Optically active 4-mercaptocinnamic acid derivatives, preparation method thereof and use thereof

摘要

An optically active 4-mercaptocinnamic acid derivative represented by general formula (1) <IMAGE> (1) wherein R1 represents an alkyl group, an alkoxy group alkylthio group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms; X is H or F; Y is H or CH3; n is 0 or 1; Z is CH3 or CF3; and R2 represents a C2-8 alkyl group, preparation method, bistable or tristable liquid crystal composition containing at least one such derivative, and a liquid crystal display device including such a liquid crystal composition. The compound of general formula (1) decreases liquid crystal temperature range and broadens it, and enables realizing a bistable or tristable chiral smectic phase. The compound can be used alone or as blended with other liquid crystals having a smectic phase or ferroelectric liquid crystals as a material for liquid crystal devices.