LIQUID CRYSTAL COMPOSITION AND LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY ELEMENT CONTAINING THE SAME

Abstract

There are provided a liquid crystal composition containing a compound represented by the following formula (i) and a compound represented by the following general formula (ii) (wherein Rii1 and Rii2 independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 4 or 5 carbon atoms, and Xii1 and Xii2 independently denote a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom), and a liquid crystal display element containing the liquid crystal composition.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a nematic liquid crystal composition having positive anisotropy of dielectric constant (Δε) useful as a liquid crystal display material and to a liquid crystal display element containing the liquid crystal composition.

BACKGROUND ART

Liquid crystal display elements are used in various measuring instruments, automotive panels, word processors, electronic notebooks, printers, computers, television sets, clocks and watches, and advertising boards, as well as clocks and watches and electronic calculators. Typical liquid crystal display modes include twisted nematic (TN), super-twisted nematic (STN), vertical thin-film transistor (TFT), and in-plane switching (IPS) TFT. Liquid crystal compositions for use in such liquid crystal display elements should be insensitive to external stimuli, such as water, air, heat, and light, have a liquid crystal phase in as wide a temperature range as possible around room temperature, have low viscosity, and have a low driving voltage. A liquid crystal composition is composed of several to tens of compounds so as to achieve optimum anisotropy of dielectric constant (Δε) or optimum anisotropy of reflective index (Δn) of each display element.

Liquid crystal compositions having negative Δε are used in vertical alignment (VA) displays. Liquid crystal compositions having positive Δε are used in horizontal alignment displays, such as TN, STN, and in-plane switching (IPS) displays. In a drive system reported previously, a liquid crystal composition having positive Δε is vertically aligned in the absence of voltage, and a transverse electric field is applied for display. Thus, there is an increasing demand for liquid crystal compositions having positive Δε. There is also a demand for low-voltage drive, high-speed response, and a wide operating temperature range in any drive system. In other words, there is a demand for positive Δε having a large absolute value, low viscosity (η), and a high nematic phase-isotropic liquid phase transition temperature (Tni). In order to set the product Δn×d of Δn and the cell gap (d) at a predetermined value, the Δn of a liquid crystal composition must be adjusted in an appropriate range for the cell gap. Furthermore, because high-speed responsivity is important for liquid crystal display elements for use in television sets, liquid crystal compositions should have low rotational viscosity (γ1).

For example, a liquid crystal composition containing a combination of a compound represented by the formula (A-1) or (A-2), which is a liquid crystal compound having positive Δε, and a compound represented by the formula (B), which is a liquid crystal compound having neutral Δε, is disclosed as a liquid crystal composition designed for high-speed responsivity. It is widely known in the field of liquid crystal compositions that among the characteristics of such a liquid crystal composition, the liquid crystal compound having positive Δε has a —CF₂O— structure, and the liquid crystal compound having neutral Δε has an alkenyl group (Patent Literature 1 to Patent Literature 4).

The manner in which liquid crystal display elements are to be used and methods for producing the liquid crystal display elements change with the increasing number of applications of liquid crystal display elements. In order to adapt to such changes, it is necessary to optimize characteristics other than known basic physical properties. More specifically, VA and IPS liquid crystal display elements containing liquid crystal compositions have come to be widely used, and very large, 50-inch or more, display elements are put to practical use. Methods for filling substrates with liquid crystal compositions also change with increases in substrate size. A one drop fill (ODF) method has become the mainstream instead of the known vacuum injection method. However, deterioration in display quality due to drop marks of liquid crystal compositions on substrates has become an issue.

In a process of manufacturing a liquid crystal display element by the ODF method, the amount of liquid crystal composition to be dropped should be optimally adjusted to the size of a liquid crystal display element. When the amount of dropped liquid crystal composition deviates significantly from the optimum amount, this disturbs the balance of the designed refractive index or driving electric field of liquid crystal display elements, thereby causing display defects, such as spots and poor contrast. In particular, the optimum amount of dropped liquid crystal is small in small liquid crystal display elements frequently used in popular smartphones. Thus, it is difficult to control the deviation from the optimum value within a certain range. Thus, in order to maintain high manufacturing yields of liquid crystal display elements, liquid crystal compositions should not be greatly affected by rapid pressure changes in dropping apparatuses or impacts due to dropping of liquid crystal and should be consistently dropped for extended periods.

Thus, liquid crystal compositions for use in active-matrix driven liquid crystal display elements driven in TFT elements should have improved high-speed responsivity, specific resistance, voltage holding ratio, and insensitivity to external stimuli, such as light and heat, of the liquid crystal display elements, while methods for manufacturing the liquid crystal display elements are taken into consideration.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-037918

PTL 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-038018

PTL 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-275390

PTL 4: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-052120

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal composition having positive Δε, having a liquid crystal phase in a wide temperature range, having low viscosity, having high solubility at low temperatures, having a high specific resistance and voltage holding ratio, and being insensitive to heat and light. It is another object of the present invention to use the liquid crystal composition to efficiently provide a liquid crystal display element having reduced display defects due to burn-in and drop marks and having high display quality. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal display element containing the liquid crystal composition.

Solution to Problem

The present invention includes the following aspects.

(1) A liquid crystal composition having positive anisotropy of dielectric constant, containing a compound represented by the following formula (i) and at least one compound represented by the following general formula (ii).

In the general formula (ii), Rⁱⁱ¹ and Rⁱⁱ² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 4 or 5 carbon atoms, and Xⁱⁱ¹ and Xⁱⁱ² independently denote a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom.

(2) The liquid crystal composition according to (1), wherein one of Xⁱⁱ¹ and Xⁱⁱ² in the general formula (ii) denotes a hydrogen atom, and the other denotes a fluorine atom.

(3) The liquid crystal composition according to (2), containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by the following formula (ii.2.1) and a compound represented by the following formula (ii.2.2) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (ii), the at least one compound constituting 0.5% or more and less than 5% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

(4) The liquid crystal composition according to (2) or (3), containing a compound represented by the following formula (ii.1.3) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (ii).

(5) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (2) to (4), containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by the following formula (ii.2.9) and a compound represented by the following formula (ii.2.10) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (ii).

(6) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (1) to (5), further containing at least one compound represented by the following general formula (L).

[Chem. 9]

R^L1—B^L1-L^L1-B^L2L^L2-B^L3_OLR^L2  (L)

In the general formula (L),

R^L1 and R^L2 independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and one or two or more nonadjacent —CH₂— of the alkyl group may be independently substituted with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—,

OL is 0, 1, 2, or 3,

B^L1, B^L2, and B^L3 independently denote a group selected from the group consisting of

(a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (one —CH₂— or at least two nonadjacent —CH₂— of this group may be substituted with —O—), and

(b) a 1,4-phenylene group (one —CH═ or at least two nonadjacent —CH═ of this group may be substituted with —Na═),

the group (a) and the group (b) may be independently substituted with a cyano group, a fluorine atom, or a chlorine atom,

L^L1 and L^L2 independently denote a single bond, —CH₂CH₂—, —(CH₂)₄—, —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCF₂—, —CF₂O—, —CH═N—N═CH—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, or —C≡C—, and in the case that OL is 2 or 3 and there are a plurality of L^L2s, the plurality of L^L2s may be the same or different, and in the case that OL is 2 or 3 and there are a plurality of B^L3s, the plurality of B^L3s may be the same or different, the at least one compound being not the compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii).

(7) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (1) to (6), further containing at least one compound represented by the following general formula (M).

[Chem. 10]

In the general formula (M),

R^M1 denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and one or two or more nonadjacent —CH₂— of the alkyl group may be independently substituted with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—,

PM is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4,

C^M1 and C^M2 independently denote a group selected from the group consisting of

(d) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (one —CH₂— or at least two nonadjacent —CH₂— of this group may be substituted with —O— or —S—), and

(e) a 1,4-phenylene group (one —CH═ or at least two nonadjacent —CH═ of this group may be substituted with —N═),

the groups (d) and (e) may be independently substituted with a cyano group, a fluorine atom, or a chlorine atom,

K^M1 and K^M2 independently denote a single bond, —CH₂CH₂—, —(CH₂)₄—, —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —OCF₂—, —CF₂O—, —COO—, —OCO—, or —C≡C—,

in the case that PM is 2, 3, or 4 and there are a plurality of K^M1s, the plurality of K^M1s may be the same or different, and in the case that PM is 2, 3, or 4 and there are a plurality of C^M2s, the plurality of C^M2s may be the same or different,

X^M1 and X^M3 independently denote a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom, or a fluorine atom, and

X^M2 denotes a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a cyano group, a trifluoromethyl group, a fluoromethoxy group, a difluoromethoxy group, a trifluoromethoxy group, or a 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl group, the at least one compound being not the compound represented by the formula (i).

(8) The liquid crystal composition according to (6) or (7), containing at least one compound represented by the following general formula (II-2) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (L).

In the general formula (II-2), R²³ denotes an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and R²⁴ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(9) The liquid crystal composition according to (8), containing a compound represented by the following formula (11.2) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (II-2), the compound represented by the following formula (11.2) constituting at least 13% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

(10) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (7) to (9), containing at least one compound represented by the following general formula (X-6) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (M).

In the general formula (X-6), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(11) The liquid crystal composition according to (10), containing a compound represented by the following formula (44.1) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (X-6), the compound represented by the following formula (44.1) constituting 0.5% to 4% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

(12) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (7) to (11), containing at least one compound represented by the following general formula (IX-2-2) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (M).

In the general formula (IX-2-2), R⁹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(13) The liquid crystal composition according to (12), containing a compound represented by the following formula (31.2) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (IX-2-2), the compound represented by the following formula (31.2) constituting at least 9% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

(14) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (7) to (13), containing at least one compound represented by the following general formula (IX-2-3) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (M).

In the general formula (IX-2-3), R⁹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(15) The liquid crystal composition according to (14), containing a compound represented by the following formula (32.2) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (IX-2-3), the compound represented by the following formula (32.2) constituting 0.5% or more and less than 5% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

(16) The liquid crystal composition according to (14) or (15), containing a compound represented by the following formula (32.4) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (IX-2-3), the compound represented by the following formula (32.4) constituting 0.5% or more and less than 5% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

(17) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (7) to (16), containing at least one compound represented by the following general formula (IX-2-1) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (M).

In the general formula (IX-2-1), R⁹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(18) The liquid crystal composition according to (17), containing a compound represented by the formula (30.1) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (IX-2-1).

(19) The liquid crystal composition according to (17) or (18), containing a compound represented by the formula (30.2) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (IX-2-1).

(20) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (7) to (19), containing at least one compound represented by the following general formula (X-2-1) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (M).

In the general formula (X-2-1), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(21) The liquid crystal composition according to (20), containing a compound represented by the formula (39.2) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (X-2-1).

(22) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (7) to (21), containing at least one compound represented by the following general formula (X-3-1) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (M).

In the general formula (X-3-1), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(23) The liquid crystal composition according to (22), containing a compound represented by the formula (41.2) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (X-3-1), the compound represented by the formula (41.2) constituting 0.5% or more and less than 2% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

(24) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (7) to (23), containing at least one compound represented by the following general formula (XIV-2-2) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (M).

