WO2016174968A1 - Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display element - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are: a liquid crystal composition which is adequate in at least one characteristic such as high upper-limit temperature, low lower-limit temperature, low viscosity, appropriate optical anisotropy, and large dielectric anisotropy, or has an appropriate balance of at least two of the abovementioned characteristics; and an AM element including the composition. The present invention is a liquid crystal composition containing a specific compound having a large positive dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a specific optically active compound as an additive component, and the liquid crystal composition may contain a specific compound having a high upper-limit temperature or a low viscosity as a second component, a specific compound having a large positive dielectric anisotropy as a third component, or a specific compound having a negative dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component.

Description

Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display element

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal composition, a liquid crystal display element containing the composition, and the like. In particular, the present invention relates to a liquid crystal composition having a positive dielectric anisotropy and a large voltage holding ratio after ultraviolet irradiation, and a liquid crystal composition containing this composition and operable in a cholesteric phase.

In the liquid crystal display element, the classification based on the operation mode of the liquid crystal molecules is as follows: PC (phase change), TN (twisted nematic), STN (super twisted nematic), ECB (electrically controlled birefringence), OCB (optically compensated bend), IPS. (In-plane switching), VA (vertical alignment), FFS (fringe field switching), FPA (field-induced photo-reactive alignment) mode. The classification based on the element drive system is PM (passive matrix) and AM (active matrix). PM is classified into static and multiplex, and AM is classified into TFT (thin film insulator), MIM (metal insulator metal), and the like. TFTs are classified into amorphous silicon and polycrystalline silicon. The latter is classified into a high temperature type and a low temperature type according to the manufacturing process. The classification based on the light source includes a reflection type using natural light, a transmission type using backlight, and a semi-transmission type using both natural light and backlight.

The liquid crystal display element contains a liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase. This composition has suitable properties. By improving the characteristics of the composition, an AM device having good characteristics can be obtained. The relationship between the two characteristics is summarized in Table 1 below. The characteristics of the composition will be further described based on a commercially available AM device. The temperature range of the nematic phase is related to the temperature range in which the device can be used. A preferred upper limit temperature of the nematic phase is about 70 ° C. or more, and a preferred lower limit temperature of the nematic phase is about −10 ° C. or less. The viscosity of the composition is related to the response time of the device. A short response time is preferred for displaying moving images on the device. A shorter response time is desirable even at 1 millisecond. Therefore, a small viscosity in the composition is preferred. Small viscosities at low temperatures are more preferred. The elastic constant of the composition is related to the contrast of the device. In order to increase the contrast in the device, a large elastic constant in the composition is more preferable.

The optical anisotropy of the composition is related to the contrast ratio of the device. Depending on the mode of the device, a large optical anisotropy or a small optical anisotropy, ie an appropriate optical anisotropy is required. The product (Δn × d) of the optical anisotropy (Δn) of the composition and the cell gap (d) of the device is designed to maximize the contrast ratio. The appropriate product value depends on the type of operation mode. For a device with a mode such as TN, a suitable value is about 0.45 μm. In this case, a composition having a large optical anisotropy is preferable for a device having a small cell gap. A large dielectric anisotropy in the composition contributes to a low threshold voltage, a small power consumption and a large contrast ratio in the device. Therefore, a large dielectric anisotropy is preferable. A large specific resistance in the composition contributes to a large voltage holding ratio and a large contrast ratio in the device. Therefore, a composition having a large specific resistance not only at room temperature but also at a temperature close to the upper limit temperature of the nematic phase in the initial stage is preferable. A composition having a large specific resistance not only at room temperature but also at a temperature close to the upper limit temperature of the nematic phase after being used for a long time is preferable. The stability of the composition against ultraviolet rays and heat is related to the lifetime of the liquid crystal display device. When their stability is high, the lifetime of the device is long. Such characteristics are preferable for an AM device used in a liquid crystal projector, a liquid crystal television, and the like.

It includes a liquid crystal composition having a twisted nematic structure, such as a TN (twisted nematic) cell having a typical twist angle of 90 ° and an STN (super twisted nematic) cell having a typical twist angle of 180 ° to 270 °. . In these displays, the twisted structure is usually achieved by adding one or more optically active compounds to the nematic liquid crystal composition.

Furthermore, a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal composition having a chiral nematic or cholesteric structure is known. These liquid crystal compositions have a much higher twist than compositions from TN and STN cells. Cholesteric liquid crystals exhibit selective reflection of circularly polarized light, and the rotation direction of the light vector corresponds to the handedness of the cholesteric helix. The reflection wavelength λ can be calculated by the formula (A) from the pitch p of the cholesteric helix and the average birefringence n of the cholesteric liquid crystal.
λ = n × p (A)

The terms “chiral nematic” and “cholesteric” are used simultaneously in the prior art. “Chiral nematic” often refers to a liquid crystal material comprising a nematic liquid crystal composition doped with an optically active compound that induces a helical twisted superstructure. In contrast, “cholesteric” often refers to chiral liquid crystal materials, such as cholesteryl derivatives, which have a “natural” helical twisted cholesteric phase. Both terms may be used in parallel to mean the same thing. In this application, both liquid crystal materials of the type described above are referred to as “cholesteric” and this term encompasses the broadest meanings of “chiral nematic” and “cholesteric”.

The most common cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) displays are SSCT (surface stabilized cholesteric texture) and PSCT (polymer stabilized cholesteric texture) displays. SSCT and PSCT displays typically include cholesteric liquid crystal compositions that, for example, exhibit a planar structure that reflects light of a particular wavelength in the initial stage and can be switched to a focal conic light scattering structure by applying an alternating current pulse. Or vice versa.

These liquid crystal display elements are bistable, that is, after the electric field is switched off, the respective states are maintained, and are reversely transferred to the initial state only by reapplying the electric field. Thus, for example, after the electric field is switched off, the liquid crystal composition in the addressed pixel immediately returns to its initial state, so that the addressing voltage is maintained in order to generate a permanent pixel. Unlike the TN or STN mode, where a pixel is required, it is possible to generate pixels with short voltage pulses. When a higher voltage pulse is applied, the cholesteric liquid crystal composition transitions to a homotropic, transparent state, from which the voltage is slowly switched to the planar state if the voltage is rapidly switched off. It relaxes to the focal conic state.

In the SSCT display, the planar alignment of the cholesteric liquid crystal composition in the CLC cell in the initial state is achieved by, for example, surface treatment of the cell wall. In PSCT displays, the cholesteric liquid crystal composition additionally comprises a phase separated polymer or polymer network that stabilizes the structure of the cholesteric liquid crystal composition in each addressed state. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a PSCT display including a CLC material having a positive dielectric anisotropy and including 10% by weight or less of a phase separation polymer network dispersed in a liquid crystal material. For example, Patent Document 2 describes an SSCT display including a non-polymer CLC material having a positive dielectric anisotropy.

CLC displays generally do not require a backlight. In the planar state, the cholesteric liquid crystal composition in the pixel exhibits selective reflection of light of a specific wavelength according to equation (A) above, so that the pixel has a corresponding reflected color, for example on a black background. Looks like. This reflected color disappears when transitioning to a focal conic, scattering or homeotropic transparent state. For the above reasons, CLC displays consume significantly less power than TN or STN displays. Furthermore, these have a small viewing angle dependency, if any, in the scattering state. In addition, these displays do not require active matrix addressing like TN displays and can operate in simpler multiple or passive matrix modes.

The above-mentioned cholesteric liquid crystal composition for display can be prepared, for example, by doping a nematic liquid crystal composition with an optically active compound having a high twist. The induced cholesteric helix pitch p can be calculated from the chiral dopant concentration c and the helical twisting power HTP according to equation (B).
p = (HTP × c) ⁻¹ (B)
As an alternative, two or more dopants may be used, for example to compensate for the temperature dependence of individual dopants, thereby reducing the temperature dependence of the helical pitch and the reflection wavelength of the cholesteric liquid crystal composition. it can.

For use in the above-mentioned CLC displays, the liquid crystal composition must have good chemical and thermal stability and good stability against electric fields and electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the liquid crystal material must have a wide cholesteric liquid crystal phase exhibiting a high maximum temperature of the nematic phase, a large optical anisotropy, a positive dielectric anisotropy and a small viscosity. CLC materials must also be able to achieve different reflection wavelengths, particularly in the visible region, with simple and controlled changes. In addition, the temperature dependence of the reflection wavelength must be low.

Since liquid crystals are generally used as a mixture of a plurality of components, it is important that the components can be easily mixed with each other. Additional properties such as dielectric anisotropy and optical anisotropy must meet different requirements depending on the cell type. However, preferred values for all the above mentioned parameters cannot be achieved using the compositions available in the prior art. For example, Patent Document 3 describes a cholesteric liquid crystal composition composed of a nematic liquid crystal containing two or more kinds of chiral dopants. However, the mixtures disclosed therein have only a small optical anisotropy and a low maximum temperature of the nematic phase. Furthermore, they have a high proportion of chiral dopants of 26%.

Therefore, it has a high twist, a wide operating temperature range, a short response time, a low threshold voltage, and a low temperature dependence of the reflection wavelength, and is at least free of defects as compared to prior art liquid crystal compositions There is a great demand for liquid crystal compositions for CLC displays that are significantly reduced. The object of the present invention is to provide a composition for CLC displays which has the above-mentioned required properties and which is free from at least the disadvantages of the prior art or at least significantly reduced. It has been found that this object can be achieved by using the composition according to the invention in a CLC display.

The resin layer having cholesteric regularity has a characteristic of reflecting circularly polarized light in the rotation direction that coincides with the spiral rotation direction of the cholesteric regularity (hereinafter, this characteristic is referred to as “selective reflection characteristic”). The wavelength band showing this selective reflection characteristic depends on the period of cholesteric regularity. By widening the distribution width of the cholesteric regularity period, it is possible to widen the width of the wavelength band showing the selective reflection characteristics (hereinafter referred to as the selective reflection band).

