferably formulae (a1) to (a3), (a5) to (a6), (a9) to (a10), (a12) to (a25), more preferably (a1) to (a3) and (a12) to (a25), and even more preferably (a1) to (a3) and (a12) to (a18).

[0255] In general formula (iii), Z.sup.iii1 and Z.sup.iii2 preferably each independently represent a single bond, —C≡C—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, or —C(R.sup.iiia)═N—N═C(R.sup.iiib)—.

[0256] Here, R.sup.iiia and R.sup.iiib preferably each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a linear alkyl group or alkyl halide group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0257] In general formula (iii), Z.sup.iii1 and Z.sup.iii2 are more preferably each independently a single bond or —C≡C—. More preferably, a molecule of the compound represented by general formula (iii) has at least one —C≡C—. That is, in general formula (iii), preferably, at least one of Z.sup.iii2 and 0 or more and 2 or less Z.sup.iii1 represent —C≡C—.

[0258] In general formula (iii), m.sup.iii1 preferably represents an integer of 0, 1, or 2. A plurality of A.sup.iii1 and Z.sup.iii1 present when m.sup.iii1 is 2 may be the same or different.

[0259] The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably contains at least one compound represented by (iii) and particularly preferably contains two to eight compounds.

[0260] The lower limit of the preferred amount (% by mass) of the compound represented by general formula (iii) in the total amount of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is 1.7% by mass, 2% by mass, 4% by mass, 4.3% by mass, 5% by mass, 5.7% by mass, and 6% by mass. In terms of preventing inconvenience such as precipitation, the upper limit of the preferred amount is 23% by mass, 20% by mass, 18% by mass, 14% by mass, 13% by mass, 10% by mass, 8% by mass, and 5% by mass. In the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the preferred amount of the compound represented by general formula (iii) is 2 to 20% by mass, more preferably 4 to 15% by mass, and particularly preferably 6 to 12% by mass.

[0261] Examples of specific structures of general formula (iii) include compounds represented by general formulae (iii.1) to (iii.6) below.

##STR00067##

[0262] In general formulae (iii.1) to (iii.7), R.sup.35 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkoxyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, R.sup.36 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and X.sup.iii1 to X.sup.iii6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or a chlorine atom.

[0263] More specifically, the compounds represented by general formulae (iii.1) to (iii.7) are preferably compounds represented by structural formulae (iii.a) to (iii.e) below.

##STR00068##

[0264] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (% by mass) of the compounds represented by general formulae (i) to (ii) is preferably 10 to 85%, preferably 13 to 80%, and preferably 15 to 70% of the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0265] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (% by mass) of the compounds represented by general formulae (i) to (iii) is preferably 13 to 88%, preferably 16 to 85%, and preferably 18 to 73% of the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0266] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (% by mass) of the compounds represented by general formulae (i) to (ii) and general formula (1a) is preferably 13 to 88%, preferably 16 to 85%, and preferably 18 to 73% of the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0267] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (% by mass) of the compounds represented by general formulae (i) to (ii) and general formula (2a) is preferably 13 to 88%, preferably 16 to 85%, and preferably 18 to 73% of the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0268] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (% by mass) of the compounds represented by general formulae (i) to (ii) and general formula (2b) is preferably 13 to 88%, preferably 16 to 85%, and preferably 18 to 73% of the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0269] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (% by mass) of the compounds represented by general formulae (i) to (ii) and general formula (2c) is preferably 13 to 88%, preferably 16 to 85%, and preferably 18 to 73% of the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0270] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (% by mass) of the compounds represented by general formulae (i) to (iii) and general formula (1a) is preferably 30 to 93%, preferably 35 to 88%, and preferably 40 to 85% of the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0271] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (% by mass) of the compounds represented by general formulae (i) to (iii) and general formula (2a) is preferably 30 to 93%, preferably 35 to 88%, and preferably 40 to 85% of the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0272] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (% by mass) of the compounds represented by general formulae (i) to (iii) and general formula (2b) is preferably 30 to 93%, preferably 35 to 88%, and preferably 40 to 85% of the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0273] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (% by mass) of the compounds represented by general formulae (i) to (iii) and general formula (2c) is preferably 30 to 93%, preferably 35 to 88%, and preferably 40 to 85% of the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0274] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (% by mass) of the compounds represented by general formulae (i) to (ii), the compound represented by general formula (1a), and the compound represented by general formula (2a) is preferably 30 to 89%, preferably 35 to 93%, and preferably 40 to 85% of the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0275] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (% by mass) of the compounds represented by general formulae (i) to (ii), the compound represented by general formula (1a), and the compounds represented by general formulae (2a) to (2b) is preferably 30 to 93%, preferably 35 to 88%, and preferably 40 to 85% of the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0276] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (% by mass) of the compounds represented by general formulae (i) to (ii), the compound represented by general formula (1a), and the compounds represented by general formulae (2a) to (2c) is preferably 30 to 93%, preferably 35 to 88%, and preferably 40 to 85% of the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0277] In the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, the total amount (% by mass) of the compounds represented by general formulae (i) to (iii), the compound represented by general formula (1a), and the compounds represented by general formulae (2a) to (2c) is preferably 33 to 96%, preferably 38 to 91%, and preferably 43 to 88% of the entire liquid crystal composition.

[0278] The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may contain, in addition to the liquid crystal compounds described above, additives such as a known stabilizer, a known polymerizable liquid crystal compound, or a polymerized compound, as necessary depending on the manner of use.

[0279] Examples of the stabilizer include hydroquinones, hydroquinone monoalkyl ethers, tertiary butyl catechols, pyrogallols, thiophenols, nitro compounds, β-naphthylamines, β-naphthols, nitroso compounds, hindered phenols, and hindered amines. When the stabilizer is used, the amount added is preferably in the range of 0.005 to 1% by mass of the liquid crystal composition, even more preferably 0.02 to 0.5% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.03 to 0.1% by mass.

[0280] The liquid crystal phase upper limit temperature (T.sub.NI) of a liquid crystal composition is the temperature at which the liquid crystal composition exhibits a phase transition from the nematic phase to the isotropic phase. As T.sub.NI increases, the nematic phase can be retained even at higher temperatures, and a wider drive temperature range can be ensured. T.sub.NI is preferably 120° C. or higher, preferably 120 to 200° C., and preferably 130 to 180° C.