In the general formula (XIV-2-2), R¹⁴⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(25) The liquid crystal composition according to (24), containing a compound represented by the formula (54.2) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (XIV-2-2).

(26) The liquid crystal composition according to (24) or (25), containing a compound represented by the formula (54.4) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (XIV-2-2).

(27) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (7) to (26), containing at least one compound represented by the following general formula (XIV-1) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (M).

In the general formula (XIV-1), R¹⁴⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms, and Y¹⁴ denotes a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or —OCF₃.

(28) The liquid crystal composition according to (27), containing a compound represented by the formula (51.1) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (XIV-1), the compound represented by the formula (51.1) constituting at least 8% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

(29) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (6) to (28), containing at least one compound represented by the following general formula (I-2) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (L).

In the general formula (I-2), R¹³ and R¹⁴ independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

(30) The liquid crystal composition according to (29), containing a compound represented by the formula (3.1) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (I-2), the compound represented by the formula (3.1) constituting at least 6% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

(31) The liquid crystal composition according to (29) or (30), containing a compound represented by the formula (3.3) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (I-2), the compound represented by the formula (3.3) constituting at least 6% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

(32) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (29) to (31), containing a compound represented by the formula (3.4) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (I-2), the compound represented by the formula (3.4) constituting at least 3% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

(33) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (6) to (32), containing at least one compound represented by the following general formula (I-5) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (L).

In the general formula (I-5), R¹¹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R¹² denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 4 or 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(34) The liquid crystal composition according to (33), containing a compound represented by the formula (6.6) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (I-5).

(35) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (7) to (34), containing at least one compound represented by the following general formula (X-4-1) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (M).

In the general formula (X-4-1), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(36) The liquid crystal composition according to (35), containing a compound represented by the formula (42.3) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (X-4-1).

(37) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (1) to (36), further containing a compound represented by the following formula (2.5).

(38) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (7) to (37), containing at least one compound represented by the following general formula (XIII-3) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (M).

In the general formula (XIII-3), R¹³⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

(39) The liquid crystal composition according to (38), containing a compound represented by the formula (50.1) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (XIII-3).

(40) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (1) to (39), further containing a compound represented by the following general formula (Q-a).

In the general formula (Q-a), R^Q1 denotes a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

(41) The liquid crystal composition according to (40), containing a compound represented by the following formula (Q-a-1) as a compound represented by the general formula (Q-a).

(42) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (1) to (41), further containing a compound represented by the following general formula (Q-c).

In the general formula (Q-c), R^Q3 denotes a linear alkyl group, a branched alkyl group, a linear alkoxy group, or a branched alkoxy group each having 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

(43) The liquid crystal composition according to (42), containing a compound represented by the following formula (Q-c-1) as a compound represented by the general formula (Q-c).

(44) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (6) to (43), containing a compound represented by the following formula (12.4) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (L).

(45) The liquid crystal composition according to any one of (1) to (44), further containing a compound represented by the following formula (62.1).

(46) A liquid crystal display element containing the liquid crystal composition according to any one of (1) to (45).

(47) The liquid crystal display element according to (46), wherein the liquid crystal display element has an IPS display mode.

(48) The liquid crystal display element according to (46), wherein the liquid crystal display element has an OCB display mode.

(49) The liquid crystal display element according to (46), wherein the liquid crystal display element has an ECB display mode.

(50) The liquid crystal display element according to (46), wherein the liquid crystal display element has a VA display mode.

(51) The liquid crystal display element according to (46), wherein the liquid crystal display element has a VA-IPS display mode.

(52) The liquid crystal display element according to (46), wherein the liquid crystal display element has an FFS display mode.

(53) A liquid crystal display unit including the liquid crystal display element according to any one of (46) to (52).

Advantageous Effects of Invention

While retaining low viscosity, high specific resistance, and a high voltage holding ratio, a composition having positive anisotropy of dielectric constant according to the present invention has much higher solubility at low temperatures than before and can be consistently dropped for extended periods in a process of manufacturing a liquid crystal display element by the ODF method. Thus, a composition according to the present invention can be used to efficiently produce a liquid crystal display element having reduced display defects resulting from a manufacturing process and having high display quality, and has high practicality in (applicability to) liquid crystal products. Liquid crystal display elements of an in-plane switching (IPS) type or a fringe field switching (FFS) type containing the composition can have high high-speed response.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display element according to the present invention. A substrate including 100 to 105 is referred to as a “back plane”, and a substrate including 200 to 205 is referred to as a “front plane”.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exposure treatment process in which a columnar spacer forming pattern on a black matrix is used as a photomask pattern.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is a liquid crystal composition having positive anisotropy of dielectric constant and contains a compound represented by the following formula (i) and a compound represented by the following general formula (ii). The liquid crystal composition will be described below. Unless otherwise specified, “%” means “% by mass”. The preferred content with respect to each compound is exemplified by the preferred content before the compound is contained in the liquid crystal composition (except for the case that the lower limit is 0% by mass).

In the general formula (ii), Rⁱⁱ¹ and Rⁱⁱ² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 4 or 5 carbon atoms, and Xⁱⁱ¹ and Xⁱⁱ² independently denote a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom.

One of the Xⁱⁱ¹ and Xⁱⁱ² denotes a hydrogen atom, and the other denotes a fluorine atom.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (i) in the liquid crystal composition is preferably, but is not limited to, 1% or more by mass, 2% or more by mass, 3% or more by mass, 4% or more by mass, 5% or more by mass, 6% or more by mass, 8% or more by mass, 9% or more by mass, or 11% or more by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition. In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, nematic phase-isotropic liquid phase transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (i) in the liquid crystal composition is preferably 35% or less by mass, 30% or less by mass, 25% or less by mass, 20% or less by mass, 15% or less by mass, or 11% or less by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition. Among these, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (i) in the liquid crystal composition preferably ranges from 1% to 35% by mass, 1% to 30% by mass, 1% to 25% by mass, 1% to 20% by mass, 1% to 15% by mass, 3% to 35% by mass, 4% to 35% by mass, 6% to 35% by mass, 8% to 15% by mass, 9% to 35% by mass, 11% to 35% by mass, 2% to 11% by mass, 3% to 8% by mass, 5% to 10% by mass, or 7% to 11% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

From the perspective of the response speed and electrical and optical reliability, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii) in the liquid crystal composition is preferably 1% or more by mass, 4% or more by mass, 8% or more by mass, 10% or more by mass, 11% or more by mass, 13% or more by mass, 15% or more by mass, 22% or more by mass, or 26% or more by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition. The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii) in the liquid crystal composition is preferably 40% or less by mass, 35% or less by mass, 30% or less by mass, 26% or less by mass, 22% or less by mass, 15% or less by mass, 13% or less by mass, or 10% or less by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition. Among these, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii) in the liquid crystal composition preferably ranges from 1% to 40% by mass, 1% to 35% by mass, 1% to 30% by mass, 1% to 26% by mass, 1% to 22% by mass, 1% to 17% by mass, 1% to 15% by mass, 1% to 13% by mass, 1% to 10% by mass, 1% to 7% by mass, 1% to 3% by mass, 4% to 40% by mass, 7% to 40% by mass, 11% to 40% by mass, 13% to 40% by mass, 22% to 40% by mass, 26% to 40% by mass, 7% to 17% by mass, 11% to 13% by mass, 13% to 16% by mass, or 20% to 26% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

The total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i) and compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii) is preferably 2% or more by mass, 5% or more by mass, 7% or more by mass, 10% or more by mass, 11% or more by mass, 14% or more by mass, 15% or more by mass, 16% or more by mass, 19% or more by mass, 21% or more by mass, 24% or more by mass, 26% or more by mass, 31% or more by mass, or 33% or more by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition. The total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i) and compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii) is preferably 45% or less by mass, 40% or less by mass, 35% or less by mass, 33% or less by mass, 31% or less by mass, 27% or less by mass, 24% or less by mass, 22% or less by mass, 21% or less by mass, 20% or less by mass, 19% or less by mass, 16% or less by mass, 15% or less by mass, 14% or less by mass, 12% or less by mass, 10% or less by mass, or 7% or less by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition. Among these, the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i) and compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii) preferably ranges from 2% to 45% by mass, 5% to 40% by mass, 5% to 35% by mass, 5% to 33% by mass, 5% to 31% by mass, 5% to 24% by mass, 5% to 21% by mass, 5% to 19% by mass, 5% to 16% by mass, 5% to 14% by mass, 5% to 10% by mass, 5% to 7% by mass, 7% to 45% by mass, 10% to 45% by mass, 14% to 45% by mass, 15% to 45% by mass, 16% to 45% by mass, 19% to 45% by mass, 21% to 45% by mass, 24% to 45% by mass, 31% to 45% by mass, 33% to 45% by mass, 5% to 7% by mass, 7% to 12% by mass, 10% to 15% by mass, 11% to 15% by mass, 14% to 16% by mass, 17% to 27% by mass, 17% to 22% by mass, 17% to 20% by mass, or 26% to 33% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains at least one compound represented by the general formula (ii). In the case that a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains at least two compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the at least two compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and/or birefringence index.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the following general formula (ii-1).

In the general formula (ii-1), R^ii1a and R^ii2a independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii-1) should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

For example, in one embodiment, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii-1) ranges from 1% to 35% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 26% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 22% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 16% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 15% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 13% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 11% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 10% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 8% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 4% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 3% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 4% to 35% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 8% to 35% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 11% to 35% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 13% to 35% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 15% to 35% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 20% to 35% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 22% to 35% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 26% to 35% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 11% to 13% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 13% to 16% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 20% to 26% by mass.

For example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii-1) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (ii.1.1) to (ii.1.9) or a compound represented by the formula (ii.1.3).

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one to three of these compounds are preferably contained, and one to four of these compounds are more preferably contained. Because a broad molecular weight distribution of a compound to be selected is also effective for solubility, for example, one compound represented by the formula (ii.1.1) or (ii.1.2), one compound represented by the formula (ii.1.4) or (ii.1.5), one compound represented by the formula (ii.1.6) or (ii.1.7), and one compound represented by the formula (ii.1.8) or (ii.1.9) are preferably appropriately combined. Among these, a compound or compounds represented by the formula(e) (ii.1.1), (ii.1.3), (ii.1.4), (ii.1.6), and/or (ii.1.9) is/are preferably contained.

The amount of a compound represented by the general formula (ii.1.1) should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant. For example, the amount of the compound represented by the general formula (ii.1.1) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 4% to 20% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 11% to 20% by mass in another embodiment of the present invention, or 11% to 14% by mass in still another embodiment of the present invention. Among these, the amount of the compound represented by the general formula (ii.1.1) is preferably 11% or more by mass, more preferably 11% to 20% by mass, still more preferably 11% to 14% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The amount of the compound represented by the general formula (ii.1.3) should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant. For example, the amount of the compound represented by the general formula (ii.1.3) preferably ranges from 1% to 20% by mass, preferably 1% to 15% by mass, more preferably 3% to 12% by mass, still more preferably 5% to 10% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention in which the compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii) contained in the liquid crystal composition is/are the compound represented by the formula (ii.1.3) alone, the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i) and the compound represented by the formula (ii.1.3) preferably ranges from 3% to 27% by mass, more preferably 7% to 22% by mass, still more preferably 10% to 17% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention that contains two compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and in which the compounds represented by the general formula (ii) are a compound represented by the formula (ii.1.1) and a compound represented by the formula (ii.1.3), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound represented by the formula (ii.1.1), and the compound represented by the formula (ii.1.3) preferably ranges from 5% to 30% by mass, more preferably 10% to 25% by mass, still more preferably 15% to 22% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, for example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (ii-2).