If a circularly polarized light separating sheet comprising a resin layer having a cholesteric regularity with a selective reflection band in the visible light wavelength region can be formed, only the circularly polarized light of a specific wavelength is reflected from the incident natural light, and the remaining circularly polarized light is reflected. Can be transmitted. The reflected light can be reused by re-entering the resin layer with a reflector or the like. A combination of the circularly polarized light separating sheet and the quarter wavelength plate can convert natural light into linearly polarized light with high efficiency. By aligning the direction of the linearly polarized light with the transmission direction of an absorption polarizer made of polyvinyl alcohol or the like provided in the liquid crystal display device, a high-brightness liquid crystal display device can be obtained.

JP-T 6-507505 US Pat. No. 5,453,863 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-045906 JP-T-2004-532345

One object of the present invention is to provide a high maximum temperature of the nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a short helical pitch, a large specific resistance, and a high resistance to ultraviolet rays. The liquid crystal composition satisfies at least one of the characteristics such as stability, high stability to heat, and a large elastic constant. Another object is a liquid crystal composition having an appropriate balance between at least two properties. Another object is a liquid crystal display device containing such a composition. Another object is an AM or PM element having characteristics such as a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a low threshold voltage, a large contrast ratio, and a long lifetime.

式（１）において、Ｒ^１は、炭素数１から１２のアルキル、炭素数１から１２のアルコキシ、または炭素数２から１２のアルケニルであり；環Ａ、環Ｂ、および環Ｃは独立して、１，４－シクロへキシレン、１，４－フェニレン、２－フルオロ－１，４－フェニレン、２，３－ジフルオロ－１，４－フェニレン、２，６－ジフルオロ－１，４－フェニレン、ピリミジン－２，５－ジイル、１，３－ジオキサン－２，５－ジイル、またはテトラヒドロピラン－２，５－ジイルであり；Ｚ^１およびＺ^２は独立して、単結合、エチレン、カルボニルオキシ、またはジフルオロメチレンオキシであり；Ｘ^１およびＸ^２は独立して、水素またはフッ素であり；Ｙ^１は、フッ素、塩素、少なくとも１つの水素がフッ素または塩素で置き換えられた炭素数１から１２のアルキル、少なくとも１つの水素がフッ素または塩素で置き換えられた炭素数１から１２のアルコキシ、または少なくとも１つの水素がフッ素または塩素で置き換えられた炭素数２から１２のアルケニルオキシであり；ａおよびｂは独立して、０、１、２、または３であり、そしてａとｂとの和が３以下である。 The present invention contains at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1) as the first component and an optically active compound as an additive component, and has a selective reflection wavelength at 25 ° C. of 400 nm to A cholesteric liquid crystal composition having a thickness of 800 nm and a liquid crystal display device containing the composition.

In Formula (1), R ¹ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; Ring A, Ring B, and Ring C are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, pyrimidine -2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl; Z ¹ and Z ² are independently a single bond, ethylene, carbonyloxy, or It is difluoromethyleneoxy; X ¹ and X ² are each independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y ¹ is fluorine, chlorine, carbon in which at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine 1 to 12 alkyls, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons in which at least one hydrogen is replaced with fluorine or chlorine, or alkenyloxys having 2 to 12 carbons in which at least one hydrogen is replaced with fluorine or chlorine; a and b are independently 0, 1, 2, or 3, and the sum of a and b is 3 or less.

Advantages of the present invention include a high maximum temperature of the nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a short helical pitch, a large specific resistance, and a high stability to ultraviolet light. The liquid crystal composition satisfies at least one of the characteristics such as high stability to heat and a large elastic constant. Another advantage is a liquid crystal composition having an appropriate balance between at least two properties. Another advantage is a liquid crystal display device containing such a composition. Another advantage is an AM or PM device having characteristics such as a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a low threshold voltage, a large contrast ratio, and a long lifetime.

用語 Terms used in this specification are as follows. The terms “liquid crystal composition” and “liquid crystal display element” may be abbreviated as “composition” and “element”, respectively. “Liquid crystal display element” is a general term for liquid crystal display panels and liquid crystal display modules. "Liquid crystal compound" is a compound having a liquid crystal phase such as a nematic phase and a smectic phase, and a composition that does not have a liquid crystal phase, but has the purpose of adjusting properties such as temperature range, viscosity, and dielectric anisotropy of the nematic phase. It is a general term for compounds mixed with products. This compound has a six-membered ring such as 1,4-cyclohexylene and 1,4-phenylene, and its molecular structure is rod-like. The “polymerizable compound” is a compound added for the purpose of forming a polymer in the composition. At least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1) may be abbreviated as “compound (1)”. “Compound (1)” means one compound represented by formula (1), a mixture of two compounds, or a mixture of three or more compounds. The same applies to compounds represented by other formulas.

The liquid crystal composition is prepared by mixing a plurality of liquid crystal compounds. The ratio (content) of the liquid crystal compound is expressed as a percentage by weight (% by weight) based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition. If necessary, additives such as an optically active compound, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, a dye, an antifoaming agent, a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator, and a polymerization inhibitor are added to the liquid crystal composition. The ratio (addition amount) of the additive is represented by a weight percentage (% by weight) based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition, similarly to the ratio of the liquid crystal compound. Weight parts per million (ppm) may be used. The ratio of the polymerization initiator and the polymerization inhibitor is exceptionally expressed based on the weight of the polymerizable compound.

“The upper limit temperature of the nematic phase” may be abbreviated as “the upper limit temperature”. “Lower limit temperature of nematic phase” may be abbreviated as “lower limit temperature”. "High specific resistance" means that the composition has a large specific resistance not only at room temperature in the initial stage but also at a temperature close to the upper limit temperature of the nematic phase. It means having a large specific resistance even at a close temperature. "High voltage holding ratio" means that the device has a large voltage holding ratio not only at room temperature in the initial stage but also at a temperature close to the upper limit temperature of the nematic phase. It means having a large voltage holding ratio even at a temperature close to.

The expression “at least one‘ A ’” means that the number of ‘A’ is arbitrary. The expression “at least one 'A' may be replaced by 'B'” means that when the number of 'A' is one, the position of 'A' is arbitrary and the number of 'A' is 2 Even when there are more than two, their positions can be selected without restriction. This rule also applies to the expression “at least one 'A' is replaced by 'B'".

In the chemical formulas of the component compounds, the symbol of the terminal group R ¹ is used for a plurality of compounds. In these compounds, two groups represented by two arbitrary R ¹ may be the same or different. For example, there is a case where R ^{1 of} compound (1) is ethyl and R ¹ of compound (1-1) is ethyl. In some cases, R ^{1 of} compound (1) is ethyl and R ¹ of compound (1-1) is propyl. This rule also applies to symbols such as other end groups. In formula (1), when a is 2, there are two rings B. In this compound, the two rings represented by the two rings B may be the same or different. This rule also applies to any two rings B when a is greater than 2. This rule also applies to Z ² , ring C, and the like.

2-Fluoro-1,4-phenylene means the following two divalent groups. In the chemical formula, fluorine may be leftward (L) or rightward (R). This rule also applies to asymmetric divalent groups such as tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl. This rule also applies to linking groups such as carbonyloxy (—COO— and —OCO—).

The present invention includes the following items.

式（１）において、Ｒ^１は、炭素数１から１２のアルキル、炭素数１から１２のアルコキシ、または炭素数２から１２のアルケニルであり；環Ａ、環Ｂ、および環Ｃは独立して、１，４－シクロへキシレン、１，４－フェニレン、２－フルオロ－１，４－フェニレン、２，３－ジフルオロ－１，４－フェニレン、２，６－ジフルオロ－１，４－フェニレン、ピリミジン－２，５－ジイル、１，３－ジオキサン－２，５－ジイル、またはテトラヒドロピラン－２，５－ジイルであり；Ｚ^１およびＺ^２は独立して、単結合、エチレン、カルボニルオキシ、またはジフルオロメチレンオキシであり；Ｘ^１およびＸ^２は独立して、水素またはフッ素であり；Ｙ^１は、フッ素、塩素、少なくとも１つの水素がフッ素または塩素で置き換えられた炭素数１から１２のアルキル、少なくとも１つの水素がフッ素または塩素で置き換えられた炭素数１から１２のアルコキシ、または少なくとも１つの水素がフッ素または塩素で置き換えられた炭素数２から１２のアルケニルオキシであり；ａおよびｂは独立して、０、１、２、または３であり、そしてａとｂとの和が３以下である。 Item 1. Cholesteric compound containing at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1) as a first component and an optically active compound as an additive component, and having a selective reflection wavelength at 25 ° C. of 400 nm to 800 nm Liquid crystal composition.

In Formula (1), R ¹ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; Ring A, Ring B, and Ring C are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, pyrimidine -2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl; Z ¹ and Z ² are independently a single bond, ethylene, carbonyloxy, or It is difluoromethyleneoxy; X ¹ and X ² are each independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y ¹ is fluorine, chlorine, carbon in which at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine 1 to 12 alkyls, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons in which at least one hydrogen is replaced with fluorine or chlorine, or alkenyloxys having 2 to 12 carbons in which at least one hydrogen is replaced with fluorine or chlorine; a and b are independently 0, 1, 2, or 3, and the sum of a and b is 3 or less.

式（１－１）から式（１－２０）において、Ｒ^１は、炭素数１から１２のアルキル、炭素数１から１２のアルコキシ、または炭素数２から１２のアルケニルである。 Item 2. Item 2. The liquid crystal composition according to item 1, comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formulas (1-1) to (1-20) as a first component.

In the formulas (1-1) to (1-20), R ¹ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons.