[0281] The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably has a Δn (refractive index anisotropy) of 0.3 or higher at 25° C. and 589.0 nm, preferably 0.3 to 0.60, preferably 0.33 to 0.55, preferably 0.35 to 0.50. Δn in the visible light region correlates with Δε in the tens of GHz band, and as Δn increases, change in dielectric constant in the GHz band can be increased. Therefore, when the liquid crystal composition has Δn of 0.3 or higher at 589.0 nm, the change in dielectric constant in the GHz band can be increased and therefore the liquid crystal composition is suitable for antennas.

[0282] Here, the relationship between the phase difference Re, the thickness d (cell gap) of the liquid crystal layer, and Δn is expressed by an equation: Δn=Re/d. In the present description, Δn is obtained from a phase difference measurement device. More specifically, a sample of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is injected into a glass cell with a polyimide alignment film, and the in-plane retardation (phase difference Re) at a measurement temperature of 25° C. and 589 nm is measured with a retardation film and optical material inspection system RETS-100 (Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.). A glass cell with a cell gap of 3.0 μm between glass substrates was used, in which the rubbing direction of the polyimide alignment film is parallel.

[0283] The ne and no of the liquid crystal composition may be measured with an Abbe refractometer to calculate Δn.

[0284] The Δε (dielectric constant anisotropy) of the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention at 25° C. and 1 kHz is preferably 12 or higher, preferably 12 to 30, preferably 13 to 25, and preferably 14 to 20.

[0285] A liquid crystal element including the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, more specifically, a liquid crystal element, a sensor, a liquid crystal lens, an optical communication device, and an antenna will be described below.

[0286] The liquid crystal element according to the present invention includes the liquid crystal composition described above and is preferably driven by an active matrix system or a passive matrix system.

[0287] The liquid crystal element according to the present invention is preferably a liquid crystal element in which the dielectric constant is reversely switched by reversibly changing the orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal composition described above.

[0288] The sensor according to the present invention includes the liquid crystal composition described above. Examples of embodiments thereof include ranging sensors using electromagnetic waves, visible light, or infrared light, infrared sensors using temperature change, temperature sensors using reflected light wavelength change caused by pitch change of cholesteric liquid crystal, pressure sensors using reflected light wavelength change, UV sensors using reflected light wavelength change caused by compositional change, electrical sensors using temperature change caused by voltage or current, radiation sensors using temperature change involved with track of radiation particles, ultrasonic sensors using liquid crystal molecules' arrangement change caused by mechanical vibration of ultrasonic waves, and electromagnetic field sensors using reflected light wavelength change caused by temperature change or liquid crystal molecules' arrangement change caused by electric fields.

[0289] The ranging sensors are preferably for light detection and ranging (LiDAR) using a light source.

[0290] Preferred LiDAR applications are satellites, aircrafts, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), automobiles, railroads, and ships.

[0291] For automobile applications, self-driving automobile applications are particularly preferred.

[0292] The light source is preferably an LED or a laser, and preferably a laser.

[0293] Light used for LiDAR is preferably infrared light and preferably has a wavelength of 800 to 2,000 nm.

[0294] An infrared laser with a wavelength of 905 nm or 1,550 nm is particularly preferred.

[0295] An infrared laser with 905 nm is preferred when the cost of photodetectors used and sensitivity in all weathers are important. An infrared laser with 1,550 nm is preferred when safety of human vision is important.

[0296] The liquid crystal composition according to present invention exhibits a high Δn and therefore can provide sensors with high phase modulation power in the visible light, infrared light, and electromagnetic wave regions and with high detection sensitivity.

[0297] The liquid crystal lens according to the present invention includes the liquid crystal composition described above and, for example, according to an embodiment, includes a first transparent electrode layer, a second transparent electrode layer, a liquid crystal layer containing the liquid crystal composition described above between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, an insulating layer between the second transparent electrode layer and the liquid crystal layer, and a high resistance layer between the insulating layer and the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal lens according to the present invention is used, for example, as a 2D/3D switchable lens and a focusing lens for cameras.

[0298] The optical communication device according to the present invention includes the liquid crystal composition described above. Examples thereof include, as one of its embodiments, a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) including a liquid crystal layer in which liquid crystals forming a plurality of pixels are arranged in two dimensions on a reflective layer (electrode). The optical communication device according to the present invention is used, for example, as a spatial phase modulator.

[0299] The antenna according to the present invention includes the liquid crystal composition described above.

[0300] More specifically, the antenna according to the present invention includes a first substrate having a plurality of slots, a second substrate facing the first substrate and having a power feed section, a first dielectric layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, a plurality of patch electrodes disposed corresponding to the slots, a third substrate having the patch electrodes, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the third substrate, in which the liquid crystal layer contains the liquid crystal composition described above.

[0301] The liquid crystal layer containing the liquid crystal compounds represented by general formulae (i) and (ii) can be used to provide an antenna having a high dielectric constant anisotropy Δε, a high refractive index anisotropy Δn, a wide nematic liquid crystal temperature range, stability at room temperature, and high reliability against external stimuli such as heat. Thus, an antenna capable of greater phase control over electromagnetic waves in the microwave or millimeter wave range can be provided.

[0302] The antenna according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0303] As illustrated in FIG. 1, an antenna assembly 11 having four antenna units 1 connected together is mounted on the roof of a vehicle (automobile) 2. The antenna units 1 are planar antennas. Mounted on the roof, the antenna units 1 are always pointed in the direction of a communications satellite. This configuration enables satellite communications capable of transmission and reception in both directions.

[0304] The term “antenna” as used herein includes the antenna unit 1 or the antenna assembly 11 having a plurality of antenna units 1 connected together.

[0305] Preferably, the antenna according to the present invention operates in the Ka-band frequencies or K-band frequencies or the Ku-band frequencies used for satellite communications.

[0306] An exemplary embodiment of the components of the antenna unit 1 is illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the antenna unit 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. Specifically, the antenna unit 1 includes an antenna body 10, a control board 4 that controls the antenna body 10, a case 3 having a recess that can accommodate the antenna body 10 and the control board 4, and a top cover 5 that seals the case 3.