In the general formula (ii-2), R^ii1b and R^ii2b independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, at least one of R^ii1b and R^ii2b denotes an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and X^ii1b and X^ii2b independently denote a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii-2) should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant. For example, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii-2) preferably ranges from 0.5% to 20% by mass, 0.5% to 15% by mass, 0.5% to 10% by mass, 0.5% to 7% by mass, or 1% to 7% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

For example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii-2) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (ii.2.1) to (ii.2.10). Among these, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii-2) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the formula(e) (ii.2.1), (ii.2.2), (ii.2.9), and/or (ii.2.10) or a compound or compounds represented by the formula(e) (ii.2.2) and/or (ii.2.10).

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (ii.2.1) or (ii.2.2) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably ranges from 0.5% to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.5% to 7% by mass, still more preferably 0.5% or more and less than 5% by mass, particularly preferably 0.5% to 2% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition containing only a compound represented by the formula (ii.2.1) or (ii.2.2) as a compound represented by the general formula (ii), the amount of the compound represented by the formula (ii.2.1) or (ii.2.2) is 0.5% or more and less than 5% by mass, preferably 0.5% to 2% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (ii.2.4) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably ranges from 1% to 15% by mass, 1% to 10% by mass, or 1% to 5% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (ii.2.9) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention more preferably ranges from 0.5% to 15% by mass, 0.5% to 10% by mass, or 0.5% to 5% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (ii.2.10) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention more preferably ranges from 0.5% to 15% by mass, 0.5% to 10% by mass, or 0.5% to 5% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention in which the compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii) contained in the liquid crystal composition is/are the compound represented by the formula (ii.2.2) alone, the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i) and the compound represented by the formula (ii.2.2) preferably ranges from 2% to 15% by mass, more preferably 3% to 13% by mass, still more preferably 4% to 11% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention in which the compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii) is/are composed of the compound represented by the formula (ii.2.2) and the compound represented by the formula (ii.2.10), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound represented by the formula (ii.2.2), and the compound represented by the formula (ii.2.10) preferably ranges from 7% to 18% by mass, more preferably 10% to 17% by mass, still more preferably 13% to 16% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition that contains one to three compounds as a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i) and compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii) preferably ranges from 5% to 45% by mass, more preferably 5% to 40% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition. Among these, in the case that the liquid crystal composition contains three compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i) and the compounds represented by the general formula (ii) is preferably 5% or more and less than 19% by mass, more preferably 10% to 18% by mass, still more preferably 13% to 16% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition. In the case that the liquid crystal composition contains two compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i) and the compounds represented by the general formula (ii) is preferably 8% to 45% by mass, more preferably 10% to 42% by mass, still more preferably 13% to 39% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition. In the case that the liquid crystal composition contains one compound represented by the general formula (ii), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i) and the compound represented by the general formula (ii) is preferably 5% to 20% by mass, more preferably 5% to 15% by mass, still more preferably 5% or more and less than 6% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may further contain at least one compound represented by the general formula (L).

[Chem. 55]

R^L1—B^L1-L^L1-B^L2L^L2-B^L3_OLR^L2  (L)

In the general formula (L), R^L1 and R^L2 independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and one or two or more nonadjacent —CH₂— of the alkyl group may be independently substituted with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—.

OL is 0, 1, 2, or 3.

B^L1, B^L2, and B^L3 independently denote a group selected from the group consisting of

(a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (one —CH₂— or at least two nonadjacent —CH₂— of this group may be substituted with —O—), and

(b) a 1,4-phenylene group (one —CH═ or at least two nonadjacent —CH═ of this group may be substituted with —N═).

At least one hydrogen atom of the group (a) and the group (b) may be independently substituted with a cyano group, a fluorine atom, or a chlorine atom.

L^L1 and L^L2 independently denote a single bond, —CH₂CH₂—, —(CH₂)₄—, —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCF₂—, —CF₂O—, —CH═N—N═CH—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, or —C≡C—.

In the case that OL is 2 or 3 and there are a plurality of L^L2s, the plurality of L^L2s may be the same or different.

In the case that OL is 2 or 3 and there are a plurality of B^L3s, the plurality of B^L3s may be the same or different.

However, the at least one compound is not the compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii).

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index (anisotropy of reflective index). For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, four compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, five compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, six compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, seven compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, eight compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, nine compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, at least ten compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (L) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (L) ranges from 10% to 90% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 15% to 85% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 20% to 80% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 24% to 80% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 27% to 80% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 33% to 80% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 42% to 80% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 55% to 80% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 59% to 80% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 61% to 80% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 63% to 80% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 66% to 80% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 70% to 80% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 74% to 80% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 78% to 80% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 25% to 74% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 25% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 25% to 64% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 25% to 63% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 25% to 59% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 25% to 56% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 25% to 55% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 25% to 52% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 25% to 33% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 33% to 64% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 42% to 52% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 55% to 63% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 60% to 50% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 66% to 74% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 67% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 78% to 79% by mass.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having low viscosity and a high response speed is desired, the lower limit is preferably high, and the upper limit is preferably high. When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having high Tni and high temperature stability is desired, the lower limit is preferably high, and the upper limit is preferably high. When the anisotropy of dielectric constant is increased in order to maintain a low driving voltage, the lower limit is preferably low, and the upper limit is preferably low.

When the ring structures to which R^L1 and R^L2 are bonded are phenyl groups (aromatic), each of R^L1 and R^L2 is preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 (or more) carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 4 or 5 carbon atoms. When the ring structures to which R^L1 and R^L2 are bonded are saturated ring structures, such as cyclohexane, pyran, and dioxane, each of R^L1 and R^L2 is preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 (or more) carbon atoms, or a linear alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

When a chemically stable liquid crystal composition is desired, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (L) preferably contain(s) no chlorine atom in its(their) molecule(s).

For example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (L) is/are preferably selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (I).

[Chem. 56]

R¹¹-A¹¹-A¹²-R¹²  (I)

In the general formula (I), R¹¹ and R¹² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and A¹¹ and A¹² independently denote a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-phenylene group, a 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group, or a 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene group.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, four compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, five compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, six compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I) ranges from 10% to 75% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 10% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 10% to 65% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 10% to 60% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 10% to 55% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 10% to 52% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 10% to 49% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 10% to 44% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 10% to 38% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 10% to 20% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 16% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 20% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 38% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 41% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 42% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 48% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 52% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 55% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 16% to 46% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 38% to 46% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 41% to 45% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 42% to 43% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 48% to 49% by mass.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having low viscosity and a high response speed is desired, the lower limit is preferably high, and the upper limit is preferably high. When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having high Tni and high temperature stability is desired, the lower limit is preferably medium, and the upper limit is preferably medium. When the anisotropy of dielectric constant is increased in order to maintain a low driving voltage, the lower limit is preferably low, and the upper limit is preferably low.

When the ring structures to which R¹¹ and R¹² are bonded are phenyl groups (aromatic), each of R¹¹ and R¹² is preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 4 or 5 carbon atoms. When the ring structures to which R¹¹ and R¹² are bonded are saturated ring structures, such as cyclohexane, pyran, and dioxane, each of R¹¹ and R¹² is preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a linear alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (I) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (I-1).

In the general formula (I-1), R¹¹ and R¹² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, four compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, five compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains a compound represented by the general formula (I-1), the amount of this compound should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1) ranges from 1% to 70% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 65% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 60% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 56% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 52% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 49% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 48% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 45% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 40% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 38.5% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 36% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 29% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 20% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 16% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 5% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 16% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 20% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 29% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 37% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 38% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 42% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 48% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 49% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 52% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 55% to 70% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 5% to 36% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 16% to 45% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 37% to 38.5% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 38% to 40% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 42% to 48% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 42% to 45% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 48% to 49% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 52% to 55% by mass.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having low viscosity and a high response speed is desired, the lower limit is preferably high, and the upper limit is preferably high. When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having high Tni and high temperature stability is desired, the lower limit is preferably medium, and the upper limit is preferably medium. When the anisotropy of dielectric constant is increased in order to maintain a low driving voltage, the lower limit is preferably low, and the upper limit is preferably low.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (I-1-1).

In the general formula (I-1-1), R¹² denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1-1) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1-1) ranges from 1% to 30% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 25% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 20% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 16% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 11% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 8% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 5% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 4% to 25% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 6% to 25% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 8% to 25% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 11% to 25% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 4% to 10% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 4% to 7% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 6% to 16% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 6% to 11% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 6% to 9% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 6% to 7% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 5% to 8% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 8% to 13% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 11% to 16% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 11% to 15% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 12% to 14% by mass.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1-1) is/are preferably a compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (1.1) to (1.3), a compound represented by the formula (1.2) or (1.3), or particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (1.3).

When a compound represented by the formula (1.2) or (1.3) is used alone, a large amount of the compound represented by the formula (1.2) is effective in improving the response speed, and the amount of the compound represented by the formula (1.3) is preferably in the following range so as to provide an electrically and optically reliable liquid crystal composition having a high response speed.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (1.3) ranges from 1% to 30% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 25% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 20% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 16% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 14% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 11% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 8% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 5% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 4% to 10% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 4% to 7% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 6% to 16% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 6% to 11% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 6% to 9% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 6% to 7% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 8% to 13% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 11% to 16% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 11% to 15% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 12% to 14% by mass.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (I-1-2).

In the general formula (I-1-2), R¹² denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1-2) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1-2) ranges from 1% to 65% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 60% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 56% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 49% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 47% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 43% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 41% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 36% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 27% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 22% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 16% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 10% to 60% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 15% to 60% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 22% to 60% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 27% to 60% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 34% to 60% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 37% to 60% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 41% to 60% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 43% to 60% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 47% to 60% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 49% to 60% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 10% to 56% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 10% to 44% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 12% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 13% to 16% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 22% to 29% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 22% to 27.5% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 27% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 34% to 44% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 34% to 36% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 37% to 41% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 40% to 43% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 42% to 48% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 44% to 49% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 49% to 56% by mass.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1-2) is/are preferably a compound or compounds selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (2.1) to (2.4) or a compound represented by the formula (2.2) to a compound represented by the formula (2.4). In particular, the compound represented by the formula (2.2) is preferred in order to particularly improve the response speed of a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention. A compound represented by the formula (2.3) or (2.4) is preferably used to determine Tni that is higher than the response speed. In order to improve solubility at low temperatures, it is undesirable that the amount of the compound represented by the formula (2.3) or (2.4) be 30% or more by mass.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (2.2) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably ranges from 1% to 65% by mass, 1% to 60% by mass, or 10% to 60% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition. Among these, when a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains two or three compounds as compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the amount of the compound represented by the formula (2.2) is preferably at least 47% by mass, more preferably 47% to 53% by mass, more preferably 47% to 50% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (2.3) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably ranges from 1% to 30% by mass, 5% by mass 30% or less by mass, 10% to 30% by mass, or 10% to 15% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (2.4) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably ranges from 1% to 30% by mass, more preferably 1% by mass 25% or less by mass, preferably 1% to 20% by mass, preferably 1% to 15% by mass, preferably 5% to 15% by mass, preferably 10% to 15% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may further contain a compound represented by the formula (2.5), which has a structure similar to the structure of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1-2).