式（２－１）から式（２－１８）において、Ｒ^２およびＲ^３は独立して、炭素数２から１２のアルキルであり、式（２－６）および式（２－１５）において、Ｒ^２はメチルであってもよく；Ｒ^４およびＲ^５は独立して、炭素数１から１２のアルキル、炭素数１から１２のアルコキシ、または炭素数２から１２のアルケニルであり；式（２－１８）において、環Ｄは独立して、１，４－フェニレンまたは１，４－シクロへキシレンである。 Item 3. Item 3. The liquid crystal composition according to item 1 or 2, containing at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2-1) to formula (2-18) as an additive component.

In the formulas (2-1) to (2-18), R ² and R ³ are independently alkyl having 2 to 12 carbons. In the formulas (2-6) and (2-15), R ² may be methyl; R ⁴ and R ⁵ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; In -18), ring D is independently 1,4-phenylene or 1,4-cyclohexylene.

Item 4. The ratio of the first component is in the range of 30 wt% to 90 wt% and the ratio of the additive component is in the range of 1 wt% to 30 wt% based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition, The liquid crystal composition according to any one of the above.

式（３）において、Ｒ^６およびＲ^７は独立して、炭素数１から１２のアルキル、炭素数１から１２のアルコキシ、炭素数２から１２のアルケニル、または少なくとも１つの水素がフッ素または塩素で置き換えられた炭素数２から１２のアルケニルであり；環Ｅおよび環Ｆは独立して、１，４－シクロヘキシレン、１，４－フェニレン、２－フルオロ－１，４－フェニレン、または２，５－ジフルオロ－１，４－フェニレンであり；Ｚ^３は、単結合、エチレンまたはカルボニルオキシであり；ｃは、１、２、または３である。 Item 5. Item 5. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 4, comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3) as the second component.

In Formula (3), R ⁶ and R ⁷ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or at least one hydrogen is fluorine or chlorine. Substituted alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbon atoms; ring E and ring F are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, or 2,5 -Difluoro-1,4-phenylene; Z ³ is a single bond, ethylene or carbonyloxy; c is 1, 2, or 3.

式（３－１）から式（３－１３）において、Ｒ^６およびＲ^７は独立して、炭素数１から１２のアルキル、炭素数１から１２のアルコキシ、炭素数２から１２のアルケニル、または少なくとも１つの水素がフッ素または塩素で置き換えられた炭素数２から１２のアルケニルである。 Item 6. Item 6. The liquid crystal according to any one of items 1 to 5, comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formulas (3-1) to (3-13) as a second component: Composition.

In the formulas (3-1) to (3-13), R ⁶ and R ⁷ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or C2-C12 alkenyl in which at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine.

Item 7. Item 7. The liquid crystal composition according to item 5 or 6, wherein the ratio of the second component is in the range of 5% by weight to 60% by weight based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition.

式（４）において、Ｒ^８は、炭素数１から１２のアルキル、炭素数１から１２のアルコキシ、または炭素数２から１２のアルケニルであり；環Ｇは、１，４－シクロへキシレン、１，４－フェニレン、２－フルオロ－１，４－フェニレン、２，３－ジフルオロ－１，４－フェニレン、２，６－ジフルオロ－１，４－フェニレン、ピリミジン－２，５－ジイル、１，３－ジオキサン－２，５－ジイル、またはテトラヒドロピラン－２，５－ジイルであり；Ｚ^４は、単結合、エチレン、またはカルボニルオキシであり；Ｘ^３およびＸ^４は独立して、水素またはフッ素であり；Ｙ^２は、フッ素、塩素、少なくとも１つの水素がフッ素または塩素で置き換えられた炭素数１から１２のアルキル、少なくとも１つの水素がフッ素または塩素で置き換えられた炭素数１から１２のアルコキシ、または少なくとも１つの水素がフッ素または塩素で置き換えられた炭素数２から１２のアルケニルオキシであり；ｄは、１、２、３、または４である。 Item 8. Item 8. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 7, comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4) as a third component.

In the formula (4), R ⁸ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; ring G is 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1 , 4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl, 1,3 -Dioxane-2,5-diyl or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl; Z ⁴ is a single bond, ethylene or carbonyloxy; X ³ and X ⁴ are independently hydrogen or fluorine There; Y ² is replace fluorine, chlorine, at least one hydrogen alkyl having 1 carbon is replaced by fluorine or chlorine 12, at least one hydrogen fluorine or chlorine It was from 1 to 12 carbons alkoxy, or at least one hydrogen is alkenyloxy having 2 to 12 carbons are replaced by fluorine or chlorine; d is 1, 2, 3, or 4.

式（４－１）から式（４－１５）において、Ｒ^８は、炭素数１から１２のアルキル、炭素数１から１２のアルコキシ、または炭素数２から１２のアルケニルである。 Item 9. Item 9. The liquid crystal according to any one of items 1 to 8, containing at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formulas (4-1) to (4-15) as a third component: Composition.

In the formulas (4-1) to (4-15), R ⁸ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons.

Item 10. Item 10. The liquid crystal composition according to item 8 or 9, wherein the ratio of the third component is in the range of 3% by weight to 50% by weight based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition.

式（５）において、Ｒ^９およびＲ^１０は独立して、炭素数１から１２のアルキル、炭素数１から１２のアルコキシ、炭素数２から１２のアルケニル、または炭素数２から１２のアルケニルオキシであり；環Ｉおよび環Ｋは独立して、１，４－シクロへキシレン、１，４－シクロへキセニレン、１，４－フェニレン、少なくとも１つの水素がフッ素または塩素で置き換えられた１，４－フェニレン、またはテトラヒドロピラン－２，５－ジイルであり；環Ｊは、２，３－ジフルオロ－１，４－フェニレン、２－クロロ－３－フルオロ－１，４－フェニレン、２，３－ジフルオロ－５－メチル－１，４－フェニレン、３，４，５－トリフルオロナフタレン－２，６－ジイル、または７，８－ジフルオロクロマン－２，６－ジイルであり；Ｚ^５およびＺ^６は独立して、単結合、エチレン、カルボニルオキシ、またはメチレンオキシであり；ｅは、１、２、または３であり、ｆは、０または１であり；ｅとｆとの和は３以下である。 Item 11. Item 11. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 10, containing at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (5) as a fourth component.

In Formula (5), R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyloxy having 2 to 12 carbons. Yes; Ring I and Ring K are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-cyclohexenylene, 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-wherein at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine Phenylene, or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl; ring J is 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2-chloro-3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro- 5-methyl-1,4-phenylene, it is a 3,4,5-trifluoro-2,6-diyl or 7,8-difluoro-chroman-2,6-diyl,; ^{Z 5} Contact Fine Z ⁶ are each independently a single bond, ethylene, carbonyloxy, or methyleneoxy,; e is 1, 2, or 3,, f is 0 or 1; the sum of e and f is 3 or less.

式（５－１）から式（５－２１）において、Ｒ^９およびＲ^１０は独立して、炭素数１から１２のアルキル、炭素数１から１２のアルコキシ、炭素数２から１２のアルケニル、または炭素数２から１２のアルケニルオキシである。 Item 12. Item 12. The liquid crystal according to any one of items 1 to 11, containing at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formulas (5-1) to (5-21) as a fourth component: Composition.

In formulas (5-1) to (5-21), R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or It is alkenyloxy having 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

Item 13. Item 13. The liquid crystal composition according to item 11 or 12, wherein the ratio of the fourth component is in the range of 3% by weight to 25% by weight based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition.

Item 14. The upper limit temperature of the nematic phase is 70 ° C. or higher, the optical anisotropy (measured at 25 ° C.) at a wavelength of 589 nm is 0.14 or higher, and the dielectric anisotropy (measured at 25 ° C.) at a frequency of 1 kHz is 20 14. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 13, which is the above.

Item 15. Item 15. A liquid crystal display device containing the liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 14.

Item 16. Item 15. Use of the liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 14 in a liquid crystal display device.

The present invention includes the following items. (A) Other than the compounds represented by the formulas (2-1) to (2-18), such as antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, dyes, antifoaming agents, polymerizable compounds, polymerization initiators, polymerization inhibitors The above composition further comprising at least one additive. (B) An AM device containing the above composition. (C) The above-mentioned composition further containing a polymerizable compound, and a polymer-supported orientation (PSA) type AM device containing this composition. (D) A polymer-supported orientation (PSA) type AM device comprising the above-described composition, wherein the polymerizable compound in the composition is polymerized. (E) A device containing the above composition and having a mode of PC, TN, STN, ECB, OCB, IPS, VA, FFS, or FPA. (F) A transmissive device containing the above composition. (G) Use of the above composition as a composition having a nematic phase.

The composition of the present invention will be described in the following order. First, the constitution of component compounds in the composition will be described. Second, the main characteristics of the component compounds and the main effects of the compounds on the composition will be explained. Third, the combination of the component compounds in the composition, the preferred ratio of the component compounds, and the basis thereof will be described. Fourth, a preferred form of the component compound will be described. Fifth, preferred component compounds are shown. Sixth, additives other than the compounds represented by formulas (2-1) to (2-18) that may be added to the composition will be described. Seventh, a method for synthesizing the component compounds will be described. Finally, the use of the composition will be described.

First, the composition of the component compounds in the composition will be described. The composition of the present invention is classified into Composition A and Composition B. In addition to the liquid crystal compound selected from the compound (1), the compound (3), the compound (4), and the compound (5), the composition A includes other liquid crystal compounds, from the formula (2-1) to ( It may further contain additives other than the compound represented by 2-18). The “other liquid crystal compound” is a liquid crystal compound different from the compound (1), the compound (3), the compound (4), and the compound (5). Such compounds are mixed into the composition for the purpose of further adjusting the properties. Additives include optically active compounds, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, dyes, antifoaming agents, polymerizable compounds, polymerization initiators, polymerization inhibitors, and the like.