[0307] The control board 4 is provided with a transmitter and/or a receiver. The transmitter has a mechanism to transmit information from a signal source, such as sound or image data, in the form of radio waves, for example, after voice encoding, image encoding, or the like by an information source encoding process, error correcting encoding by a transmission line encoding process, and modulation. On the other hand, the receiver has a mechanism to modulate incoming radio waves, correct errors by a transmission line decoding process, perform, for example, voice decoding or image decoding by an information source decoding process, and convert the decoded signals into information such as voice or image data. The control board 4 is a known microcomputer composed of a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like and centrally controls the operation of each part of the antenna body 1, the transmitter and/or the receiver. The CPU or the ROM of the control board 4 reads various programs stored in advance into the RAM and executes the programs to perform predetermined processes. The control board 4 has functions such as a memory to store various setting information or control programs, a computing unit to perform various computations related to the amount and the direction of voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer in the antenna body 1, various computations related to transmission of radio waves, and/or various computations related to reception of radio waves, and a detector to detect received or transmitted radio waves or detect a voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer.

[0308] In FIG. 2, the case 3 and the top cover 5 in a hexagonal prism shape are illustrated as an example of the case 3 that can accommodate the disc-shaped antenna body 1, but the case 3 and the top cover 5 can be modified into any known shape, such as a cylinder, an octagonal prism, or a triangular prism, depending on the shape of the antenna body 1.

[0309] The configuration of the antenna body 10 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10. FIG. 3 is an exploded diagram illustrating the components of the antenna body 10.

[0310] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the antenna body 10 includes a slot array section 6 and a patch array section 7. The slot array section 6 has a plurality of slots (notches) 8 on a surface of a disc-shaped conductor P and a power feed section 12 inside the center of the slot array section 6. The patch array section 7 has a plurality of square patches 9, for example, having a length L and a width W, on a disc body Q. The antenna body 10 has the slot array section 6 that is the disc-shaped conductor P having a plurality of slots 8 and the disc-shaped patch array section 7 having a plurality of patches. The patch array section 7 and the patch array section 6 are laminated such that the patches 9 face the slots 8 formed on the surface of the disc-shaped conductor P.

[0311] The slot array section 6 is an antenna section having notches (hereinafter slots 8) formed in the disc-shaped conductor Q as radiating elements (or incidence elements). The slot array section 6 has the slots 8 and the power feed section 12 provided at the center of the disc-shaped conductor Q. In general, the slot array section 6 has a mechanism directly excited at the distal end of a transmission line or excited through a cavity on the back of the slot. The slot array section 6 can be used for power feeding to the patch antenna through the slot from an antenna with a ground plate, a microstrip line, or the like. In FIG. 3, the slot array section 6 in the form of a radial line slot array is illustrated by way of example, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0312] FIG. 4 is a top view of the slot array section 6 in FIG. 3. The slot array section 6 will be described below with reference to FIG. 4. The slot array section 6 has a structure to feed power through a coaxial line provided at the center. For this, the slot array section 6 illustrated in FIG. 4 has the power feed section 12 at the center. In the slot array section 6, a plurality of pairs of slots 8 (hereinafter referred to as “slot pairs”) are formed on the surface of the disc-shaped conductor P. Each of the slot pairs 8 has two rectangular notches arranged in a “V” shape. More specifically, two slots 8 each having a rectangular parallelepiped shape are arranged to be orthogonal to each other, and one slot of the slot pair 8 is spaced apart from the other slot by ¼ wavelength. This structure enables transmission and reception of circularly polarized waves with different rotational directions depending on the azimuth angle of the antenna.

[0313] In the present description, two slots 8 are referred to as slot pair 8, one slot 8 is simply referred to as slot 8, and slot and slot pair are collectively referred to as slot (pair) 8.

[0314] A plurality of slot pairs 8 are formed in a spiral shape from the center of the disc-shaped conductor substrate P to the radially outer side. The slot pairs 8 are formed on the surface of the disc-shaped substrate such that the distance between the slot pairs 8 adjacent along the spiral is constant. This configuration allows the phases to be matched in front of the slot array section 6 to enhance electromagnetic fields, thereby forming a pencil beam in front.

[0315] In FIGS. 3 and 4, the slots 8 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape are illustrated by way of example. However, the shape of the slots 8 in the present invention is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape and may be known shapes such as circular, oval, and polygonal shapes. Although FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate slot pairs as an illustrative example of the slots 8, the slots 8 in the present invention are not limited to slot pairs. Furthermore, although a spiral arrangement of the slots 8 on the surface of the disc-shaped conductor substrate P is illustrated as an example, the arrangement of the slots 8 is not limited to a spiral arrangement, and the slots 8 may be arranged, for example, concentrically as illustrated in FIG. 8 described later.

[0316] The power feed section 12 in the present invention has the function of receiving electromagnetic waves and/or radiating electromagnetic waves. The power feed section 12 in the present invention may be any section that transmits to the receiver high-frequency power generated by capturing radio waves with the patches 9 that are radiating elements or incidence elements, or any section that connect the radiating elements to the power feed line for supplying high-frequency power. Known power feeders and power feed lines can be used. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a coaxial power feed section by way of example.

[0317] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the patch array section 7 includes the disc body Q having a plurality of square-shaped patches 9 each having a length L and a width W and a liquid crystal layer (not illustrated) filled between the patch array section 7 and the slot array section 6. The patch array section 7 in the present embodiment has a configuration of what is called a microstrip antenna and is a resonator that resonates at a frequency in which the length L matches an integer multiple of ½ wavelength.

[0318] In FIG. 3, the square-shaped patch 9 having a length L and a width W is illustrated as an example of the patch 9. However, the shape of the patch 9 is not limited to a quadrature and the patch 9 may be circular. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment with circular patches 9 as another embodiment of the present invention.