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (2.5) is preferably adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, and preferably ranges from 15% to 35% by mass, more preferably 18% to 30% by mass, still more preferably 22% to 33% by mass, particularly preferably 25% to 30% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

In a liquid crystal composition containing at least two compounds as compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and the compound represented by the formula (2.5), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), and the compound represented by the formula (2.5) preferably ranges from 50% to 75% by mass, more preferably 55% to 70% by mass, still more preferably 58% to 67% by mass.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (I-2).

In the general formula (I-2), R¹³ and R¹⁴ independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-2) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-2) preferably ranges from 3% to 50% by mass, more preferably 15% to 45% by mass, still more preferably 30% to 43% by mass, particularly preferably 35% to 40% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-2) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (3.1) to (3.4) or a compound or compounds represented by the formula(e) (3.1), (3.3), and/or (3.4). In particular, the compound represented by the formula (3.1) is preferred in order to particularly improve the response speed of a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention. A compound represented by the formula (3.3) and/or a compound represented by the formula (3.4) is preferably used to determine Tni that is higher than the response speed. In order to improve solubility at low temperatures, it is undesirable that the amount of the compound represented by the formula (3.3) or (3.4) be 20% or more by mass.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (3.1) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is preferably at least 6% by mass, more preferably 6% to 40% by mass, still more preferably 10% to 35% by mass, still more preferably 15% to 30% by mass, particularly preferably 20% to 25% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (3.3) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably ranges from 3% to 25% by mass, more preferably 6% to 20% by mass, still more preferably 10% to 15% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition. Among these, the preferred lower limit of the amount of the compound represented by the formula (3.3) is 6% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (3.4) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is preferably at least 3% by mass, more preferably 3% to 15% by mass, still more preferably 3% to 10% by mass, particularly preferably 3% to 5% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

A liquid crystal composition containing only one compound represented by the formula (ii.2) as a compound represented by the general formula (ii) preferably contains a compound represented by the formula (3.3) as a compound represented by the general formula (1-2). The total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound represented by the general formula (ii), and the compound represented by the formula (3.3) preferably ranges from 3% to 27% by mass, more preferably 7% to 22% by mass, still more preferably 12% to 17% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

A liquid crystal composition containing only one compound represented by the formula (ii.1) as a compound represented by the general formula (ii) preferably contains a compound represented by the formula (3.1), a compound represented by the formula (3.3), and a compound represented by the formula (3.4) as compounds represented by the general formula (I-2). The total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound represented by the general formula (ii), the compound represented by the formula (3.1), the compound represented by the formula (3.3), and the compound represented by the formula (3.4) preferably ranges from 32% to 58% by mass, more preferably 37% to 53% by mass, still more preferably 42% to 48% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (I-3).

In the general formula (I-3), R¹³ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and R¹⁵ denotes an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-3) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-3) ranges from 3% to 30% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 4% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 15% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 25% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 3% to 25% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 3% to 20% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 3% to 15% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 3% to 5% by mass.

When solubility at low temperatures is regarded as important, greater amounts are effective. When the response speed is regarded as important, smaller amounts are effective. When reduced drop marks or improved burn-in characteristics are desired, the amount is preferably set in a medium range.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-3) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (4.1) to (4.3) or a compound represented by the formula (4.3).

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (4.3) preferably ranges from 2% to 30% by mass, 4% to 30% by mass, 6% to 30% by mass, 8% to 30% by mass, 10% to 30% by mass, 12% to 30% by mass, 14% to 30% by mass, 16% to 30% by mass, 18% to 25% by mass, 20% to 24% by mass, particularly preferably 22% to 23% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (I-4).

In the general formula (I-4), R¹¹ and R¹² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 4 or 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-4) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-4) ranges from 1% to 20% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 15% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 10% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 3% to 8% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 5% to 8% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 6% to 8% by mass.

When high birefringence indexes are desired, greater amounts are effective. When high Tni is regarded as important, smaller amounts are effective. When reduced drop marks or improved burn-in characteristics are desired, the amount is preferably set in a medium range.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-4) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (5.1) to (5.4) or at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (5.2) to (5.4).

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (5.4) preferably ranges from 1% to 10% by mass, 3% to 8% by mass, 5% to 8% by mass, or 6% to 8% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (I-5).

In the general formula (I-5), R¹¹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R¹² denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 4 or 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-5) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-5) ranges from 1% to 25% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 20% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 15% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 11% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 5% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 2% to 15% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 5% to 15% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 8% to 15% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 2% to 5% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 8% to 11% by mass.

When solubility at low temperatures is regarded as important, greater amounts are effective. When the response speed is regarded as important, smaller amounts are effective. When reduced drop marks or improved burn-in characteristics are desired, the amount is preferably set in a medium range.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-5) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (6.1) to (6.6) or a compound or compounds represented by the formula(e) (6.3), (6.4), and/or (6.6).

For example, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (6.3) preferably ranges from 8% to 14% by mass, more preferably 9% to 13% by mass, still more preferably 10% to 12% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

For example, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (6.6) preferably ranges from 1% to 15% by mass, more preferably 1% to 10% by mass, still more preferably 2% to 8% by mass, particularly preferably 3% to 7% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

In a liquid crystal composition containing only one compound as a compound represented by the general formula (ii) as a compound represented by the general formula (ii) and containing the compound represented by the formula (6.6) as a compound represented by the general formula (I-5), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound represented by the general formula (ii), and the compound represented by the formula (6.6) preferably ranges from 3% to 29% by mass, more preferably 8% to 24% by mass, still more preferably 13% to 19% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may further contain a compound represented by the formula (6.7) and/or a compound represented by the formula (6.8) as a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (I-5).

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (6.7) is preferably adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, and preferably ranges from 2% to 30% by mass, 3% to 27% by mass, 5% to 25% by mass, or 7% to 23% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (I-6).

In the formula (I-6), R¹¹ and R¹² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 4 or 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, X¹¹ and X¹² independently denote a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom, and one of X¹¹ and X¹² denotes a fluorine atom.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-6) preferably ranges from 2% to 30% by mass, 4% to 30% by mass, 5% to 30% by mass, 6% to 30% by mass, 9% to 30% by mass, 12% to 30% by mass, 14% to 30% by mass, 16% to 30% by mass, 18% to 25% by mass, 20% to 24% by mass, or 22% to 23% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-6) is/are preferably a compound represented by the formula (7.1).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I) is/are preferably a compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (I-7).

In the general formula (I-7), R¹¹ and R¹² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and X¹² denotes a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-7) preferably ranges from 1% to 20% by mass, 1% to 15% by mass, 1% to 10% by mass, or 1% to 5% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-7) is/are preferably a compound represented by the formula (8.1).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (I-8).

In the general formula (I-8), R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ independently denote an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one to three compounds are preferably combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

Depending on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-8) preferably ranges from 1% to 25% by mass, 1% to 20% by mass, 1% to 15% by mass, 1% to 10% by mass, 4% to 9% by mass, or 4% to 6% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-8) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (9.1) to (9.10) or a compound or compounds represented by the formula(e) (9.2), (9.4), and/or (9.7).

Alternatively, or in addition, for example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (L) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from the compounds represented by the general formula (II).

In the general formula (II), R²¹ and R²² independently denote an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, A² denotes a 1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group, and Q² denotes a single bond, —COO—, —CH₂—CH₂—, or —CF₂O—. However, the at least one compound is not the compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii).

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, four compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (II) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (II) ranges from 1% to 35% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 26% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 20% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 15% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 11% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 7% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 3% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1.5% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 7% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 11% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 15% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 23% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1.5% to 26% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1.5% to 3% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 11% to 20% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 12% to 15% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 23% to 26% by mass.

For example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (II-1).

In the general formula (II-1), R²¹ and R²² independently denote an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-1) is preferably adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, and preferably ranges from 4% to 24% by mass, preferably 8% to 18% by mass, more preferably 12% to 14% by mass.

For example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-1) is/are preferably a compound represented by the formula (10.1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (10.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, for example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (II-2).

In the general formula (II-2), R²³ denotes an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and R²⁴ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, at least two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-2) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-2) ranges from 1% to 30% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 26% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 20% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 15% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 11% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 7% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 3% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1.5% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 7% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 11% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 15% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 23% to 30% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1.5% to 26% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1.5% to 3% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 11% to 20% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 12% to 15% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 23% to 26% by mass.

For example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-2) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (11.1) to (11.3).

Depending on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, the compound represented by the formula (11.1), the compound represented by the formula (11.2), or both the compound represented by the formula (11.1) and the compound represented by the formula (11.2) may be contained, or all the compounds represented by the formulae (11.1) to (11.3) may be contained.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (11.1) preferably ranges from 1% to 30% by mass, more preferably 1% to 25% by mass, still more preferably 1% to 20% by mass, particularly preferably 5% to 20% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (11.2) is preferably at least 13% by mass, more preferably 13% to 25% by mass, still more preferably 15% to 20% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention.

When both the compound represented by the formula (11.1) and the compound represented by the formula (11.2) are contained, the total mass of these compounds preferably ranges from 23% to 35% by mass, more preferably 24% to 33% by mass, still more preferably 25% to 30% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

In a liquid crystal composition containing only one compound as a compound represented by the general formula (ii) and containing the compound represented by the formula (11.1) and the compound represented by the formula (11.2) as compounds represented by the general formula (II-2), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound represented by the general formula (ii), the compound represented by the formula (11.1), and the compound represented by the formula (11.2) preferably ranges from 23% to 50% by mass, more preferably 28% to 45% by mass, still more preferably 33% to 40% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains one or two compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii), and compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-2) preferably ranges from 15% to 60% by mass, more preferably 18% to 57% by mass, still more preferably 21% to 54% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, for example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (II-3).

In the general formula (II-3), R²⁵ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and R²⁴ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one to three of these compounds are preferably contained in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-3) should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

For example, the preferred amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-3) ranges from 2% to 45% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. Among these, preferred are 5% to 45% by mass, 8% to 45% by mass, 11% to 45% by mass, 14% to 45% by mass, 17% to 45% by mass, 20% to 45% by mass, 23% to 45% by mass, 26% to 45% by mass, or 29% to 45% by mass, and 2% to 45% by mass, 2% to 40% by mass, 2% to 35% by mass, 2% to 30% by mass, 2% to 25% by mass, 2% to 20% by mass, 2% to 15% by mass, and 2% to 10% by mass, for example.

For example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-3) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (12.1) to (12.4).