Composition B consists essentially of a liquid crystalline compound selected from Compound (1), Compound (3), Compound (4), and Compound (5). “Substantially” means that the composition may contain an additive but no other liquid crystal compound. An example of the composition B is a composition containing the compound (1), the compound (3), and the compound (4) as essential components. Composition B has fewer components than composition A. From the viewpoint of reducing the cost, the composition B is preferable to the composition A. The composition A is preferable to the composition B from the viewpoint that the characteristics can be further adjusted by mixing other liquid crystal compounds.

Second, the main characteristics of the component compounds and the main effects of the compounds on the characteristics of the composition will be explained. The main characteristics of the component compounds are summarized in Table 2 based on the effects of the present invention. In the symbols in Table 2, L means large or high, M means moderate, and S means small or low. The symbols L, M, and S are classifications based on a qualitative comparison among the component compounds, and 0 (zero) means that the value is zero or close to zero.

When the component compound is mixed with the composition, the main effects of the component compound on the properties of the composition are as follows. Compound (1) increases the dielectric anisotropy. Compound (3) decreases the viscosity. Compound (4) increases the maximum temperature or increases the dielectric anisotropy. Compound (5) increases the dielectric constant in the minor axis direction.

Third, the combination of the component compounds in the composition, the preferred ratio of the component compounds, and the basis thereof will be described. Preferred combinations of the components in the composition are: first component + additive component, first component + additive component + second component, first component + additive component + third component, first component + additive component + first component Four components, first component + additive component + second component + third component, first component + additive component + second component + fourth component, first component + additive component + third component + fourth component Or first component + additive component + second component + third component + fourth component. Further preferred combinations are: first component + additive component + second component or first component + additive component + second component + third component.

A desirable ratio of the first component is approximately 30% by weight or more for increasing the dielectric anisotropy, and approximately 90% by weight or less for decreasing the minimum temperature or decreasing the viscosity. A more desirable ratio is in the range of approximately 35% by weight to approximately 80% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of approximately 40% by weight to approximately 70% by weight.

A desirable ratio of the additive component is approximately 1% by weight or more for shortening the helical pitch, and approximately 30% by weight or less for decreasing the minimum temperature. A more desirable ratio is in the range of approximately 3% by weight to approximately 25% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of approximately 5% by weight to approximately 20% by weight. However, since it is an additive component, it is a ratio when the total weight of the liquid crystal composition comprising the combination of the first component to the fourth component is 100.

A desirable ratio of the second component is approximately 5% by weight or more for increasing the maximum temperature or decreasing the viscosity, and approximately 60% by weight or less for increasing the dielectric anisotropy. A more desirable ratio is in the range of approximately 5% by weight to approximately 50% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of approximately 10% by weight to approximately 40% by weight.

A desirable ratio of the third component is approximately 3% by weight or more for increasing the maximum temperature or for increasing the dielectric anisotropy, and approximately 50% by weight or less for decreasing the minimum temperature. A more desirable ratio is in the range of approximately 5% by weight to approximately 40% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of approximately 10% by weight to approximately 30% by weight.

A desirable ratio of the fourth component is approximately 3% by weight or more for increasing the dielectric anisotropy in the minor axis direction, and approximately 25% by weight or less for decreasing the minimum temperature. A more desirable ratio is in the range of approximately 5% by weight to approximately 20% by weight. A particularly desirable ratio is in the range of approximately 5% by weight to approximately 15% by weight.

Fourth, a preferred form of the component compound will be described. In Formula (1), Formula (3), Formula (4), and Formula (5), R ¹ and R ⁸ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, or carbon It is an alkenyl having the number 2 to 12. Desirable R ¹ or R ⁸ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons for increasing the stability to ultraviolet light or heat. R ⁶ and R ⁷ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or 2 carbons in which at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine. To 12 alkenyl. Desirable R ⁶ or R ⁷ is alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons for decreasing the viscosity, and alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons for increasing the stability. R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyloxy having 2 to 12 carbons. Desirable R ⁹ or R ¹⁰ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons for increasing the stability, and alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons for increasing the dielectric anisotropy.

Preferred alkyl is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl or octyl. More desirable alkyl is ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, or heptyl for decreasing the viscosity.

Preferred alkoxy is methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentyloxy, hexyloxy, or heptyloxy. More desirable alkoxy is methoxy or ethoxy for decreasing the viscosity.

Preferred alkenyl is vinyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl, or 5-hexenyl. More desirable alkenyl is vinyl, 1-propenyl, 3-butenyl, or 3-pentenyl for decreasing the viscosity. The preferred configuration of —CH═CH— in these alkenyls depends on the position of the double bond. Trans is preferable in alkenyl such as 1-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 3-pentenyl and 3-hexenyl for decreasing the viscosity. Cis is preferred for alkenyl such as 2-butenyl, 2-pentenyl, and 2-hexenyl. In these alkenyl, linear alkenyl is preferable to branching.

Preferred examples of alkenyl in which at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine are 2,2-difluorovinyl, 3,3-difluoro-2-propenyl, 4,4-difluoro-3-butenyl, 5,5-difluoro -4-pentenyl, or 6,6-difluoro-5-hexenyl. Further preferred examples are 2,2-difluorovinyl or 4,4-difluoro-3-butenyl for decreasing the viscosity.

Preferred alkenyloxy is vinyloxy, allyloxy, 3-butenyloxy, 3-pentenyloxy, or 4-pentenyloxy. More preferable alkenyloxy is allyloxy or 3-butenyloxy for decreasing the viscosity.

a and b are independently 0, 1, 2, or 3, and the sum of a and b is 3 or less. Preferred a is 1 for decreasing the minimum temperature, and 2 for increasing the dielectric anisotropy. Preferred b is 0 for decreasing the minimum temperature, and 1 for increasing the dielectric anisotropy. c is 1, 2 or 3. Preferred c is 1 for decreasing the viscosity, and 2 or 3 for increasing the maximum temperature. d is 1, 2, 3, or 4. Preferred d is 2 for decreasing the minimum temperature, and 3 for increasing the dielectric anisotropy. e is 1, 2 or 3, f is 0 or 1; the sum of e and f is 3 or less. Preferred e is 1 for decreasing the viscosity, and 2 or 3 for increasing the maximum temperature. Preferred f is 0 for decreasing the viscosity, and 1 for decreasing the minimum temperature.

Z ¹ and Z ² are independently a single bond, ethylene, carbonyloxy, or difluoromethyleneoxy. Desirable Z ¹ or Z ² is a single bond for decreasing the viscosity. Z ³ is a single bond, ethylene or carbonyloxy. Desirable Z ³ is a single bond for decreasing the viscosity. Z ⁴ is a single bond, ethylene, or carbonyloxy. Desirable Z ⁴ is a single bond for decreasing the viscosity, and carbonyloxy for increasing the dielectric anisotropy. Z ⁵ and Z ⁶ are independently a single bond, ethylene, carbonyloxy, or methyleneoxy. Desirable Z ⁵ or Z ⁶ is a single bond for decreasing the viscosity, and methyleneoxy for increasing the dielectric anisotropy.

Ring A, Ring B, Ring C, and Ring G are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4 -Phenylene, 2,6-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl. Desirable ring A, ring B, ring C or ring G is 1,4-phenylene or 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene for increasing the optical anisotropy. Ring E and ring F are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, or 2,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene. Desirable ring E or ring F is 1,4-cyclohexylene for decreasing the viscosity, or 1,4-phenylene for increasing the optical anisotropy.

または

であり、好ましくは

である。 Ring I and Ring K are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-cyclohexenylene, 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-phenylene in which at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine, Or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl. Preferred examples of “1,4-phenylene in which at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine” are 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, or 2-chloro -3-Fluoro-1,4-phenylene. Preferred ring I or ring K is 1,4-cyclohexylene for decreasing the viscosity, tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl for increasing the dielectric anisotropy, and increasing the optical anisotropy. 1,4-phenylene. Ring J is 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2-chloro-3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-5-methyl-1,4-phenylene, 3,4, 5-trifluoronaphthalene-2,6-diyl or 7,8-difluorochroman-2,6-diyl. Preferred ring J is 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene for increasing the dielectric anisotropy. As the configuration of 1,4-cyclohexylene, trans is preferable to cis for increasing the maximum temperature. Tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl is

Or

And preferably

It is.

X ¹ , X ² , X ³ , and X ⁴ are independently hydrogen or fluorine. Desirable X ¹ , X ² , X ³ , or X ⁴ is fluorine for increasing the dielectric anisotropy.

Y ¹ and Y ² are independently fluorine, chlorine, alkyl having 1 to 12 carbon atoms in which at least one hydrogen is replaced with fluorine or chlorine, and from 1 carbon atom in which at least one hydrogen is replaced with fluorine or chlorine. 12 alkoxy or alkenyloxy having 2 to 12 carbon atoms in which at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine. A preferred example of alkyl in which at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine is trifluoromethyl. A preferred example of alkoxy in which at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine is trifluoromethoxy. A preferred example of alkenyloxy in which at least one hydrogen has been replaced by fluorine or chlorine is trifluorovinyloxy. Preferred Y ¹ or Y ² is fluorine or trifluoromethyl. More desirable Y ¹ or Y ² is fluorine for decreasing the minimum temperature.

In the formulas (2-1) to (2-18), R ² and R ³ are independently alkyl having 2 to 12 carbons. Preferred R ² or R ³ is alkyl having 2 to 8 carbons. R ⁴ and R ⁵ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons. Preferred R ⁴ or R ⁵ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons or alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons.

In formula (2-18), ring D is independently 1,4-phenylene or 1,4-cyclohexylene.