[0319] FIG. 5 is a top view of the antenna body 10 in the present invention. More specifically, the antenna body 10 is viewed from the patch array section 7, and the patches 9, the power feed section 12, and the slot pairs 8 are projected perpendicularly to the main surface of the disc body Q. The patches 9, the power feed section 12, and the slot pairs 8 are therefore depicted by broken lines. When the patches 9 have a circular shape, the antenna can operate in an electromagnetic field distribution commonly called the TM.sub.11 mode. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the projection of the patch 9 and the projection of the slot pair 8 overlap, which suggests that the patch 9 on the disc body Q faces the corresponding slot 8 formed on the surface of the disc-shaped conductor P. The configuration in which each patch 9 is disposed for the corresponding slot 8 can be used to feed power from the slot 8 to the patch 9 by electromagnetic coupling feeding or propagate an incoming radio wave from the patch 9 to the slot 8. Thus, an antenna capable of transmitting and/or receiving radio waves can be provided.

[0320] In general, the method of feeding the radiating element (for example, patch 9) of the patch array section 7 using a common transmission line such as coaxial line or a planar transmission line can be classified mainly into two types: direct coupling feeding and electromagnetic coupling feeding. Thus, the feeding method in the present invention includes two methods: direct coupling feeding in which a transmission path is directly connected to the patch 9 (radiating element) to excite the radiating element; and electromagnetic coupling feeding in which the patch electrode (radiating element) is excited by an electromagnetic field produced on the periphery of an open-ended or short-circuited power feed line, rather than directly connecting the transmission path to the patch electrode (radiating element). In the present invention, a manner of the electromagnetic coupling feeding is indicated.

[0321] In the present embodiment, since the power feed line by the (coaxial) power feed section 12 is open-ended, a current standing wave is generated such that the terminal of the power feed line coincides with a node. Then, a magnetic field surrounding the power feed line ((coaxial) power feed section 12) is produced, and this magnetic field is incident on the slot 8 to excite the slot (pair) 8. The magnetic field produced by the excitation of the slot (pair) 8 is then incident on the patch 9 to excite the patch 9. It is preferable that the slot (pair) 8 is formed at a position where the magnetic field produced from the power feed line ((coaxial) power feed section 12) is strongest (an antinode of the current standing wave), because the excitation intensity is largest when the magnetic field incident on the slot 8 is strongest.

[0322] A preferred embodiment of the antenna according to the present invention is a combination of a radial line slot array and a patch antenna array.

[0323] An embodiment of the antenna body 10 will now be described with reference to FIG. 6 illustrating a section of the antenna body 10 illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the antenna.

[0324] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the antenna body 10 includes a disc-shaped second substrate 14, a disc-shaped first substrate 13 (corresponding to the disc-shaped conductor P, also referred to as slot array substrate) having a plurality of slots (pairs) 8 formed from the center to the radially outer side, a first dielectric layer 17 provided between the second substrate 14 and the first substrate 13, a power feed section 12 provided at the center of the disc-shaped first substrate 13 and the disc-shaped second substrate 14, a disc-shaped third substrate 15 (corresponding to the disc body Q, also referred to as patch substrate), patches 9 (radiating elements or incidence elements) attached to the third substrate 15, and a liquid crystal layer 16 provided between the third substrate 15 and the first substrate 13. The power feed section 12 is electrically connected to the transmitter and/or the receiver provided on the control board via a power feed line 12a. The patches 9 correspond to respective slot pairs 8.

[0325] As used herein “the patch(es) 9 correspond to (respective) slot pair(s) 8” means that the projected plane of the patch 9 projected perpendicularly to the main surface of the second substrate 14 overlaps with the slot (pair) 8, as explained with reference to FIG. 5 above. In other words, the projected plane of the slot (pair) 8 projected perpendicularly to the main surface of the third substrate 15 overlaps with the patch 9.

[0326] The first substrate 13, the second substrate 14, and the third substrate 15 are preferably disc bodies having the same area.

[0327] In FIG. 6, a radio wave (arrows) fed by the (coaxial) power feed section 12 is transmitted from the slots (pairs) 8 to the liquid crystal layer 16 while propagating in the form of a cylindrical wave in the first dielectric layer 17 to the radially outer side. The slot (pair) 8 can generate a circularly polarized wave when two slots orthogonal to each other in what is called a “V” shape are arranged with a ¼ wavelength shift, as illustrated in FIG. 4. As described above, the magnetic field produced from the slot (pair) 8 by excitation of the slot (pair) 8 by electromagnetic coupling feeding is incident on the patch 9 to excite the patch 9. As a result, the patch 9 can radiate a directional radio wave.

[0328] On the other hand, in reception of an incoming radio wave, based on the reciprocity theorem of transmission and reception, after the patch 9 receives an incoming radio wave, the incoming wave is propagated to the power feed section 12 via the slot (pair) 8 provided directly below the patch 9, in a reverse manner of the above.

[0329] Circularly polarized waves are radio waves in which, unlike linearly polarized waves, the electric field direction rotates over time, and classified into right-circularly-polarized waves for use in GPS or ETC and left-circularly-polarized waves for use in satellite radio broadcasting and the like. The antenna according to the present invention can receive any one of the polarized waves.

[0330] The orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 16 can be changed by applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer 16 between the patches 9 and the first substrate 13. As a result, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 16 changes, and the capacitance of the slot (pair) 8 changes accordingly. Consequently, the reactance and the resonance frequency of the slot (pair) 8 can be controlled. In other words, since the reactance and the resonance frequency of the slot 8 can be adjusted by controlling the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 16, power feeding to each patch 9 can be controlled by adjusting the excitation of the slot (pair) 8 and the patch 9. Thus, radiation radio waves can be adjusted through the liquid crystal layer 16. For this, for example, a voltage application adjuster for adjusting a voltage to be applied to the liquid crystal layer 16, such as a TFT, may be provided. Changing the orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 16 changes the refractive index, resulting in phase shifting of the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 16. Consequently, phased array control can be implemented.

[0331] The first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 can be formed of any material that is a conductor such as copper. The material of the third substrate 15 is not limited and can be selected from known materials such as glass substrates, acrylic substrates, ceramic (alumina), silicon, and glass cloth Teflon (registered trademark) (PTFE), depending on the manner of use. The material of the first dielectric layer 17 can be selected as appropriate from known materials depending on the desired dielectric constant and may be a vacuum. The patch 9 may be formed of any material that is a conductor such as copper or silver.