Depending on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, the compound represented by the formula (12.1), the compound represented by the formula (12.2), or both the compound represented by the formula (12.1) and the compound represented by the formula (12.2) may be contained.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (12.1) preferably ranges from 3% to 40% by mass, 5% to 40% by mass, 7% to 40% by mass, 9% to 40% by mass, 11% to 40% by mass, 12% to 40% by mass, 13% to 40% by mass, 18% to 30% by mass, or 21% to 25% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (12.2) preferably ranges from 3% to 40% by mass, 5% to 40% by mass, 8% to 40% by mass, 10% to 40% by mass, 12% to 40% by mass, 15% to 40% by mass, 17% to 30% by mass, or 19% to 25% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

When both the compound represented by the formula (12.1) and the compound represented by the formula (12.2) are contained, the total mass of these compounds preferably ranges from 15% to 45% by mass, 19% to 45% by mass, 24% to 40% by mass, or 30% to 35% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (12.3) preferably ranges from 0.05% to 2% by mass, 0.1% to 1% by mass, or 0.2% to 0.5% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. The compound represented by the formula (12.3) may be an optically active compound.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (12.4) preferably ranges from 0.1% to 2% by mass, more preferably 0.1% to 1% by mass, still more preferably 0.2% to 0.5% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

For example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-3) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (II-3-1).

In the general formula (II-3-1), R²⁵ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and R²⁶ denotes an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one to three of these compounds are preferably contained in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-3-1) is preferably adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, and preferably ranges from 1% to 24% by mass, 4% to 18% by mass, or 6% to 14% by mass.

For example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-3-1) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (13.1) to (13.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (13.3).

Alternatively, or in addition, for example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (II-4).

In the general formula (II-4), R²¹ and R²² independently denote an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although only one of these compounds or two or more of these compounds may be contained, these compounds are preferably appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics. Although compounds of any types may be combined, one or two of these compounds are preferably contained, and one to three of these compounds are more preferably contained, in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-4) preferably ranges from 1% to 15% by mass, 2% to 15% by mass, 3% to 15% by mass, 4% to 12% by mass, or 5% to 7% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

For example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-4) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (14.1) to (14.5), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (14.2) and/or a compound represented by the formula (14.5).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (L) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (III).

In the general formula (III), R³¹ and R³² independently denote an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

In consideration of desired solubility and birefringence index, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (III) preferably ranges from 1% to 20% by mass, 1% to 15% by mass, 1% to 12% by mass, 1% to 9% by mass, 4% to 9% by mass, or 6% to 9% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

For example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (III) is/are preferably a compound represented by the formula (15.1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (15.2), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (15.1).

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (III) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (III-1).

In the general formula (III-1), R³³ denotes an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and R³² denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (III-1) is preferably adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, and preferably ranges from 1% to 23% by mass, 6% to 18% by mass, or 10% to 13% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

For example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (III-1) is/are preferably a compound represented by the formula (16.1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (16.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (III) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (III-2).

In the general formula (III-2), R³¹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and R³⁴ denotes an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (III-2) is preferably adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, and preferably ranges from 4% to 23% by mass, 6% to 18% by mass, or 10% to 13% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

For example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (III-2) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (17.1) to (17.3), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (17.3).

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (L) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (V).

In the general formula (V), R⁵¹ and R⁵² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, A⁵¹ and A⁵² independently denote a 1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group, Q⁵ denotes a single bond or —COO—, and X⁵¹ and X⁵² independently denote a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, four compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

For example, in one embodiment, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (V) ranges from 1% to 30% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 25% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 20% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 17% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 8% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 1% to 4% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 2% to 20% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 2% to 17% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount ranges from 2% to 8% by mass.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (V) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (V-1).

In the general formula (V-1), R⁵¹ and R⁵² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and X⁵¹ and X⁵² independently denote a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-1) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (V-1-1).

In the general formula (V-1-1), R⁵¹ and R⁵² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-1-1) preferably ranges from 1% to 15% by mass, more preferably 1% to 10% by mass, preferably 1% to 5% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-1-1) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (20.1) to (20.4) or a compound represented by the formula (20.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-1) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (V-1-2).

In the general formula (V-1-2), R⁵¹ and R⁵² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-1-2) preferably ranges from 1% to 15% by mass, 1% to 10% by mass, 1% to 5% by mass, or 1% to 3% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-1-2) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (21.1) to (21.3) or a compound represented by the formula (21.1).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-1) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (V-1-3).

In the general formula (V-1-3), R⁵¹ and R⁵² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-1-3) preferably ranges from 1% to 15% by mass, 2% to 15% by mass, 3% to 10% by mass, or 4% to 8% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-1-3) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (22.1) to (22.3) or a compound represented by the formula (22.1).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (V) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (V-2).

In the general formula (V-2), R⁵¹ and R⁵² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and X⁵¹ and X⁵² independently denote a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, at least two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention.

For example, in one embodiment, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-2) ranges from 1% to 30% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 25% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 20% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 17% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 10% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 4% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 2% to 20% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 10% to 20% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 2% to 17% by mass. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 2% to 4% by mass.

In an embodiment in which a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention desirably has high Tni, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the formula (V-2) is preferably increased. In an embodiment in which a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention desirably has low viscosity, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the formula (V-2) is preferably decreased.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-2) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (V-2-1).

In the general formula (V-2-1), R⁵¹ and R⁵² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-2-1) preferably ranges from 1% to 25% by mass, 1% to 20% by mass, 1% to 17% by mass, 1% to 10% by mass, 1% to 4% by mass, 2% to 20% by mass, 10% to 20% by mass, 2% to 4% by mass, 2% to 17% by mass, or 2% to 4% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-2-1) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (23.1) to (23.4) or a compound represented by the formula (23.1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (23.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-2) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (V-2-2).

In the general formula (V-2-2), R⁵¹ and R⁵² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-2-2) preferably ranges from 2% to 16% by mass, 3% to 13% by mass, or 4% to 10% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-2-2) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (24.1) to (24.4) or a compound represented by the formula (24.1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (24.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (V) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (V-3).

In the general formula (V-3), R⁵¹ and R⁵² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, at least three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-3) preferably ranges from 1% to 16% by mass, 1% to 13% by mass, 1% to 9% by mass, or 3% to 9% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-3) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (25.1) to (25.3).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (V) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (V-4).

In the general formula (V-4), R⁵¹ and R⁵² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-4) preferably ranges from 1% to 15% by mass, 2% to 15% by mass, 3% to 10% by mass, or 4% to 8% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (V-4) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (25.11) to (25.13), more preferably a compound represented by the formula (25.13).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (L) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (V′-5).

In the general formula (V′-5), R⁵¹ and R⁵² independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (V′-5) preferably ranges from 1% to 15% by mass, 2% to 15% by mass, 2% to 10% by mass, or 5% to 10% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (V′-5) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (25.21) to (25.24), more preferably a compound represented by the formula (25.21) and/or a compound represented by the formula (25.23).

A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may also further contain at least one compound represented by the general formula (VI).

In the general formula (VI), R⁶¹ and R⁶² independently denote a linear alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a linear alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one to three, more preferably one to four, particularly preferably one to five or more, of these compounds are preferably contained in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (VI) preferably ranges from 0% to 35% by mass, 0% to 25% by mass, or 0% to 15% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the following compounds are suitably used as compounds represented by the general formula (VI).

A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may further contain at least one compound represented by the general formula (VII).

In the general formula (VII), R⁷¹ and R⁷² independently denote a linear alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a linear alkenyl group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one to three, more preferably one to four, particularly preferably one to five or more, appropriately selected from these compounds are preferably contained in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (VII) preferably ranges from 0% to 35% by mass, more preferably 0% to 25% by mass, preferably 0% to 15% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the following compounds are suitably used as compounds represented by the general formula (VII).

A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention also preferably further contains at least one compound represented by the following general formula (M).

In the general formula (M), R^M1 denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and one or two or more nonadjacent —CH₂— of the alkyl group may be independently substituted with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—,

PM is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4,

C^M1 and C^M2 independently denote a group selected from the group consisting of

(d) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (one —CH₂— or two or more nonadjacent —CH₂— of this group may be substituted with —O— or —S—), and

(e) a 1,4-phenylene group (one —CH═ or two or more nonadjacent —CH═ of this group may be substituted with —N═),

the group (d) and the group (e) may be independently substituted with a cyano group, a fluorine atom, or a chlorine atom,

K^M1 and K^M2 independently denote a single bond, —CH₂CH₂—, —(CH₂)₄—, —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —OCF₂—, —CF₂O—, —COO—, —OCO—, or —C≡C—, in the case that PM is 2, 3, or 4 and there are a plurality of K^M1s, the plurality of K^M1s may be the same or different, and in the case that PM is 2, 3, or 4 and there are a plurality of C^M2s, the plurality of C^M2s may be the same or different,

X^M1 and X^M3 independently denote a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom, or a fluorine atom, and

X^M2 denotes a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a cyano group, a trifluoromethyl group, a fluoromethoxy group, a difluoromethoxy group, a trifluoromethoxy group, or a 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl group. However, the at least one compound is not the compound(s) represented by the general formula (i).

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, four compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, five compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, six compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, at least seven compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (M) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (M) ranges from 1% to 70% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 65% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 60% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 52% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 38% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 32% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 29% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 22% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 15% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 10% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 3% to 60% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 10% to 60% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 18% to 60% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 21% to 60% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 26% to 60% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 29% to 60% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 33% to 60% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 3% to 52% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 3% to 38% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 3% to 20% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 3% to 15% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 3% to 8% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 10% to 15% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 11% to 15% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 18% to 22% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 18% to 20% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 21% to 32% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 26% to 38% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 33% to 38% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 29% to 52% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 32% to 52% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 38% to 52% by mass.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having low viscosity and a high response speed is desired, the lower limit is preferably decreased, and the upper limit is preferably decreased. When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having high Tni and high temperature stability is desired, the lower limit is preferably decreased, and the upper limit is preferably decreased. When the anisotropy of dielectric constant is increased in order to maintain a low driving voltage, the lower limit is preferably increased, and the upper limit is preferably increased.

When the ring structure to which R^M1 is bonded is a phenyl group (aromatic), R^M1 is preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alkenyl group having 4 or 5 carbon atoms. When the ring structure to which R^M1 is bonded is a saturated ring structure, such as cyclohexane, pyran, or dioxane, R^M1 is preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a linear alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

When a chemically stable liquid crystal composition is desired, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (M) preferably contain(s) no chlorine atom in its(their) molecule(s). The amount of a compound having a chlorine atom in a liquid crystal composition of the present invention preferably ranges from 0% to 5% by mass, 0% to 3% by mass, 0% to 1% by mass, 0% to 0.5% by mass, or substantially zero percent of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition. The term “substantially zero percent” means that a liquid crystal composition contains only a compound unintentionally containing a chlorine atom, such as a compound produced as an impurity in the production of a compound.

For example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (M) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (VIII).

In the general formula (VIII), R⁸ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, X⁸¹ to X⁸⁵ independently denote a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, and Y⁸ denotes a fluorine atom or —OCF₃. However, the at least one compound is not the compound represented by the formula (i).