Fifth, preferred component compounds are shown. Desirable compounds (1) are the compounds (1-1) to (1-20) described in item 2. In these compounds, at least one of the first components is compound (1-5), compound (1-7), compound (1-8), compound (1-9), compound (1-12), compound ( 1-14) or a compound (1-15) is preferable. At least two of the first components are compound (1-5) and compound (1-7), compound (1-5) and compound (1-14), compound (1-7) and compound (1-9), Compound (1-7) and Compound (1-14), Compound (1-8) and Compound (1-9), Compound (1-9) and Compound (1-14), or Compound (1-12) and A combination of the compound (1-14) is preferred.

In compound (2-1) to compound (2-18), at least one of the additive components is compound (2-2), compound (2-4), compound (2-9), compound (2-13) Or a compound (2-16). More preferably, at least one of the additive components is the compound (2-16). It is preferable that at least two of the additive components are the compound (2-4) and the compound (2-16), or the combination of the compound (2-13) and the compound (2-16).

Desirable compound (3) is the compound (3-1) to the compound (3-13) according to item 6. In these compounds, at least one of the second components is the compound (3-2), the compound (3-3), the compound (3-5), the compound (3-6), the compound (3-7), or the compound (3-13) is preferred. At least two of the second components are the compound (3-1) and the compound (3-5), the compound (3-1) and the compound (3-7), or the compound (3-3) and the compound (3-7). It is preferable that it is the combination of these.

Desirable compound (4) is the compound (4-1) to the compound (4-15) according to item 9. In these compounds, at least one of the third components is compound (4-5), compound (4-9), compound (4-10), compound (4-11), compound (4-12), or compound (4-15) is preferred. At least two of the fourth components are compound (4-9) and compound (4-10), compound (4-9) and compound (4-12), or compound (4-10) and compound (4-12). It is preferable that it is the combination of these.

Desirable compound (5) is the compound (5-1) to the compound (5-21) according to item 12. In these compounds, at least one of the fourth components is a compound (5-1), a compound (5-4), a compound (5-5), a compound (5-7), a compound (5-10), or a compound (5-15) is preferred. At least two of the fourth components are compound (5-1) and compound (5-7), compound (5-1) and compound (5-15), compound (5-4) and compound (5-7), The compound (5-4) and the compound (5-15), the compound (5-5) and the compound (5-7), or a combination of the compound (5-5) and the compound (5-10) is preferable.

Sixth, additives other than the compounds represented by formulas (2-1) to (2-18) that may be added to the composition will be described. Such additives are antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, dyes, antifoaming agents, polymerizable compounds, polymerization initiators, polymerization inhibitors, and the like. In order to prevent a decrease in specific resistance due to heating in the atmosphere or to maintain a large voltage holding ratio not only at room temperature but also at a temperature close to the upper limit temperature after using the device for a long time, an antioxidant is composed. Added to the product. A preferred example of the antioxidant is a compound (6) in which t is an integer of 1 to 9.

In the compound (6), preferred t is 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9. Further preferred t is 7. Since the compound (6) in which t is 7 has low volatility, it is effective for maintaining a large voltage holding ratio not only at room temperature but also at a temperature close to the upper limit temperature after using the device for a long time. A desirable ratio of the antioxidant is approximately 50 ppm or more for achieving its effect, and is approximately 600 ppm or less for avoiding a decrease in the maximum temperature or avoiding an increase in the minimum temperature. A more desirable ratio is in the range of approximately 100 ppm to approximately 300 ppm.

Preferred examples of the ultraviolet absorber include benzophenone derivatives, benzoate derivatives, triazole derivatives and the like. Also preferred are light stabilizers such as sterically hindered amines. A desirable ratio of these absorbers and stabilizers is approximately 50 ppm or more for achieving the effect thereof, and approximately 10,000 ppm or less for avoiding a decrease in the maximum temperature or avoiding an increase in the minimum temperature. A more desirable ratio is in the range of approximately 100 ppm to approximately 10,000 ppm.

A dichroic dye such as an azo dye or an anthraquinone dye is added to the composition in order to adapt it to a GH (guest host) mode element. A preferred ratio of the dye is in the range of approximately 0.01% by weight to approximately 10% by weight. In order to prevent foaming, an antifoaming agent such as dimethyl silicone oil or methylphenyl silicone oil is added to the composition. A desirable ratio of the antifoaming agent is approximately 1 ppm or more for obtaining the effect thereof, and approximately 1000 ppm or less for preventing a display defect. A more desirable ratio is in the range of approximately 1 ppm to approximately 500 ppm.

A polymerizable compound is added to the composition in order to adapt it to a polymer support alignment (PSA) type device. Preferable examples of the polymerizable compound are compounds having a polymerizable group such as acrylate, methacrylate, vinyl compound, vinyloxy compound, propenyl ether, epoxy compound (oxirane, oxetane), vinyl ketone and the like. Further preferred examples are acrylate or methacrylate derivatives. A desirable ratio of the polymerizable compound is approximately 0.05% by weight or more for achieving the effect thereof, and approximately 10% by weight or less for preventing a display defect. A more desirable ratio is in the range of approximately 0.1% by weight to approximately 2% by weight. The polymerizable compound is polymerized by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. The polymerization may be performed in the presence of an initiator such as a photopolymerization initiator. Appropriate conditions for polymerization, the appropriate type of initiator, and the appropriate amount are known to those skilled in the art and are described in the literature. For example, Irgacure 651 (registered trademark; BASF), Irgacure 184 (registered trademark; BASF), or Darocur 1173 (registered trademark; BASF), which are photoinitiators, are suitable for radical polymerization. A desirable ratio of the photopolymerization initiator is in the range of approximately 0.1% by weight to approximately 5% by weight based on the weight of the polymerizable compound. A more desirable ratio is in the range of approximately 1% by weight to approximately 3% by weight.

When storing the polymerizable compound, a polymerization inhibitor may be added to prevent polymerization. The polymerizable compound is usually added to the composition without removing the polymerization inhibitor. Examples of the polymerization inhibitor include hydroquinone derivatives such as hydroquinone and methylhydroquinone, 4-tert-butylcatechol, 4-methoxyphenol, phenothiazine and the like.

Seventh, a method for synthesizing component compounds will be described. These compounds can be synthesized by known methods. The synthesis method is illustrated. Compound (1-7) and compound (1-14) are synthesized by the method described in JP-A-10-251186. Compound (2-16) is synthesized by the method described in JP-A-63-2953. Compound (3-1) is synthesized by the method described in JP-A-59-176221. Compound (4-1) and compound (4-5) are synthesized by the method described in JP-A-2-233626. Compound (5-1) and compound (5-7) are synthesized by the method described in JP-T-2-503441. Antioxidants are commercially available. A compound of formula (6) where t is 1 is available from Sigma-Aldrich® Corporation. Compound (6) etc. in which t is 7 are synthesized by the method described in US Pat. No. 3,660,505.

Compounds that have not been described as synthetic methods are Organic Synthesis (Organic Syntheses, John Wiley & Sons, Inc), Organic Reactions (Organic Reactions, John Wiley & Sons, Inc), Comprehensive Organic Synthesis (Comprehensive Organic) Synthesis, (Pergamon Press) and new experimental chemistry course (Maruzen). The composition is prepared from the compound thus obtained by known methods. For example, the component compounds are mixed and dissolved in each other by heating.

Finally, the use of the composition will be explained. The composition of the present invention mainly has a minimum temperature of about −10 ° C. or lower, a maximum temperature of about 70 ° C. or higher, and an optical anisotropy in the range of about 0.14 to about 0.20. A composition having an optical anisotropy in the range of about 0.15 to about 0.25 by controlling the proportion of the component compounds or by mixing other liquid crystal compounds, and further from about 0.16 Compositions having optical anisotropy in the range of about 0.30 may be prepared. A device containing this composition has a large voltage holding ratio. This composition is suitable for an AM device. This composition is particularly suitable for a transmissive AM device. This composition can be used as a composition having a nematic phase, or can be used as an optically active composition by adding an optically active compound.

This composition can be used for an AM device. Further, it can be used for PM elements. This composition can be used for an AM device and a PM device having modes such as PC, TN, STN, ECB, OCB, IPS, FFS, VA, and FPA. Use for an AM device having a TN, OCB, IPS mode or FFS mode is particularly preferable. In an AM device having an IPS mode or an FFS mode, when no voltage is applied, the alignment of liquid crystal molecules may be parallel to or perpendicular to the glass substrate. These elements may be reflective, transmissive, or transflective. Use in a transmissive element is preferred. It can also be used for an amorphous silicon-TFT device or a polycrystalline silicon-TFT device. It can also be used for an NCAP (nematic-curvilinear-aligned-phase) type device produced by microencapsulating this composition, or a PD (polymer-dispersed) type device in which a three-dimensional network polymer is formed in the composition.

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples. The invention is not limited by these examples. The present invention includes a mixture of the composition of Example 1 and the composition of Example 2. The invention also includes a mixture of at least two of the example compositions. The synthesized compound was identified by a method such as NMR analysis. The characteristics of the compound, composition and device were measured by the methods described below.

NMR analysis: DRX-500 manufactured by Bruker BioSpin Corporation was used for measurement. ^{In the 1} H-NMR measurement, the sample was dissolved in a deuterated solvent such as CDCl _3, and the measurement was performed at room temperature, 500 MHz, and 16 times of integration. Tetramethylsilane was used as an internal standard. ^{For 19} F-NMR measurement, CFCl ₃ was used as an internal standard and the number of integrations was 24. In the description of the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum, s is a singlet, d is a doublet, t is a triplet, q is a quartet, quint is a quintet, sex is a sextet, m is a multiplet, and br is broad.

