Optically active compound having a delta- valerolactone ring and liquid crystal composition containing same.

摘要

Optically active compounds which are chemically stable, are not coloured, have a good optical stability, and which give a liquid crystal composition having a large spontaneous polarization when the compound is incorporated, are provided. The optically active compounds have an asymmetric carbon atom fixed by a delta -valerolactone ring and the permanent dipole moment derived from the carboxylic group is fixed by the delta -valerolactone ring and two alkyl groups, which can be regarded as a part of a mesogen.