[0332] Another embodiment of the antenna body 10 will now be described with reference to FIG. 7. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 differs from the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 in the slot array section 6 of the antenna body 10.

[0333] In FIG. 7, the antenna body 10 includes a hollow-body first substrate 13 having a plurality of slots (pairs) 8 formed on one surface, a disc-shaped second substrate 14, a first dielectric layer 17, and a power feed section 12 accommodated inside the hollow-body first substrate 13, a disc-shaped third substrate 15, patches 9 attached to the third substrate 15, and a liquid crystal layer 16 provided between the third substrate 15 and the first substrate 13. The power feed section 12 is provided between the second substrate 14 and the first substrate 13 on the other surface on which the slots (pairs) 8 are not formed, and at the center of the first substrate 13 and the disc-shaped second substrate 14. The power feed section 12 is electrically connected to the transmitter and/or the receiver provided on the control board via a power feed line 12a. The patches 9 correspond to respective slot pairs 8. In FIG. 7, both side surface portions of the hollow-body first substrate 13 protrude outward of the hollow body, specifically, have inclined surfaces at 45° relative to the horizontal direction.

[0334] As illustrated in FIG. 7, a radio wave (arrows) fed by the (coaxial) power feed section 12 propagates in the form of a cylindrical wave in the first dielectric layer 17 to the radially outer side. The propagating cylindrical wave is reflected at both side surface portions of the hollow-body first substrate 13, and the cylindrical wave moving around the second substrate 14 is converted into a traveling wave (arrows) traveling from the outer periphery of the disc-shaped first substrate 13 toward the center and propagates in the first dielectric layer 17. In this case, the traveling wave is transmitted from the slot (pair) 8 to the liquid crystal layer 16. Thus, the patch 9 is excited to radiate a directional radio wave in the same manner as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0335] On the other hand, in reception of an incoming radio wave, similarly, after the patch 9 receives an incoming radio wave, the incoming radio wave propagates to the power feed section 12 via the slot (pair) 8 provided directly below the patch 9.

[0336] Yet another embodiment of the antenna body 10 will now be described with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 10. In the embodiment of the antenna body 10 in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 described above, the antenna body 10 is configured such that the liquid crystal layer 16 is uniformly provided between the first substrate 13 and the third substrate 15. On the other hand, in the embodiment in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, the antenna body 10 is configured such that the liquid crystal layer 16 is filled in a space (hereafter referred to as sealed region 20) in which a patch 9 and a slot 8 are arranged.

[0337] FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the antenna body 10 according to the present invention. More specifically, in FIG. 8, the antenna body 10 is viewed from the patch array section 7, and the patches 9, the power feed section 12, and the slots 8 are projected perpendicularly to the main surface of the disc body Q. The patches 9, the power feed section 12, and the slots 8 are therefore depicted by broken lines, in the same manner as in FIG. 5. In FIG. 8, a square-shaped patch 9 and one rectangular parallelepiped-shaped slot 8 are disposed in the corresponding sealed region 20. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the projection of the patch 9 and the projection of the slot 8 overlap, suggesting that the slot 8 is formed directly below the patch 9. With this configuration, in the embodiment of the antenna body 10 illustrated in FIG. 8, power can be fed from the slot 8 to the patch 9 by electromagnetic coupling feeding, or an incoming radio wave can propagate from the patch 9 to the slot 8. Thus, an antenna capable of transmitting and/or receiving radio waves can be provided.

[0338] As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the patches 9 and the slots 8 are arranged concentrically from the center of the disc body Q toward the outer periphery of the disc body Q. With this configuration, a conical beam is emitted by coaxial mode feeding, and the phases are matched in front of the disc body Q, thereby enhancing the electromagnetic fields.

[0339] An embodiment of the antenna body 10 will now be described with reference to FIG. 9 illustrating a section of the antenna body 10 illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the antenna.

[0340] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the antenna body 10 includes a disc-shaped second substrate 14, a disc-shaped first substrate 13 having a plurality of slots 8 formed concentrically from the center to the radially outer side, a buffer layer 22 provided on a surface of the first substrate 13 on the side closer to the second substrate 14, a first dielectric layer 17 provided between the buffer layer 22 and the second substrate 14, a power feed section 12 provided at the center of the disc-shaped first substrate 13 and the disc-shaped second substrate 14 and in contact with the first dielectric layer 17, a disc-shaped third substrate 15, patches 9 (radiating elements or incidence elements) attached to the third substrate 15, and a liquid crystal layer 16 divided by seal walls 24 between the third substrate 15 and the first substrate 13 and filled in contact with the patches 9 in a plurality of sealed regions 20 having the patches 9. The power feed section 12 is electrically connected to the transmitter and/or the receiver provided on the control board via a power feed line 12a. The patches 9 correspond to respective slot pairs 8. At least one patch 9, at least one slot 8, and the liquid crystal layer 16 are present in each of the sealed regions 20. The sealed regions 20 are divided by seal walls 21, 23, and 24.

[0341] Although not illustrated in FIG. 9, a TFT (thin-film transistor) for controlling the voltage of the liquid crystal layer 16 may be provided in each sealed region 20, if necessary, for example, on the first substrate 13. With this configuration, application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer 16 can be controlled by an active system. An alignment film may be provided, if necessary, in each sealed region 20 to fix the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules forming the liquid crystal layer 16. As the alignment film, a homeotropic alignment film that facilitates vertical orientation of liquid crystal molecules or a homogeneous alignment film that facilitates horizontal orientation of liquid crystal molecules may be provided between the first substrate 13 and the liquid crystal layer 16. Examples include polyimide alignment films and photoalignment films.

[0342] The sealed region 20 in the present embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 10 illustrating a section of the antenna body 10 in FIG. 8 cut along line B-B. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the sealed region 20.

[0343] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the sealed region 20 is a sealed space surrounded in all directions by the seal walls 24, the buffer layer 22 and the first substrate 13, and the third substrate 15. In the inside, at least one patch 9 and at least one slot 8 are provided to face each other in the same sealed space, which is filled with the liquid crystal layer 16.

[0344] In the present embodiment, the seal walls 24 may be formed of a known insulator or the like. The buffer layer 22 may be formed of a known dielectric material or the like.