Gas chromatographic analysis: GC-14B gas chromatograph manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation was used for measurement. The carrier gas is helium (2 mL / min). The sample vaporization chamber was set at 280 ° C, and the detector (FID) was set at 300 ° C. For separation of the component compounds, capillary column DB-1 (length 30 m, inner diameter 0.32 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm; stationary liquid phase is dimethylpolysiloxane; nonpolar) manufactured by Agilent Technologies Inc. was used. The column was held at 200 ° C. for 2 minutes and then heated to 280 ° C. at a rate of 5 ° C./min. A sample was prepared in an acetone solution (0.1% by weight), and 1 μL thereof was injected into the sample vaporization chamber. The recorder is a C-R5A Chromatopac manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation, or an equivalent product. The obtained gas chromatogram showed the peak retention time and peak area corresponding to the component compounds.

As a solvent for diluting the sample, chloroform, hexane or the like may be used. In order to separate the component compounds, the following capillary column may be used. HP-1 from Agilent Technologies Inc. (length 30 m, inner diameter 0.32 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm), Rtx-1 from Restek Corporation (length 30 m, inner diameter 0.32 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm), BP-1 (length 30 m, inner diameter 0.32 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm) manufactured by SGE International Pty. In order to prevent compound peaks from overlapping, a capillary column CBP1-M50-025 (length 50 m, inner diameter 0.25 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm) manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation may be used.

The ratio of the liquid crystal compound contained in the composition may be calculated by the following method. A mixture of liquid crystal compounds is detected by a gas chromatograph (FID). The area ratio of peaks in the gas chromatogram corresponds to the ratio (weight ratio) of liquid crystal compounds. When the capillary column described above is used, the correction coefficient of each liquid crystal compound may be regarded as 1. Therefore, the ratio (% by weight) of the liquid crystal compound can be calculated from the peak area ratio.

Measurement sample: When measuring the characteristics of the composition or the device, the composition was used as it was as a sample. When measuring the characteristics of the compound, a sample for measurement was prepared by mixing this compound (15% by weight) with mother liquid crystals (85% by weight). The characteristic value of the compound was calculated from the value obtained by the measurement by extrapolation. (Extrapolated value) = {(Measured value of sample) −0.85 × (Measured value of mother liquid crystal)} / 0.15. When the smectic phase (or crystal) is precipitated at 25 ° C. at this ratio, the ratio of the compound and the mother liquid crystal is 10% by weight: 90% by weight, 5% by weight: 95% by weight, 1% by weight: 99% by weight in this order. changed. By this extrapolation method, the maximum temperature, optical anisotropy, viscosity, and dielectric anisotropy values for the compound were determined.

The following mother liquid crystals were used. The ratio of the component compounds is shown by weight%.

Measurement method: The characteristics were measured by the following method. Many of these methods have been modified by the methods described in the JEITA standards (JEITA ED-2521B) deliberated by the Japan Electronics and Information Industry Association (JEITA). Was the way. No thin film transistor (TFT) was attached to the TN device used for the measurement.

(1) Maximum temperature of nematic phase (NI; ° C.): A sample was placed on a hot plate of a melting point measuring apparatus equipped with a polarizing microscope and heated at a rate of 1 ° C./min. The temperature was measured when a part of the sample changed from a nematic phase to an isotropic liquid.

(2) Minimum temperature of nematic phase (T _C ; ° C.): A sample having a nematic phase is placed in a glass bottle and placed in a freezer at 0 ° C., −10 ° C., −20 ° C., −30 ° C., and −40 ° C. for 10 days. After storage, the liquid crystal phase was observed. For example, when the sample remained in a nematic phase at −20 ° C. and changed to a crystalline or smectic phase at −30 ° C., the _TC was described as <−20 ° C.

(3) Viscosity (bulk viscosity; η; measured at 20 ° C .; mPa · s): An E-type viscometer manufactured by Tokyo Keiki Co., Ltd. was used for the measurement.

(4) Viscosity (Rotational Viscosity; γ1; Measured at 25 ° C .; mPa · s): The measurement was performed according to the method described in M. Imai et al., Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals, Vol. 259, 37 (1995). I followed. A sample was put in a TN device having a twist angle of 0 ° and a distance (cell gap) between two glass substrates of 5 μm. A voltage was applied to this device in steps of 0.5 V in the range of 16 V to 19.5 V. After no application for 0.2 seconds, the application was repeated under the condition of only one rectangular wave (rectangular pulse; 0.2 seconds) and no application (2 seconds). The peak current (peak current) and peak time (peak time) of the transient current (transient current) generated by this application were measured. The value of rotational viscosity was obtained from these measured values and the calculation formula (8) described on page 40 in the paper by M. Imai et al. The value of dielectric anisotropy necessary for this calculation was determined by the method described below using the element whose rotational viscosity was measured.

(5) Optical anisotropy (refractive index anisotropy; Δn; measured at 25 ° C.): Measurement was performed with an Abbe refractometer using a light having a wavelength of 589 nm and a polarizing plate attached to an eyepiece. After rubbing the surface of the main prism in one direction, the sample was dropped on the main prism. The refractive index n∥ was measured when the direction of polarized light was parallel to the direction of rubbing. The refractive index n⊥ was measured when the polarization direction was perpendicular to the rubbing direction. The value of optical anisotropy was calculated from the equation: Δn = n∥−n⊥.

(6) Dielectric anisotropy (Δε; measured at 25 ° C.): A sample was put in a TN device in which the distance between two glass substrates (cell gap) was 9 μm and the twist angle was 80 degrees. Sine waves (10 V, 1 kHz) were applied to the device, and after 2 seconds, the dielectric constant (ε∥) in the major axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules was measured. Sine waves (0.5 V, 1 kHz) were applied to the device, and after 2 seconds, the dielectric constant (ε⊥) in the minor axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules was measured. The value of dielectric anisotropy was calculated from the equation: Δε = ε∥−ε⊥.

(7) Threshold voltage (Vth; measured at 25 ° C .; V): An LCD5100 luminance meter manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. was used for the measurement. The light source was a halogen lamp. A sample was put in a normally white mode TN device in which the distance between two glass substrates (cell gap) was 0.45 / Δn (μm) and the twist angle was 80 degrees. The voltage (32 Hz, rectangular wave) applied to this element was increased stepwise from 0V to 10V by 0.02V. At this time, the device was irradiated with light from the vertical direction, and the amount of light transmitted through the device was measured. A voltage-transmittance curve was created in which the transmittance was 100% when the light amount reached the maximum and the transmittance was 0% when the light amount was the minimum. The threshold voltage was expressed as a voltage when the transmittance reached 90%.

(8) Voltage holding ratio (VHR-1; measured at 25 ° C .;%): The TN device used for the measurement had a polyimide alignment film, and the distance between two glass substrates (cell gap) was 5 μm. . This element was sealed with an adhesive that was cured with ultraviolet rays after the sample was placed. The TN device was charged by applying a pulse voltage (60 microseconds at 5 V). The decaying voltage was measured for 16.7 milliseconds with a high-speed voltmeter, and the area A between the voltage curve and the horizontal axis in a unit cycle was determined. Area B was the area when it was not attenuated. The voltage holding ratio was expressed as a percentage of area A with respect to area B.

(9) Voltage holding ratio (VHR-2; measured at 80 ° C .;%): The voltage holding ratio was measured in the same procedure as above except that it was measured at 80 ° C. instead of 25 ° C. The obtained value was expressed as VHR-2.

(10) Voltage holding ratio (VHR-3; measured at 25 ° C .;%): After irradiation with ultraviolet rays, the voltage holding ratio was measured to evaluate the stability against ultraviolet rays. The TN device used for the measurement had a polyimide alignment film, and the cell gap was 5 μm. A sample was injected into this element and irradiated with light for 20 minutes. The light source was an ultra high pressure mercury lamp USH-500D (manufactured by USHIO), and the distance between the element and the light source was 20 cm. In the measurement of VHR-3, a decaying voltage was measured for 16.7 milliseconds. A composition having a large VHR-3 has a large stability to ultraviolet light. VHR-3 is preferably 90% or more, and more preferably 95% or more.

(11) Voltage holding ratio (VHR-4; measured at 25 ° C .;%): The TN device injected with the sample was heated in a constant temperature bath at 80 ° C. for 500 hours, and then the voltage holding ratio was measured to determine the stability against heat. Evaluated. In the measurement of VHR-4, a voltage decaying for 16.7 milliseconds was measured. A composition having a large VHR-4 has a large stability to heat.

(12) Response time (τ; measured at 25 ° C .; ms): An LCD5100 luminance meter manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. was used for measurement. The light source was a halogen lamp. The low-pass filter was set to 5 kHz. A sample was placed in a normally white mode TN device in which the distance between two glass substrates (cell gap) was 5.0 μm and the twist angle was 80 degrees. A rectangular wave (60 Hz, 5 V, 0.5 seconds) was applied to this element. At this time, the device was irradiated with light from the vertical direction, and the amount of light transmitted through the device was measured. It was considered that the transmittance was 100% when the light amount was the maximum, and the transmittance was 0% when the light amount was the minimum. The rise time (τr: rise time; millisecond) is the time required for the transmittance to change from 90% to 10%. The fall time (τf: fall time; millisecond) is the time required to change the transmittance from 10% to 90%. The response time was expressed as the sum of the rise time and the fall time thus obtained.

(13) Elastic constant (K; measured at 25 ° C .; pN): An HP4284A LCR meter manufactured by Yokogawa-Hewlett-Packard Co., Ltd. was used for the measurement. A sample was put in a horizontal alignment element in which the distance between two glass substrates (cell gap) was 20 μm. A charge of 0 to 20 volts was applied to the device, and the capacitance and applied voltage were measured. Fitting the measured values of capacitance (C) and applied voltage (V) using “Liquid Crystal Device Handbook” (Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun), page 75, formula (2.98), formula (2.101) Thus, the values of K11 and K33 were obtained from the formula (2.99). Next, K22 was calculated from the equation (3.18) on page 171 using the values of K11 and K33 obtained earlier. The elastic constant was expressed as an average value of K11, K22, and K33 thus determined.

