A novel compound represented by general formula (I) and a nematic liquid crystal composition containing the same. A compound represented by general formula (I) can be produced with great ease as is shown in an example and ha s excellent compatibility with a mother liquid crystal of general use being currently used as a nematic liquid crystal, and further shows reduced precipitation at a low temperature. Moreover, the addition of only a small amount of the above compound to the mother liquid crystal results in expandi ng effectively the temperature range for liquid crystallinity, without detrimen t to various properties as a liquid crystal material. Accordingly, the above compound is suitable for use in various liquid crystal display elements whic h are required to have a wide range of working temperature and is greatly usef ul as a liquid crystal material.