[0345] Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, a TFT (thin-film transistor) for controlling the voltage to the liquid crystal layer 16 may be provided in the sealed region 20, if necessary, for example, on the first substrate 13. With this configuration, application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer 16 can be controlled by an active system. The driving method by the active system will be described in more detail. Examples thereof include a method in which the patch 9 serves as a common electrode and the first substrate 13 serves as a pixel electrode, and a TFT formed on the first substrate 13 controls a voltage between the patch 9 and the first substrate 13 to control the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 16, a method in which the first substrate 13 serves as a pixel electrode, an electrode layer and a TFT are formed on the first substrate 13, and a voltage between the patch 9 and the first substrate 13 is controlled to control the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 16, and a method in which a comb electrode and a TFT are provided on the first substrate 13, and the TFT controls the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 16. The method of controlling the application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer 16 by an active system is not limited to the above methods.

[0346] In this case, an alignment film may be provided for fixing the orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules forming the liquid crystal layer 16 in each sealed region 20. As the alignment film, a homeotropic alignment film that facilitates vertical orientation of liquid crystal molecules or a homogeneous alignment film that facilitates horizontal orientation of liquid crystal molecules may be provided between the first substrate 13 and the liquid crystal layer 16.

[0347] The voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 16 between the patch 9 and the first substrate 13 may be modulated in order to tune the liquid crystal layer 16. For example, as described above, the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 16 is controlled using the active system, whereby the capacitance of the slot 8 is changed. Consequently, the reactance and the resonance frequency of the slot 8 can be controlled. The resonance frequency of the slot 8 is correlated with energy radiating from the radio wave propagating on the line. The resonance frequency of the slot 8 is therefore adjusted so that the slot 8 is not substantially coupled to the cylindrical wave energy from the power feed section 12, or is coupled to the cylindrical wave energy and radiates the energy into free space. Such control of the reactance and resonance frequency of the slot 8 can be performed in each of the sealed regions 20. In other words, power feeding to the patch 9 in each sealed region 20 can be controlled by the TFT by controlling the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 16. Thus, patches 9 to transmit radio waves and patches not to transmit radio waves can be controlled, so that transmission and reception of radiated radio waves can be adjusted through the liquid crystal layer 16.

EXAMPLES

[0348] The present invention will be described in more detail below with examples, but the present invention is not intended to be limited by the following examples.

(Example 1) Production of Compound Represented by Formula (I-1)

[0349] ##STR00069##

[0350] In a nitrogen atmosphere, 33.7 g of the compound represented by formula (I-1-1), 0.5 g of copper(I) iodide, 67 mL of triethylamine, 202 mL of N,N-dimethylformamide, and 0.9 g of bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) dichloride were added to a reaction vessel. At 80° C., a solution of 20.0 g of the compound represented by formula (I-1-2) dissolved in 20 mL of N,N-dimethylformamide was added dropwise, and the mixture was heated and stirred for 6 hours. The reaction solution was cooled and poured into water and extracted with toluene. The organic layer was washed sequentially with 5% hydrochloric acid, water, and salt water, and purified by column chromatography (silica gel, dichloromethane/hexane) to yield 20.6 g of the compound represented by formula (I-1-3).

[0351] In a nitrogen atmosphere, 18.6 g of the compound represented by formula (I-1-3) and 186 mL of tetrahydrofuran were added to a reaction vessel. At −70° C., 84.4 mL of a sec-butyllithium (1.05 M)/cyclohexane-hexane solution was added dropwise, and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour. At −65° C., a solution of 22.5 g of iodine dissolved in 68 mL of tetrahydrofuran was added dropwise, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours. The temperature was gradually increased to room temperature. Water and a sodium hydrogen sulfite solution were added dropwise, and the solution was extracted with toluene. The organic layer was washed sequentially with water and salt water, and purified by column chromatography (silica gel, hexane) and recrystallization (methanol) to yield 13.9 g of the compound represented by formula (I-1-4).

[0352] In a nitrogen atmosphere, 12.9 g of the compound represented by formula (I-1-4), 10.4 g of bis(pinacolato)diboron, 10.1 g of potassium acetate, and 104 mL of dimethyl sulfoxide were added to a reaction vessel. At 85° C., 0.5 g of [1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]palladium(II) dichloride dichloromethane adduct was added, and the mixture was heated and stirred for 5 hours. The reaction solution was cooled and poured into water and extracted with toluene. The organic layer was washed sequentially with water and salt water, and purified by column chromatography (alumina, toluene) to yield 12.8 g of the compound represented by formula (I-1-5).

[0353] In a nitrogen atmosphere, 3.5 g of the compound represented by formula (I-1-6), 3.4 g of potassium carbonate, 28 mL of toluene, 14 mL of ethanol, 14 mL of water, and 0.2 g of dichlorobis[di-t-butyl(p-dimethylaminophenyl)phosphino]palladium(II) were added to a reaction vessel. With heating and refluxing, a solution of 6.1 g of the compound represented by formula (I-1-5) dissolved in 12 mL of toluene and 6 mL of ethanol was added dropwise, and the mixture was heated and refluxed for 5 hours. The reaction solution was poured into water and extracted with toluene. The organic layer was washed sequentially with water and salt water, and purified by column chromatography (silica gel, dichloromethane/hexane) and recrystallization (hexane) to yield 5.0 g of the compound represented by formula (I-1).

[0354] Phase transition temperature: C 79 N 134 I

[0355] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-D) δ 7.47-7.33 (m, 5H), 7.29-7.26 (d, 2H), 7.19 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 2.64 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.65-1.57 (m, 2H), 1.36 (td, J=14.9, 7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.94 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H)

[0356] MS (EI): m/z=389

(Example 2) Production of Compound Represented by Formula (I-2)

[0357] ##STR00070##

[0358] The compound represented by formula (I-2) was produced by the same method as in Example 1, except that the compound represented by formula (I-1-6) was replaced by the compound represented by formula (I-2-2).

