Fused ring compound

摘要

A novel compound represented by the general formula (I), and a nematic liquid crystal composition incorporating the same. A compound represented by the general formula (I) can be produced industrially extremely easily, as shown in the examples, displays superior compatibility with current general purpose host liquid crystals as a nematic phase, and also shows little crystal precipitation at low temperatures. Moreover, by addition of a small amount of such a compound to a host liquid crystal, the liquid crystal temperature range at low temperatures can be effectively widened without any significant worsening of the various characteristics of the liquid crystal material. Consequently, a compound of the present invention is an extremely useful liquid crystal material which is suitable for various liquid crystal display elements which require a broad operating temperature range.