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, at least three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (VIII) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (VIII) ranges from 1% to 25% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 20% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 15% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 5% to 15% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 7% to 12% by mass.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having low viscosity and a high response speed is desired, the lower limit is preferably decreased, and the upper limit is preferably decreased. When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having high Tni and high temperature stability is desired, the lower limit is preferably decreased, and the upper limit is preferably decreased. When the anisotropy of dielectric constant is increased in order to maintain a low driving voltage, the lower limit is preferably increased, and the upper limit is preferably increased.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (VIII) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (VIII-1).

In the general formula (VIII-1), R⁸ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. However, the compound(s) is/are not the compound represented by the formula (i).

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, at least two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (VIII-1) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (26.1), (26.3), and (26.4) or a compound represented by the formula (26.1).

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (26.1) preferably ranges from 1% to 20% by mass, more preferably 1% to 15% by mass, still more preferably 5% to 15% by mass, preferably 7% to 12% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (VIII) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (VIII-2).

In the general formula (VIII-2), R⁸ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three or more compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (VIII-2) preferably ranges from 2.5% to 25% by mass, 8% to 25% by mass, 10% to 20% by mass, or 12% to 15% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (VIII-2) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (27.1) to (27.4) or a compound represented by the formula (27.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (VIII) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (VIII-3).

In the general formula (VIII-3), R⁸ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, at least two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (VIII-3) preferably ranges from 0.5% to 15% by mass, 0.5% to 10% by mass, 0.5% to 5% by mass, or 1% to 5% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (VIII-3) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (26.11) to (26.14) or a compound represented by the formula (26.11) and/or a compound represented by the formula (26.12), more preferably a compound represented by the formula (26.12).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (VIII) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (VIII-4).

In the general formula (VIII-4), R⁸ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (VIII-4) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (VIII-4) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention preferably ranges from 1% to 25% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 2% to 25% by mass in another embodiment, 3% to 20% by mass in still another embodiment, 3% to 13% by mass in still another embodiment, 3% to 10% by mass in still another embodiment, or 1% to 5% by mass in still another embodiment.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (VIII-4) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (26.21) to (26.24), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (26.24).

For example, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (M) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (IX).

In the general formula (IX), R⁹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, X⁹¹ and X⁹² independently denote a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, Y⁹ denotes a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or —OCF₃, and U⁹ denotes a single bond, —COO—, or —CF₂O—.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, four compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, five compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, at least six compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention should be appropriately adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, birefringence index, process compatibility, drop marks, burn-in, and/or anisotropy of dielectric constant.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX) ranges from 1% to 55% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 50% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 45% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 41% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 14% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 12% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 8% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 3% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 2% to 50% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 8% to 50% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 11% to 50% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 39% to 50% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 39% to 41% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 2% to 14% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 2% to 12% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 2% to 8% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 2% to 3% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 3% to 8% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 8% to 14% by mass.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having low viscosity and a high response speed is desired, the lower limit is preferably decreased, and the upper limit is preferably decreased. When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having high Tni and resistance to burn-in is desired, the lower limit is preferably decreased, and the upper limit is preferably decreased. When the anisotropy of dielectric constant is increased in order to maintain a low driving voltage, the lower limit is preferably increased, and the upper limit is preferably increased.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (IX-1).

In the general formula (IX-1), R⁹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, X⁹² denotes a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, and Y⁹ denotes a fluorine atom or —OCF₃.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, at least four compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-1) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (IX-1-1).

In the general formula (IX-1-1), R⁹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, at least three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-1-1) is appropriately adjusted in each embodiment in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-1-1) ranges from 1% to 35% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 30% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 25% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 20% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 11% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 1% to 8% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 3% to 25% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 6% to 25% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 11% to 25% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 17% to 25% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 3% to 19% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 3% to 11% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 3% to 8% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 3% to 6% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 6% to 19% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 6% to 17% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 6% to 11% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 6% to 8% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 8% to 11% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 11% to 19% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 11% to 17% by mass. For example, in still another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) ranges from 17% to 19% by mass.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-1-1) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (28.1) to (28.5) or a compound represented by the formula (28.3) and/or a compound represented by the formula (28.5).

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (28.3) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably ranges from 1% to 25% by mass, 1% to 20% by mass, or 1% to 15% by mass of the total amount of the liquid crystal composition. Among these, preferred are 1% to 10% by mass, 1% to 8% by mass, 1% to 6% by mass, 3% to 10% by mass, 3% to 8% by mass, 6% to 9% by mass, and 7% to 10% by mass.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (28.5) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably ranges from 1% to 25% by mass, 1% to 20% by mass, 1% to 15% by mass, 3% to 15% by mass, or 5% to 10% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains two or three of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii), the amount of the compound represented by the formula (28.5) is preferably at least 3% by mass, more preferably 3% to 15% by mass, still more preferably 5% to 10% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-1) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (IX-1-2).

In the general formula (IX-1-2), R⁹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one to three compounds are preferably combined, and one to four compounds are more preferably combined, in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-1-2) preferably ranges from 1% to 30% by mass, 5% to 30% by mass, 8% to 30% by mass, 10% to 25% by mass, 14% to 22% by mass, or 16% to 20% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-1-2) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (29.1) to (29.4) or a compound represented by the formula (29.2) and/or a compound represented by the formula (29.4).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (IX-2).

In the general formula (IX-2), R⁹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, X⁹¹ and X⁹² independently denote a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, and Y⁹ denotes a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or —OCF₃.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, compounds are appropriately combined in each embodiment in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention, two compounds are combined in another embodiment, three compounds are combined in still another embodiment, four compounds are combined in still another embodiment, five compounds are combined in still another embodiment, and at least six compounds are combined in still another embodiment.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (IX-2-1).

In the general formula (IX-2-1), R⁹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one to three compounds are preferably combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-1) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-1) preferably ranges from 1% to 25% by mass, more preferably 1% to 20% by mass, still more preferably 1% to 15% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-1) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (30.1) to (30.4) or a compound represented by the formula (30.1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (30.2).

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (30.1) preferably ranges from 1% to 15% by mass, more preferably 1% to 10% by mass, still more preferably 1% to 5% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (30.2) preferably ranges from 1% to 20% by mass, more preferably 5% to 16% by mass, still more preferably 8% to 13% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

A liquid crystal composition that contains two or three compounds as compounds represented by the general formula (ii) more preferably contains the compound represented by the formula (30.1) and the compound represented by the formula (30.2) as compounds represented by the general formula (IX-2-1). The total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound represented by the formula (30.1), and the compound represented by the formula (30.2) preferably ranges from 23% to 49% by mass, more preferably 28% to 44% by mass, still more preferably 33% to 39% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (IX-2-2).

In the general formula (IX-2-2), R⁹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one to three compounds are preferably combined, and one to four compounds are more preferably combined, in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-2) is appropriately adjusted in each embodiment in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-2) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 25% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 3% to 25% by mass in another embodiment, 6% to 25% by mass in still another embodiment, 9% to 25% by mass in still another embodiment, 12% to 25% by mass in still another embodiment, 12% to 20% by mass in still another embodiment, or 12% to 17% by mass in still another embodiment. Among these, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-2) is preferably 9% or more by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-2) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (31.1) to (31.4), at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (31.2) to (31.4), or the compound represented by the formula (31.2).

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (31.2) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention based on the total mass of the liquid crystal composition ranges from 3% to 25% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 9% to 25% by mass in another embodiment, 12% to 25% by mass in still another embodiment, 12% to 20% by mass in still another embodiment, or 12% to 17% by mass in still another embodiment. Among these, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (31.2) is preferably at least 9% by mass, more preferably 9% to 25% by mass, still more preferably 12% to 25% by mass in still another embodiment, still more preferably 12% to 20% by mass, particularly preferably 12% to 17% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

In a liquid crystal composition containing at least two compounds as compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing the compound represented by the formula (31.2) as a compound represented by the general formula (IX-2-2), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), and the compound represented by the formula (31.2) preferably ranges from 27% to 45% by mass, more preferably 29% to 41% by mass, still more preferably 32% to 38% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (IX-2-3).

In the general formula (IX-2-3), R⁹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one or two compounds are preferably combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-3) is preferably 1% or more and less than 10% by mass, more preferably 1% to 8% by mass, still more preferably 5% to 8% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-3) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (32.1) to (32.4) or a compound represented by the formula (32.2) and/or a compound represented by the formula (32.4).

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (32.2) or the compound represented by the formula (32.4) is preferably 0.5% or more and less than 5% by mass, more preferably 0.5% to 4% by mass, still more preferably 2% to 4% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing one compound as a compound represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing the compound represented by the formula (32.2) and the compound represented by the formula (32.4) as compounds represented by the general formula (IX-2-3), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound represented by the general formula (ii), the compound represented by the formula (32.2), and the compound represented by the formula (32.4) more preferably ranges from 6% to 21% by mass, more preferably 9% to 19% by mass, still more preferably 12% to 17% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (IX-2-4).

In the general formula (IX-2-4), R⁹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-4) preferably ranges from 1% to 25% by mass, 1% to 20% by mass, 1% to 15% by mass, 1% to 12% by mass, 5% to 12% by mass, or 7% to 12% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-4) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (33.1) to (33.6) or a compound represented by the formula (33.1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (33.3).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (IX-2-5).

In the general formula (IX-2-5), R⁹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, compounds are appropriately combined in each embodiment in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention, two compounds are combined in another embodiment, three compounds are combined in still another embodiment, and at least four compounds are combined in still another embodiment.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-5) is appropriately adjusted in each embodiment in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-5) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 25% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 20% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 5% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, or 5% to 10% by mass in still another embodiment.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having low viscosity and a high response speed is desired, the lower limit is preferably decreased, and the upper limit is preferably decreased. When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having high Tni and resistance to burn-in is desired, the lower limit is preferably decreased, and the upper limit is preferably decreased. When the anisotropy of dielectric constant is increased in order to maintain a low driving voltage, the lower limit is preferably increased, and the upper limit is preferably increased.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-5) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (34.1) to (34.7), more preferably a compound or compounds represented by the formula(e) (34.1), (34.2), (34.3) and/or (34.5), more preferably a compound represented by the formula (34.2).

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two or three compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing the compound represented by the formula (34.2) as a compound represented by the general formula (IX-2-5), the amount of the compound represented by the formula (34.2) preferably ranges from 1% to 20% by mass, more preferably 5% to 15% by mass, still more preferably 5% to 10% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (IX-3).

In the general formula (IX-3), R⁹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, X⁹¹ and X⁹² independently denote a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, and Y⁹ denotes a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or —OCF₃.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-3) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (IX-3-1).

In the general formula (IX-3-1), R⁹ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one or two compounds are preferably combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-3-1) preferably ranges from 3% to 30% by mass, 7% to 30% by mass, 13% to 20% by mass, or 15% to 18% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-3-1) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (35.1) to (35.4) or a compound represented by the formula (35.1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (35.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (M) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X).