[0359] Phase transition temperature: C 76 N 183 I

[0360] MS (EI): m/z=371

(Example 3) Production of Compound Represented by Formula (I-3)

[0361] ##STR00071##

[0362] The compound represented by formula (I-3) was produced by the same method as in Example 1, except that the compound represented by formula (I-1-2) was replaced by the compound represented by formula (I-3-2).

[0363] MS (EI): m/z=425

(Example 4) Production of Compound Represented by Formula (II-1)

[0364] ##STR00072##

[0365] In a nitrogen atmosphere, 10.0 g of the compound represented by formula (II-1-1) and 100 mL of dichloromethane were added to a reaction vessel. At room temperature, a solution of 125 g of potassium peroxymonosulfate [KHSO.sub.5 (>approximately 45%)] dissolved in 200 mL of water was added dropwise, and the mixture was stirred for 15 hours at room temperature. The reaction solution was separated, and the organic layer was washed sequentially with 5% hydrochloric acid, water, and salt water. After the solvent was removed, the product was dissolved in 200 mL of acetic acid. At room temperature, 6.6 g of the compound represented by formula (II-1-2) was added, and the mixture was stirred for 15 hours. The precipitate was filtered and washed sequentially with acetic acid and water. By drying, 13.2 g of the compound represented by formula (II-1-3) was obtained.

[0366] The compound represented by formula (II-1-4) was produced by the method described in International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2013, Vol. 14, No. 12, pp. 23257-23273. In a nitrogen atmosphere, 13.2 g of the compound represented by formula (II-1-3), 0.2 g of copper(I) iodide, 0.2 g of [1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]palladium(II) dichloride dichloromethane adduct, 26 mL of triethylamine, and 78 mL of N,N-dimethylformamide were added to a reaction vessel. With heating at 50° C., a solution of 6.7 g of the compound represented by formula (II-1-4) dissolved in 14 mL of N,N-dimethylformamide was added dropwise, and the mixture was heated and stirred for 8 hours. The reaction solution was poured into water and extracted with toluene. The organic layer was washed sequentially with 5% hydrochloric acid and salt water, and purified by column chromatography (silica gel, dichloromethane/hexane), activated carbon treatment, and recrystallization (acetone/hexane) to yield 10.2 g of the compound represented by formula (II-1).

[0367] MS (EI): m/z=398

(Example 5) Production of Compound Represented by Formula (II-2)

[0368] ##STR00073##

[0369] The compound represented by formula (II-2) was produced by the same method as in Example 4 except that the compound represented by formula (II-1-1) was replaced by the compound represented by formula (II-2-1), that the compound represented by formula (II-1-2) was replaced by the compound represented by formula (II-2-2), and that the compound represented by formula (II-1-4) was replaced by the compound represented by formula (II-2-4).

[0370] MS (EI): m/z=402

[0371] Nematic liquid crystal compositions described in Examples were produced and various physical properties were measured. The compositions of the following Examples and Comparative Examples contain the compounds in the proportions listed in the tables, and the amount contained is indicated by “% by mass”. In the examples, the following abbreviations are used to describe the compounds.

(Ring Structure)

[0372] ##STR00074## ##STR00075##

[0373] In the following Examples, the trans forms are represented unless otherwise specified.

(Side Chain Structure and Linkage Structure)

[0374]

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Description in abbreviated Substituent and formula linking group -F -F -C1 -C1 -n (n is an integer equal —C.sub.nH.sub.2n + 1 to or greater than 1) n- (n is an integer equal C.sub.nH.sub.2n + 1— to or greater than 1) —On (n is an integer equal —OC.sub.nH.sub.2n + 1 to or greater than 1) nO— (n is an integer equal C.sub.nH.sub.2n + 1O— to or greater than 1) -nV (n is an integer equal —C.sub.nH.sub.2n-CH = CH.sub.2 to or greater than 1) Vn- (n is an integer equal CH.sub.2 = CH-C.sub.nH.sub.2n— to or greater than 1) —CN —CN —NCS —NCS   Single bond -T- —C = C— —CFFO— —CF.sub.2O— -D- —N = N— —COO— —C(=O)O— -Z- —CH = N—N = CH—

(Physical Properties and Evaluation Methods)

<Upper Limit Temperature (T.SUB.NI .(° C.))>

[0375] T.sub.NI (° C.): temperature at which the composition exhibits a transition from the nematic phase to the isotropic phase

<Refractive Index Anisotropy (Δn)>

[0376] Δn: refractive index anisotropy of the liquid crystal composition at 25° C. and 589 nm

—Evaluation Method of Refractive Index Anisotropy

[0377] The liquid crystal composition was injected into a glass cell with a polyimide alignment film, and the in-plane retardation (phase difference) at a measurement temperature of 25° C. and 589 nm was measured with a retardation film and optical material inspection system RETS-100 (Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.). A glass cell with a cell gap of 3.0 μm between glass substrates was used, in which the rubbing direction of the polyimide alignment film was parallel. The Δn of the liquid crystal composition was calculated from the formula: phase difference=thickness of liquid crystal layer (cell gap) x Δn.

<Dielectric Constant Anisotropy (Δε)>

[0378] Δε: dielectric constant anisotropy of the liquid crystal composition at 25° C.

Examples 6 to 15

[0379] The liquid crystal compounds listed in Tables 2 and 3 were prepared, nematic liquid crystal compositions were produced, and various physical properties were measured by the evaluation methods above.

Comparative Examples 1 to 4

[0380] The liquid crystal compounds listed in Tables 4 and 5 were prepared, nematic liquid crystal compositions were produced, and various physical properties were measured by the evaluation methods above.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Example Example Example Example Example 6 7 8 9 10 T.sub.NI (° C.) 145.1 157.4 166.3 150.3 165.3 Δn @589 nm 0.375 0.385 0.392 0.369 0.379 Δε @1 kHz 14.3 15.0 16.3 14.4 15.3 3-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph3—F 20 20 20 20 20 3-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph1—F 10 10 10 10 10 4-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph1—F 5 3-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph-4 20 20 15 30 20 4-Ma-Ph-T-Ph—O4 10 10 5 10 4-Ma-Ph-T-Ph1—F 10 10 5 10 2-Ph3-T-Ph-D-Ph-3 5 6 6 5 3 3-Ph3-T-Ph-D-Ph-2 5 6 6 5 3 3-Ph3-T-Ph-D-Ph-3 5 8 8 5 4 3-Tet3-T-Ph-D-Ph-2 10 10 3-Ph-T-Ph1-Ph—CN 10 10 4-Ph-T-Ph1-Ph3—CN 5 10 5 10 10 3-T-Ph1-Ph—CN 5 4-T-Ph1-Ph—CN 5

