<p>An electro-optical element comprising a nematic liquid crystal composition and at least one compound represented by the formula: or wherein R is an alkyl radical having from 4 to 20 carbon atoms. Said compound is a pleochroic dye having a special function which differs from hitherto known dyes in its interaction with nametic liquid crystal molecules. The electrooptical element makes it possible to obtain a liquid crystal display device which can exhibit the desired figure in colors differing from background colors.</p>