(14) Specific resistance (ρ; measured at 25 ° C .; Ωcm): A sample (1.0 mL) was poured into a container equipped with electrodes. A DC voltage (10 V) was applied to the container, and the DC current after 10 seconds was measured. The specific resistance was calculated from the following equation. (Resistivity) = {(Voltage) × (Capacity of container)} / {(DC current) × (Dielectric constant of vacuum)}.

(15) Helical pitch (P; measured at room temperature; μm): The helical pitch was measured by the wedge method. See "Liquid Crystal Handbook", page 196 (2000 published, Maruzen). The sample was poured into a wedge-shaped cell and allowed to stand at room temperature for 2 hours, and then the disclination line interval (d2-d1) was observed with a polarizing microscope (Nikon Corporation, trade name: MM40 / 60 series). The helical pitch (P) was calculated from the following equation in which the angle of the wedge cell was expressed as θ. P = 2 × (d2−d1) × tan θ.

(16) Dielectric constant in the minor axis direction (ε⊥; measured at 25 ° C.): A sample was put in a TN device in which the distance between two glass substrates (cell gap) was 9 μm and the twist angle was 80 degrees. . Sine waves (0.5 V, 1 kHz) were applied to the device, and after 2 seconds, the dielectric constant (ε⊥) in the minor axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules was measured.

The compounds in Examples were represented by symbols based on the definitions in Table 3 below. In Table 3, the configuration regarding 1,4-cyclohexylene is trans. The number in parentheses after the symbol corresponds to the compound number. The symbol (−) means other liquid crystal compounds. The ratio (percentage) of the liquid crystal compound is a weight percentage (% by weight) based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition. Finally, the characteristic values of the composition are summarized.

[Comparative Example 1]
Example 13 was selected from the compositions disclosed in JP-T-2004-532345. The reason is that this composition contained the compound (3-2). The components and properties of this composition are as follows.
2-HB-C (-) 6%
3-HB-C (-) 18%
2-BEB (F) -C (-) 2%
3-BEB (F) -C (-) 3%
4-BEB (F) -C (-) 8%
5-BEB (F) -C (-) 8%
3-HB-O2 (3-2) 4%
2-B (F, F) TBB-3 (-) 20%
4-B (F, F) TBB-3 (-) 31%
NI = 87.5 ° C .; Δn = 0.242; Δε = 18.8; γ1 = 211 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 90.3%; VHR-3 = 14.8%. To 96% by weight of this composition, the compound (XIIIa-1) similar to the formula (2-17) was added in a proportion of 4% by weight.

[Example 1]
3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-5) 8%
3-BBXB (F, F) -F (1-6) 5%
3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-7) 13%
3-HBBBXB (F, F) -F (1-8) 7%
3-dhBB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-10) 6%
4-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
5-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F) -F (1-13) 6%
2-HH-3 (3-1) 13%
2-BB (F) B-3 (3-7) 4%
3-GB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-9) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-10) 9%
2-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 4%
3-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 4%
3-GB (F) B (F) B (F) -F (4-14) 3%
NI = 71.9 ° C .; Δn = 0.140; Δε = 26.3; Vth = 0.98V; γ1 = 229.7 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 98.9%; VHR-2 = 97.6% VHR-3 = 97.4%. The pitch when the compound (2-16) was added to the composition in a proportion of 7.2% by weight was 1 μm or less.

[Example 2]
5-HXB (F, F) -F (1-1) 1%
3-HHXB (F, F) -F (1-2) 2%
3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-7) 12%
3-HBBBXB (F, F) -F (1-8) 7%
3-HBB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-9) 6%
4-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
5-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-14) 2%
4-BB (F, F) XB (F) B (F, F) -F
(1-15) 5%
3-HH-V1 (3-1) 5%
5-HH-V (3-1) 10%
3-HB-O2 (3-2) 3%
V-HBB-2 (3-6) 7%
5-B (F) BB-2 (3-8) 4%
3-HBB (F, F) -F (4-5) 5%
3-GB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-9) 8%
2-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 4%
3-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 4%
4-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
NI = 92.1 ° C .; Δn = 0.140; Δε = 21.8; Vth = 1.13 V; γ1 = 21.4 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 99.1%; VHR-2 = 98.1% VHR-3 = 97.7%. The pitch when the compound (2-16) was added to this composition in a proportion of 4.8% by weight was 1 μm or less.

[Example 3]
3-GB (F, F) XB (F) -F (1-4) 8%
3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-7) 13%
3-HBBBXB (F, F) -F (1-8) 7%
3-HBB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-9) 7%
4-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F) -F (1-11) 5%
4-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-14) 4%
5-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-14) 3%
3-BB (2F, 3F) XB (F, F) -F (1-17) 3%
3-HH-V (3-1) 9%
V-HHB-1 (3-5) 5%
3-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 7%
5-HBB (F) B-2 (3-13) 3%
3-GB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-9) 5%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-10) 6%
2-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
3-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
4-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
NI = 91.6 ° C .; Δn = 0.154; Δε = 23.9; Vth = 1.15V; γ1 = 232.2 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 98.9%; VHR-2 = 97.7% VHR-3 = 97.4%. The pitch when the compound (2-16) was added to this composition in a proportion of 5.9% by weight was 1 μm or less.

[Example 4]
3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-5) 9%
3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-7) 16%
3-HBBBXB (F, F) -F (1-8) 4%
5-HBBBXB (F, F) -F (1-8) 3%
4-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 7%
5-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F) B (F, F) -F
(1-16) 2%
3-B (2F, 3F) BXB (F, F) -F (1-18) 4%
3-HH-V (3-1) 6%
1-HH-2V1 (3-1) 3%
3-HH-2V1 (3-1) 4%
V2-BB-1 (3-3) 4%
1-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 5%
2-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 4%
3-GHB (F, F) -F (4-4) 5%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-10) 9%
2-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
3-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
4-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
NI = 72.8 ° C .; Δn = 0.145; Δε = 23.5; Vth = 1.01 V; γ1 = 207.9 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 98.9%; VHR-2 = 97.8% VHR-3 = 97.3%. The pitch when the compound (2-4) was added to this composition in a proportion of 10.6% by weight was 1 μm or less.

[Example 5]
3-HHXB (F, F) -CF3 (1-3) 3%
3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-5) 6%
3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-7) 16%
3-HBBBXB (F, F) -F (1-8) 7%
3-HBB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-9) 7%
4-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 8%
3-HB (2F, 3F) BXB (F, F) -F (1-19) 3%
3-BB (2F, 3F) BXB (F, F) -F (1-20) 3%
3-HH-VFF (3-1) 6%
3-HH-4 (3-1) 3%
7-HB-1 (3-2) 3%
2-BB (F) B-5 (3-7) 6%
V2-B (F) BB-1 (3-8) 6%
3-GB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-9) 5%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-10) 9%
2-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 4%
3-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
4-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 2%
NI = 81.5 ° C .; Δn = 0.151; Δε = 24.0; Vth = 1.07 V; γ1 = 22.8 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 98.8%; VHR-2 = 97.5% VHR-3 = 97.3%. The pitch when the compound (2-4) was added to this composition at a ratio of 5.5% by weight and the compound (2-10) at a ratio of 5.4% by weight was 1 μm or less.

[Example 6]
3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-5) 8%
3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-7) 18%
3-HBBBXB (F, F) -F (1-8) 7%
3-HBB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-9) 6%
4-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
5-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-14) 2%
4-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-14) 8%
3-HH-V (3-1) 9%
3-HHEH-3 (3-4) 3%
2-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 4%
3-HHEBH-3 (3-9) 3%
3-GB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-9) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-10) 6%
2-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 4%
3-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 4%
NI = 81.3 ° C .; Tc <−20 ° C .; Δn = 0.142; Δε = 29.3; Vth = 1.02 V; γ1 = 247.5 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 98.7%; VHR− 2 = 97.5%; VHR-3 = 97.2%. The pitch when the compound (2-5) was added to this composition at a ratio of 3.5% by weight and the compound (2-16) at 4% by weight was 1 μm or less.

[Example 7]
3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-7) 18%
3-HBBBXB (F, F) -F (1-8) 7%
3-HBB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-9) 6%
4-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
5-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-14) 6%
3-HH-V (3-1) 10%
1-BB-3 (3-3) 3%
1-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 5%
5-HBBH-3 (3-11) 3%
3-HHB (F, F) -F (4-1) 2%
3-HGB (F, F) -F (4-3) 2%
3-HB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-6) 3%
3-GB (F) B (F) -F (4-8) 3%
3-GB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-9) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-10) 3%
2-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 4%
3-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 4%
4-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
NI = 84.7 ° C .; Δn = 0.144; Δε = 24.5; Vth = 1.05 V; γ1 = 233.8 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 98.9%; VHR-2 = 97.7% VHR-3 = 97.6%. The pitch when the compound (2-13) was added to this composition at 5.3 wt% and the compound (2-16) was added at 6 wt% was 1 μm or less.

[Example 8]
3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-5) 8%
3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-7) 12%
3-HBBBXB (F, F) -F (1-8) 7%
3-HBB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-9) 6%
4-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
5-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-14) 2%
3-HH-V (3-1) 14%
1-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 5%
2-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 5%
3-GB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-9) 8%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-10) 9%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) -CF3 (4-11) 3%
3-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
3-HHB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-13) 3%
3-GBB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-15) 3%
NI = 79.7 ° C .; Δn = 0.151; Δε = 25.0; Vth = 1.01 V; γ1 = 223.1 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 99.0%; VHR-2 = 97.9% VHR-3 = 97.4%. When 10% by weight of compound (2-4) and 4.3% by weight of compound (2-9) were added to this composition, the pitch was 1 μm or less.