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Example Example Example Example Example 11 12 13 14 15 T.sub.NI (° C.) 162.0 138.0 159.4 140.5 158.7 Δn @589 nm 0.385 0.357 0.372 0.361 0.380 Δε @1 kHz 13.7 14.2 15.7 13.6 12.4 3-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph3—F 20 20 20 16 20 3-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph1—F 10 10 10 10 10 4-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph1—F 5 10 3-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph-4 20 30 20 10 20 4-Ma-Ph-T-Ph—O4 10 5 5 4-Ma-Ph-T-Ph1—F 10 5 5 2-Ph3-T-Ph-D-Ph-3 6 3 3 5 6 3-Ph3-T-Ph-D-Ph-2 6 3 4 7 8 3-Ph3-T-Ph-D-Ph-3 8 3 3 5 6 3-Tet3-T-Ph-D-Ph-2 10 13 10 4-Ph-T-Pb2-D-Ph1—F 3 2-Ph3-T-Ph-D-Ph2—C1 3 3-Ph-T-Ph1-Ph—CN 4-Ph-T-Ph1-Ph3—CN 10 8 10 4-Ph-T-Ph1-Ph1—CN 10 4-Ph3-T-Ph1-Ph3—CN 10 V2-Ph-Z-Ph—2V 10 5-Ph-T—Pm2—O2 8 3-Cy-Ph-T—Pm2-1 8 3-T-Ph1-Ph—CN 5 4-T-Ph1-Ph—CN 5

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Comparative Comparative Example 1 Example 2 T.sub.NI (° C.) 138.5 137.4 Δn @589 nm 0.356 0.334 Δε @1 kHz 8.6 11.7 V2-Ph-Z-Ph-2V 10 3-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph3—F 15 10 3-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph1—F 15 4-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph1—F 20 20 3-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph-4 20 20 4-Ma-Ph-T-Ph—O4 10 4-Ma-Ph-T-Ph1—F 10 2-Ph3-T-Ph-D-Ph-3 6 4 3-Ph3-T-Ph-D-Ph-2 6 6 3-Ph3-T-Ph-D-Ph-3 8 4 4-Ph-T-Pb2-D-Ph1—F 2 2-Ph3-T-Ph-D-Ph2—Cl 2 3-Cy-Ph—CN 12

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Comparative Comparative Example 3 Example 4 T.sub.NI (° C.) 119.5 112.4 Δn @589 nm 0.329 0.323 Δε @1 kHz 10.1 11.0 V2-Ph-Z-Ph—2V 20 20 3-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph3—F 10 10 3-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph1—F 10 10 4-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph1—F 20 20 3-Ph1-Ph-T-Ph-4 20 20 3-Ph-T-Ph-1 10 10 3-Ph-T-Ph1-Ph—CN 10 2 4-Ph-T-Ph1-Ph3—CN 8

[0381] The Δn in the visible light region correlates with Δε in the tens of GHz band, and as Δn increases, change in dielectric constant in the GHz band can be increased. Based on this, the evaluation results listed in Tables 2 to 5 demonstrated that the liquid crystal compositions of Examples 6 to 15 were suitable as liquid crystals for antennas. The evaluation results listed in Tables 2 to 5 demonstrated that Examples 6 to 15 have a higher Δn than Comparative Examples 3 to 4 and have a higher Tni and a higher Δε than Comparative Examples 1 to 2. It was demonstrated that Tni of Examples 6 to 15 is an equivalent or higher value than that of Comparative Examples 3 to 4 and is higher than that of Comparative Examples 1 to 2.

[0382] It was found that the liquid crystal compositions of Comparative Examples 1 to 4 are difficult to use as liquid crystals for antennas because Δn is low, or Δε is low so that great phase control over radio waves is impossible, or as does not reach a practical level.

Examples 16 to 18

[0383] Liquid crystal compositions were prepared and evaluated in the same manner as in Examples 6 to 15, and it was found that similar effects were achieved. The results are listed in Table 6.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Example Example Example 16 17 18 T.sub.NI (° C.) 153.4 166.2 169.7 Δn @589 nm 0.402 0.401 0.402 Δε @1 kHz 12.74 12.91 13.76 2-Ph3-T-Ph-D-Ph-2 3 3 3 3-Ph3-T-Ph-D-Ph-2 3 3 3 3-Ph-T-Ph1-Ph—CN 10 10 10 V—2Ph-T-Ph—2V 8 3-Ph-T-Ph1 8 4-Ph3-T-Pm3-T-Ph—S—1 6 4-T-Ph1-Ph—CN 5 5 6.5 4-T-Ph-Ph—CN 6.5 3-Ph-Ph1-Ph—CN 10 10 10 4O—Ph2-T-Ph—NCS 10 8 8 5O—Ph2-T-Ph—NCS 10 8 8 4-Cy-Ph-T-Ph1—NCS 15 15 15 5-Cy-Ph-T-Ph1—NCS 15 15 15 4O—Ph-T-Ph1—NCS 5 5 5 3-Tet3-T-Ph-T-Ph-2 10 10

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0384] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention can be used for crystal display elements, sensors, liquid crystal lenses, optical communication devices, and antennas.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0385] 1: antenna unit [0386] 2: vehicle [0387] 3: case [0388] 4: control board [0389] 5: top cover [0390] 6: slot array section [0391] 7: patch array section [0392] 8: slot [0393] 9: patch [0394] 10: antenna body [0395] 11: antenna assembly [0396] 12: power feed section [0397] 12a: power feed line [0398] 13: first substrate [0399] 14: second substrate [0400] 15: third substrate [0401] 16: liquid crystal layer [0402] 17: first dielectric layer [0403] 20: sealed region [0404] 21, 23, 24: seal wall [0405] 22: buffer layer [0406] P: conductor [0407] Q: disc body