In the general formula (X), X¹⁰¹ to X¹⁰⁴ independently denote a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom, Yⁿ denotes a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or —OCF₃, Q¹⁰ denotes a single bond or —CF₂O—, Rⁿ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and A¹⁰¹ and A¹⁰² independently denote a 1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-phenylene group, or one of groups represented by the following formulae. A hydrogen atom of the 1,4-phenylene group may be substituted with a fluorine atom.

Although any compounds may be combined, compounds are appropriately combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment. Alternatively, four compounds are used in still another embodiment. Alternatively, at least five compounds are used in still another embodiment.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X) is appropriately adjusted in each embodiment in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 35% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 30% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 26% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 21% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 17% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 14% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 11% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 9% by mass in still another embodiment, 2% to 30% by mass in still another embodiment, 5% to 30% by mass in still another embodiment, 9% to 30% by mass in still another embodiment, 11% to 30% by mass in still another embodiment, 14% to 30% by mass in still another embodiment, 16% to 30% by mass in still another embodiment, 20% to 30% by mass in still another embodiment, 2% to 5% by mass in still another embodiment, 9% to 14% by mass in still another embodiment, 16% to 17% by mass in still another embodiment, or 20% to 21% by mass in still another embodiment.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having low viscosity and a high response speed is desired, the lower limit is preferably decreased, and the upper limit is preferably decreased. When a liquid crystal composition having resistance to burn-in is desired, the lower limit is preferably decreased, and the upper limit is preferably decreased. When the anisotropy of dielectric constant is increased in order to maintain a low driving voltage, the lower limit is preferably increased, and the upper limit is preferably increased.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (X) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-1).

In the general formula (X-1), X¹⁰¹ to X¹⁰³ independently denote a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom, and R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, compounds are appropriately combined in each embodiment in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment. Alternatively, four compounds are used in still another embodiment. Alternatively, at least five compounds are used in still another embodiment.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-1) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-1) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 20% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 15% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 10% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 9% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 7% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 6% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 3% by mass in still another embodiment, 2% to 9% by mass in still another embodiment, 4% to 9% by mass in still another embodiment, 6% to 9% by mass in still another embodiment, 7% to 9% by mass in still another embodiment, 3% to 7% by mass in still another embodiment, 4% to 7% by mass in still another embodiment, or 6% to 7% by mass in still another embodiment.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-1) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-1-1).

In the general formula (X-1-1), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, compounds are appropriately combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment. Alternatively, at least four compounds are used in still another embodiment.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-1-1) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-1-1) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 25% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 20% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 10% by mass in still another embodiment, 3% to 10% by mass in still another embodiment, 4% to 9% by mass in still another embodiment, or 6% to 9% by mass in still another embodiment.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-1-1) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (36.1) to (36.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (36.1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (36.2).

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two or three compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing the compound represented by the formula (36.2) as a compound represented by the general formula (X-1-1), the amount of the compound represented by the formula (36.2) preferably ranges from 1% to 15% by mass, more preferably 4% to 10% by mass, still more preferably 5% to 8% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-1) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-1-2).

In the general formula (X-1-2), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-1-2) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-1-2) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 20% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 15% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 10% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 7% by mass in still another embodiment, or 2% to 7% by mass in still another embodiment.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-1-2) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (37.1) to (37.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (37.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-1) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-1-3).

In the general formula (X-1-3), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-1-3) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-1-3) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 20% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 15% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 10% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 7% by mass in still another embodiment, or 5% to 7% by mass in still another embodiment.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-1-3) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (38.1) to (38.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (38.2).

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (38.2) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably ranges from 1% to 20% by mass, 1% by mass 15% or less by mass, 1% to 10% by mass, 1% to 8% by mass, 3% to 5% by mass, or 4% to 5% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-2).

In the general formula (X-2), X¹⁰² and X¹⁰³ independently denote a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom, Y¹⁰ denotes a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or —OCF₃, and R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-2) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-2-1).

In the general formula (X-2-1), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined, and three or more compounds are more preferably combined, in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-2-1) preferably ranges from 1% to 23% by mass, more preferably 1% to 18% by mass, still more preferably 1% to 13% by mass, particularly preferably 3% to 8% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-2-1) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (39.1) to (39.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (39.2).

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (39.2) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably ranges from 1% to 23% by mass, more preferably 1% to 18% by mass, still more preferably 1% to 13% by mass, particularly preferably 3% to 8% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition containing two or three compounds as compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing the compound represented by the formula (39.2) as a compound represented by the general formula (X-2-1), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), and the compound represented by the formula (39.2) preferably ranges from 10% to 35% by mass, more preferably 15% to 30% by mass, still more preferably 18% to 26% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-2) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-2-2).

In the general formula (X-2-2), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-2-2) preferably ranges from 3% to 20% by mass, 6% to 16% by mass, 9% to 12% by mass, or 9% to 10% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-2-2) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (40.1) to (40.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (40.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-3).

In the general formula (X-3), X¹⁰² and X¹⁰³ independently denote a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom, and R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-3) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-3-1).

In the general formula (X-3-1), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-3-1) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-3-1) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 0.5% to 6% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 0.5% to 3% by mass in another embodiment, 0.5% or more by mass and less than 2% by mass in still another embodiment, or 0.5% to 1% by mass in still another embodiment.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-3-1) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (41.1) to (41.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (41.2).

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (41.2) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability.

For example, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (41.2) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 0.5% to 6% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 0.5% to 3% by mass in another embodiment, 0.5% or more by mass and less than 2% by mass in still another embodiment, or 0.5% to 1.5% by mass in still another embodiment. Among these, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (41.2) is preferably 0.5% or more by mass and less than 2% by mass, more preferably 0.5% to 1.5% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

In a liquid crystal composition containing only one compound having the general formula (ii) and further containing the compound represented by the formula (41.2) as a compound represented by the general formula (X-3-1), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound represented by the general formula (ii), and the compound represented by the formula (41.2) more preferably ranges from 3% to 20% by mass, more preferably 5% to 17% by mass, still more preferably 8% to 14% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-4).

In the general formula (X-4), X¹⁰² denotes a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom, and R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined, and three or more compounds are more preferably combined, in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-4) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-4-1).

In the general formula (X-4-1), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined, and three or more compounds are more preferably combined, in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-4-1) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-4-1) preferably ranges from 1% to 20% by mass, 1% to 15% by mass, 1% to 10% by mass, or 1% or more by mass and less than 5% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-4-1) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (42.1) to (42.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (42.3).

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (42.3) preferably ranges from 1% to 15% by mass, more preferably 1% to 10% by mass, still more preferably 1% to 5% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

In a liquid crystal composition containing at least two compounds as compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing the compound represented by the formula (42.3) as a compound represented by the general formula (X-4-1), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), and the compound represented by the formula (42.3) preferably ranges from 13% to 31% by mass, more preferably 16% to 28% by mass, still more preferably 19% to 25% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition containing at least two compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound represented by the formula (42.3), and the compound represented by the formula (39.2), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound represented by the formula (39.2), and the compound represented by the formula (42.3) preferably ranges from 19% to 37% by mass, more preferably 22% to 34% by mass, still more preferably 25% to 31% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-4-2).

In the general formula (X-4-2), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined, and three or more compounds are more preferably combined, in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-4-2) preferably ranges from 1% to 20% by mass, 1% to 15% by mass, 1% to 10% by mass, or 3% to 7% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by general formula (X-4-2) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (42.11) to (42.14), more preferably a compound represented by the formula (42.13) and/or a compound represented by the formula (42.14).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-4-3).

In the general formula (X-4-3), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined, and three or more compounds are more preferably combined, in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-4-3) preferably ranges from 2% to 20% by mass, 5% to 17% by mass, 10% to 15% by mass, or 10% to 13% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-4-3) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (42.21) to (42.24), more preferably a compound represented by the formula (42.22).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-5).

In the general formula (X-5), X¹⁰² denotes a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom, and R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined, and three or more compounds are more preferably combined, in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-5) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-5-1).

In the general formula (X-5-1), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined, and three or more compounds are more preferably combined, in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-5-1) preferably ranges from 2% to 20% by mass, 5% to 17% by mass, 10% to 15% by mass, or 10% to 13% by mass the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-5-1) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (43.1) to (43.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (43.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-6).

In the general formula (X-6), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-6) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-6) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 25% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 20% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 11% by mass in still another embodiment, or 4% to 11% by mass in still another embodiment.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-6) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (44.1) to (44.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (44.1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (44.2).

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (44.1) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (44.1) preferably ranges from 0.5% to 4% by mass, more preferably 1% to 4% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing one compound represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing the compound represented by the formula (44.1) as a compound represented by the general formula (X-6), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound represented by the general formula (ii), and the compound represented by the formula (44.1) preferably ranges from 3% to 13% by mass, more preferably 6% to 11% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

A liquid crystal compound according to the present invention may contain a compound represented by the general formula (X′-7), which is similar to a compound represented by the general formula (X), as a compound represented by the general formula (M).

In the general formula (X′-7), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X′-7) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X′-7) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 20% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 15% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 10% by mass in still another embodiment, or 1% to 5% by mass in still another embodiment.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X′-7) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (44.11) to (44.14), more preferably a compound represented by the formula (44.13).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (X-8).

In the general formula (X-8), R¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-8) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-8) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 25% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 20% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 3% to 12% by mass in still another embodiment, 8% to 9% by mass in still another embodiment.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-8) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (44.21) to (44.24), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (44.22).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (XI).

In the general formula (XI), X¹¹¹ to X¹¹⁷ independently denote a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom, at least one of X¹¹¹ to X¹¹⁷ denotes a fluorine atom, R¹¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and Y¹¹ denotes a fluorine atom or —OCF₃.

Although any compounds may be combined, for example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention, two compounds are combined in another embodiment, and three or more compounds are combined in still another embodiment, in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XI) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XI) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 25% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 20% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 4% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 5% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 11% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 4% to 5% by mass in still another embodiment, or 5% to 11% by mass in still another embodiment.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is used in liquid crystal display elements having small cell gaps, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XI) is preferably increased. When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is used in liquid crystal display elements having low driving voltages, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XI) is preferably increased. When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is used in liquid crystal display elements used in low-temperature environments, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XI) is preferably decreased. When a liquid crystal composition is used in liquid crystal display elements having high response speeds, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XI) is preferably decreased.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (XI) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XI-1).

In the general formula (XI-1), R¹¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, compounds are appropriately combined in each embodiment in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention, two compounds are combined in another embodiment, and three or more compounds are combined in still another embodiment.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XI-1) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 25% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 20% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 4% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 5% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 11% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 4% to 5% by mass in still another embodiment, or 5% to 11% by mass in still another embodiment.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XI-1) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (45.1) to (45.4), particularly preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (45.2) to (45.4), more preferably a compound represented by the formula (45.2).

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (45.2) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention based on the total mass of the liquid crystal composition ranges from 1% to 25% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 20% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 2% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, or 2% to 5% by mass in still another embodiment.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (45.3) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability. In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing at least two (preferably two) compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the amount of the compound represented by the formula (45.3) preferably ranges from 0.5% to 8% by mass, more preferably 1% to 6% by mass, still more preferably 3% to 5% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound represented by the formula (45.4) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention based on the total mass of the liquid crystal composition ranges from 1% to 25% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 20% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 10% by mass in still another embodiment, 2% to 7% by mass in still another embodiment, or 2% to 3% by mass in still another embodiment.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XI) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XI-2).