[Example 9]
3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-5) 8%
3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-7) 13%
3-HBB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-9) 7%
4-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
5-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F) -F (1-13) 4%
4-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F) -F (1-13) 3%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-14) 4%
3-HH-V (3-1) 11%
3-HH-O1 (3-1) 3%
3-HBB-2 (3-6) 3%
1-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 3%
2-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 6%
3-GB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-9) 5%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-10) 9%
2-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
3-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
4-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
NI = 80.4 ° C .; Δn = 0.152; Δε = 25.1; Vth = 1.04 V; γ1 = 223.2 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 98.7%; VHR-2 = 97.7% VHR-3 = 97.4%. The pitch when the compound (2-16) was added to this composition at a ratio of 5% by weight was 1 μm or less.

[Example 10]
3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-5) 9%
3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-7) 16%
3-HBBBXB (F, F) -F (1-8) 7%
3-HBB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-9) 6%
5-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F) -F (1-11) 6%
4-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 7%
3-HH-V (3-1) 5%
4-HH-V (3-1) 4%
3-HH-5 (3-1) 4%
3-HHB-O1 (3-5) 3%
1-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 6%
2-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 4%
3-GB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-9) 5%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-10) 9%
3-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
5-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
4-HBBH-1O1 (-) 3%
NI = 84.5 ° C .; Δn = 0.147; Δε = 22.8; Vth = 1.06 V; γ1 = 211.4 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 98.7%; VHR-2 = 97.7% VHR-3 = 97.4%. The pitch when the compound (2-16) was added to this composition in a proportion of 4.5% by weight was 1 μm or less.

[Example 11]
3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-5) 9%
3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-7) 14%
3-HBBBXB (F, F) -F (1-8) 7%
3-HBB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-9) 7%
4-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 8%
5-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
3-HH-V (3-1) 10%
1-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 6%
2-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 6%
3-GB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-9) 3%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-10) 9%
2-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 4%
3-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
4-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 2%
V-HHB (2F, 3F) -O2 (5-7) 3%
3-HBB (2F, 3F) -O2 (5-15) 3%
NI = 87.5 ° C .; Δn = 0.154; Δε = 24.2; Vth = 1.04 V; γ1 = 226.7 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 99.1%; VHR-2 = 97.8% VHR-3 = 97.5%. The pitch when the compound (2-16) was added to this composition at a ratio of 7% by weight was 1 μm or less.

[Example 12]
3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-5) 8%
3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-7) 18%
3-HBBBXB (F, F) -F (1-8) 7%
3-HBB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-9) 6%
4-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
5-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-14) 2%
4-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-14) 8%
2-HH-3 (3-1) 9%
2-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 4%
3-GB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-9) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-10) 9%
2-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 4%
3-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
4-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 4%
NI = 73.8 ° C .; Tc <−20 ° C .; Δn = 0.144; Δε = 30.2; Vth = 0.98V; γ1 = 251.6 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 99.0%; VHR− 2 = 97.5%; VHR-3 = 97.2%. The pitch when the compound (2-16) was added to this composition in a proportion of 5.3% by weight was 1 μm or less.

[Example 13]
3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-5) 3%
3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-7) 13%
3-HBBBXB (F, F) -F (1-8) 7%
3-HBB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-9) 7%
4-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
5-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-14) 4%
4-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-14) 5%
3-HH-V (3-1) 14%
1-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 6%
2-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 6%
3-GB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-9) 5%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-10) 9%
2-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
3-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
4-HHBB (F, F) -F (4-12) 3%
NI = 89.9 ° C .; Δn = 0.160; Δε = 24.6; Vth = 1.09 V; γ1 = 224.9 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 99.1%; VHR-2 = 97.6% VHR-3 = 97.3%. The pitch when the compound (2-2) was added to this composition in a proportion of 7.5% by weight and the compound (2-4) in a proportion of 7.5% by weight was 1 μm or less.

[Example 14]
3-GB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-5) 8%
3-BB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-7) 18%
3-HBBBXB (F, F) -F (1-8) 7%
3-HBB (F, F) XB (F, F) -F (1-9) 6%
4-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
5-GB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-12) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-14) 2%
4-BB (F) B (F, F) XB (F, F) -F
(1-14) 8%
3-HH-V (3-1) 7%
1-BB-5 (3-3) 5%
2-BB (F) B-2V (3-7) 4%
5-HBB (F) B-2 (3-13) 4%
3-GB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-9) 6%
3-BB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-10) 9%
3-HHB (F) B (F, F) -F (4-13) 4%
NI = 70.1 ° C .; Δn = 0.151; Δε = 29.8; Vth = 0.97V; γ1 = 235.8 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 98.6%; VHR-2 = 97.4% VHR-3 = 97.1%. When 3% by weight of compound (2-7) and 6.8% by weight of compound (2-16) were added to this composition, the pitch was 1 μm or less.

The VHR-3 of Comparative Example 1 was 14.8%. On the other hand, VHR-3 in Examples 1 to 14 was in the range of 97.1% to 97.7%. Thus, the composition of the example had a larger VHR-3 than the composition of the comparative example. Therefore, it is concluded that the liquid crystal composition of the present invention has excellent characteristics.

The liquid crystal composition of the present invention has a high maximum temperature, a low minimum temperature, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a short helical pitch, a large specific resistance, a large elastic constant, and a high stability to ultraviolet light. In characteristics such as high stability to heat, satisfy at least one characteristic or have an appropriate balance with respect to at least two characteristics. Since the liquid crystal display element containing this composition has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long lifetime, and the like, it can be used for a liquid crystal projector, a liquid crystal television, and the like.

Claims (16)

Cholesteric compound containing at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1) as a first component and an optically active compound as an additive component, and having a selective reflection wavelength at 25 ° C. of 400 nm to 800 nm Liquid crystal composition.

In Formula (1), R ¹ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; Ring A, Ring B, and Ring C are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, pyrimidine -2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl; Z ¹ and Z ² are independently a single bond, ethylene, carbonyloxy, or It is difluoromethyleneoxy; X ¹ and X ² are each independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y ¹ is fluorine, chlorine, carbon in which at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine 1 to 12 alkyls, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons in which at least one hydrogen is replaced with fluorine or chlorine, or alkenyloxys having 2 to 12 carbons in which at least one hydrogen is replaced with fluorine or chlorine; a and b are independently 0, 1, 2, or 3, and the sum of a and b is 3 or less. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formulas (1-1) to (1-20) as the first component.

In the formulas (1-1) to (1-20), R ¹ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2-1) to formula (2-18) as an additive component.

In the formulas (2-1) to (2-18), R ² and R ³ are independently alkyl having 2 to 12 carbons. In the formulas (2-6) and (2-15), R ² may be methyl; R ⁴ and R ⁵ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; In -18), ring D is independently 1,4-phenylene or 1,4-cyclohexylene. The proportion of the first component is in the range of 30% to 90% by weight and the proportion of the additive component is in the range of 1% to 30% by weight based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of the above. 5. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3) as the second component.

In Formula (3), R ⁶ and R ⁷ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or at least one hydrogen is fluorine or chlorine. Substituted alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbon atoms; ring E and ring F are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, or 2,5 -Difluoro-1,4-phenylene; Z ³ is a single bond, ethylene or carbonyloxy; c is 1, 2, or 3. The second component contains at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3-1) to formula (3-13) according to any one of claims 1 to 5: Liquid crystal composition.

In the formulas (3-1) to (3-13), R ⁶ and R ⁷ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or C2-C12 alkenyl in which at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the ratio of the second component is in the range of 5 wt% to 60 wt% based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4) as a third component.

In the formula (4), R ⁸ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; ring G is 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1 , 4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,6-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl, 1,3 -Dioxane-2,5-diyl or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl; Z ⁴ is a single bond, ethylene or carbonyloxy; X ³ and X ⁴ are independently hydrogen or fluorine There; Y ² is replace fluorine, chlorine, at least one hydrogen alkyl having 1 carbon is replaced by fluorine or chlorine 12, at least one hydrogen fluorine or chlorine It was from 1 to 12 carbons alkoxy, or at least one hydrogen is alkenyloxy having 2 to 12 carbons are replaced by fluorine or chlorine; d is 1, 2, 3, or 4. The third component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-1) to formula (4-15). Liquid crystal composition.

In the formulas (4-1) to (4-15), R ⁸ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the ratio of the third component is in the range of 3 wt% to 50 wt% based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (5) as a fourth component.

In Formula (5), R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyloxy having 2 to 12 carbons. Yes; Ring I and Ring K are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-cyclohexenylene, 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-wherein at least one hydrogen is replaced by fluorine or chlorine Phenylene, or tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl; ring J is 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2-chloro-3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 2,3-difluoro- 5-methyl-1,4-phenylene, it is a 3,4,5-trifluoro-2,6-diyl or 7,8-difluoro-chroman-2,6-diyl,; ^{Z 5} Contact Fine Z ⁶ are each independently a single bond, ethylene, carbonyloxy, or methyleneoxy,; e is 1, 2, or 3,, f is 0 or 1; the sum of e and f is 3 or less. The fourth component according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (5-1) to formula (5-21). Liquid crystal composition.

In formulas (5-1) to (5-21), R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or It is alkenyloxy having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the ratio of the fourth component is in the range of 3 wt% to 25 wt% based on the weight of the liquid crystal composition. The upper limit temperature of the nematic phase is 70 ° C. or higher, the optical anisotropy (measured at 25 ° C.) at a wavelength of 589 nm is 0.14 or higher, and the dielectric anisotropy (measured at 25 ° C.) at a frequency of 1 kHz is 20 The liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which is as described above. A liquid crystal display element comprising the liquid crystal composition according to claim 1. Use of the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14 in a liquid crystal display device.