<p>A liquid crystal compound represented by formula (I): <CHEM> wherein R1 represents an alkyl group having from 5 to 18 carbon atoms; R2 represents an alkyl group having from 4 to 15 carbon atoms; X represents a single bond, -O-, -@-, or -@O-; and * indicates an optically active center. The compound exhibits three stable states of molecular orientation.</p>