In the general formula (XI-2), R¹¹⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, compounds are appropriately combined in each embodiment in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention, two compounds are combined in another embodiment, and three or more compounds are combined in still another embodiment.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XI-2) preferably ranges from 1% to 20% by mass, 1% to 15% by mass, 1% to 10% by mass, 1% to 5% by mass, or 1% to 3% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XI-2) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (45.11) to (45.14), particularly preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (45.12) to (45.14), more preferably a compound represented by the formula (45.12).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (XII).

In the general formula (XII), X¹²¹ to X¹²⁶ independently denote a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom, R¹²⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and Y¹² denotes a fluorine atom or —OCF₃.

Although any compounds may be combined, one to three or more compounds are preferably appropriately combined, and one to four or more compounds are more preferably combined, in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (XII) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XII-1).

In the general formula (XII-1), R¹²⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably appropriately combined, and one to three or more compounds are more preferably combined, in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XII-1) preferably ranges from 1% to 15% by mass, 2% to 10% by mass, 3% to 8% by mass, or 4% to 6% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XII-1) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (46.1) to (46.4), particularly preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (46.2) to (46.4).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XII) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XII-2).

In the general formula (XII-2), R¹²⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably appropriately combined, and one to three or more compounds are more preferably combined, in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XII-2) preferably ranges from 1% to 20% by mass, 3% to 20% by mass, 4% to 17% by mass, 6% to 15% by mass, or 9% to 13% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XII-2) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (47.1) to (47.4), particularly preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (47.2) to (47.4).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (M) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (XIII).

In the general formula (XIII), X¹³¹ to X¹³⁵ independently denote a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom, R¹³⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and Y¹³ denotes a fluorine atom or —OCF₃.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one or two of these compounds are preferably contained, one to three of these compounds are more preferably contained, and one to four of these compounds are still more preferably contained.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 30% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 25% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 20% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 16% by mass in still another embodiment, 4% to 20% by mass in still another embodiment, 9% to 20% by mass in still another embodiment, 13% to 20% by mass in still another embodiment, or 13% to 16% by mass in still another embodiment.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is used in liquid crystal display elements having small cell gaps, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII) is preferably increased. When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is used in liquid crystal display elements having low driving voltages, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII) is preferably increased. When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is used in liquid crystal display elements used in low-temperature environments, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII) is preferably decreased. When a liquid crystal composition is used in liquid crystal display elements having high response speeds, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII) is preferably decreased.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XIII-1).

In the general formula (XIII-1), R¹³⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII-1) preferably ranges from 1% to 25% by mass, 3% to 25% by mass, 5% to 20% by mass, or 10% to 15% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII-1) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (48.1) to (48.4) or a compound represented by the formula (48.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XIII-2).

In the general formula (XIII-2), R¹³⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one or two or more of these compounds are preferably contained.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII-2) preferably ranges from 1% to 25% by mass, 1% to 20% by mass, 1% to 16% by mass, or 4% to 16% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention. Among these, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII-2) preferably ranges from 4% to 13% by mass or 9% to 16% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII-2) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (49.1) to (49.4) or a compound represented by the formula (49.1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (49.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XIII-3).

In the general formula (XIII-3), R¹³⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one or two of these compounds are preferably contained.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII-3) preferably ranges from 1% to 20% by mass, more preferably 1% to 15% by mass, still more preferably 5% to 15% by mass, particularly preferably 5% to 10% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII-3) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (50.1) to (50.4), a compound represented by the formula (50.1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (50.2), or a compound represented by the formula (50.1).

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two or three compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing the compound represented by the formula (50.1) as a compound represented by the general formula (XIII-3), the amount of the compound represented by the formula (50.1) preferably ranges from 1% to 15% by mass, more preferably 5% to 15% by mass, still more preferably 5% to 10% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition containing two or three compounds as compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing the compound represented by the formula (50.1) as a compound represented by the general formula (XIII-3), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), and the compound represented by the formula (50.1) preferably ranges from 15% to 35% by mass, more preferably 17% to 30% by mass, still more preferably 20% to 25% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (M) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XIII′-1).

In the general formula (XIII′-1), R¹³⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one or two of these compounds are preferably contained.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII′-1) preferably ranges from 2% to 20% by mass, 4% to 20% by mass, 9% to 17% by mass, or 12% to 15% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII′-1) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (50.11) to (50.14) or a compound represented by the formula (50.12) and/or a compound represented by the formula (50.14).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (M) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formula (XIV).

In the general formula (XIV), R¹⁴⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms, X¹⁴¹ to X¹⁴⁴ independently denote a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom, Y¹⁴ denotes a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or OCF₃, Q¹⁴ denotes a single bond, —COO—, or —CF₂O—, and m¹⁴ is 0 or 1.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, compounds are appropriately combined in each embodiment in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, four compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, five compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, at least six compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 30% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 25% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 20% by mass in still another embodiment, 3% to 20% by mass in still another embodiment, 5% to 20% by mass in still another embodiment, 8% to 20% by mass in still another embodiment, or 12% to 20% by mass in still another embodiment.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is used in liquid crystal display elements having low driving voltages, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV) is preferably increased. When a liquid crystal composition is used in liquid crystal display elements having high response speeds, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV) is preferably decreased.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XIV-1).

In the general formula (XIV-1), R¹⁴⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms, and Y¹⁴ denotes a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or —OCF₃.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, one to three compounds are preferably combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-1) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XIV-1-1).

In the general formula (XIV-1-1), R¹⁴⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-1-1) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-1-1) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention is 1% or more by mass 30% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 8% or more by mass 30% by mass in another embodiment, 8% to 25% by mass in still another embodiment, 15% to 25% by mass in still another embodiment, or 17% to 23% by mass in still another embodiment. Among these, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-1-1) is preferably 8% or more by mass and 30% by mass, more preferably 8% to 25% by mass, still more preferably 15% to 25% by mass, particularly preferably 17% to 23% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-1-1) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (51.1) to (51.4) or a compound represented by the formula (51.1).

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (51.1) is preferably at least 8% by mass, more preferably 8% to 25% by mass, still more preferably 15% to 25% by mass, particularly preferably 17% to 23% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-1) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XIV-1-2).

In the general formula (XIV-1-2), R¹⁴⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-1-2) preferably ranges from 1% to 15% by mass, 1% to 10% by mass, 1% to 5% by mass, or 1% to 3% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-1-2) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (52.1) to (52.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (52.1).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XIV-2).

In the general formula (XIV-2), R¹⁴⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, X¹⁴¹ to X¹⁴⁴ independently denote a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom, and Y¹⁴ denotes a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, or —OCF₃.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, compounds are appropriately combined in each embodiment in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, four compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, at least five compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 25% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 20% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 5% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 6% to 13% by mass in still another embodiment, 8% to 13% by mass in still another embodiment, 6% to 8% by mass in still another embodiment, or 10% to 12% by mass in still another embodiment.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is used in liquid crystal display elements having low driving voltages, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2) is preferably increased. When a liquid crystal composition is used in liquid crystal display elements having high response speeds, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2) is preferably decreased.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XIV-2-1).

In the general formula (XIV-2-1), R¹⁴⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2-1) preferably ranges from 1% to 15% by mass, 3% to 13% by mass, 5% to 11% by mass, or 7% to 9% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2-1) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (53.1) to (53.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (53.4).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XIV-2-2).

In the general formula (XIV-2-2), R¹⁴⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2-2) preferably ranges from 1% to 25% by mass, more preferably 1% to 20% by mass, still more preferably 3% to 18% by mass, particularly preferably 9% to 15% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2-2) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (54.1) to (54.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (54.2) and/or a compound represented by the formula (54.4).

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (54.2) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably ranges from 1% to 20% by mass, more preferably 1% by mass 15% or less by mass, still more preferably 1% to 10% by mass, particularly preferably 5% to 10% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (54.4) in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably ranges from 1% to 20% by mass, more preferably 1% by mass 15% or less by mass, still more preferably 1% to 10% by mass, particularly preferably 3% to 8% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition containing only one compound as a compound represented by the general formula (ii) and containing the compound represented by the formula (54.2) and the compound represented by the formula (54.4) as compounds represented by the general formula (XIV-2-2), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound represented by the general formula (ii), the compound represented by the formula (54.2), and the compound represented by the formula (54.4) preferably ranges from 17% to 35% by mass, more preferably 20% to 32% by mass, still more preferably 23% to 29% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XIV-2-3).

In the general formula (XIV-2-3), R¹⁴⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2-3) preferably ranges from 5% to 30% by mass, 9% to 27% by mass, 12% to 24% by mass, or 12% to 20% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2-3) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (55.1) to (55.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (55.2) and/or a compound represented by the formula (55.4).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XIV-2-4).

In the general formula (XIV-2-4), R¹⁴⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, compounds are appropriately combined in each embodiment in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three or more compounds are used in still another embodiment of the present invention.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2-4) is appropriately adjusted in each embodiment in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2-4) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 25% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 20% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 10% by mass in still another embodiment, 3% to 10% by mass in still another embodiment, or 6% to 8% by mass in still another embodiment.

When a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is used in liquid crystal display elements having low driving voltages, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2-4) is preferably increased. When a liquid crystal composition is used in liquid crystal display elements having high response speeds, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2-4) is preferably decreased.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2-4) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (56.1) to (56.4), particularly preferably a compound or compounds represented by the formula(e) (56.1), (56.2), and/or (56.4), preferably a compound represented by the formula (56.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XIV-2-5).

In the general formula (XIV-2-5), R¹⁴⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2-5) preferably ranges from 5% to 25% by mass, 10% to 22% by mass, 13% to 18% by mass, or 13% to 15% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2-5) is/are at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (57.1) to (57.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (57.1).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XIV-2-6).

In the general formula (XIV-2-6), R¹⁴⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, and electrical reliability, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2-6) preferably ranges from 5% to 25% by mass, 10% to 22% by mass, 15% to 20% by mass, or 15% to 17% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-2-6) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (58.1) to (58.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (58.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XIV-3).

In the general formula (XIV-3), R¹⁴⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two or more compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-3) preferably ranges from 2.5% to 25% by mass, 3% to 15% by mass, or 3% to 10% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-3) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (61.1) to (61.4), more preferably a compound represented by the formula (61.1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (61.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (M) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XV).

In the general formula (XV), R¹⁵⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and A¹⁵¹ denotes a 1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group. A hydrogen atom of the 1,4-phenylene group may be substituted with a fluorine atom.

Although any compounds may be combined, compounds are appropriately combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, three compounds are used in still another embodiment. Alternatively, four compounds are used in still another embodiment. Alternatively, at least five compounds are used in still another embodiment.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XV) is appropriately adjusted in each embodiment in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XV) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 25% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 20% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, 5% to 15% by mass in still another embodiment, or 8% to 9% by mass in still another embodiment.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (XV) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XV-1).

In the general formula (XV-1), R¹⁵⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XV-1) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XV-1) based on the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention ranges from 1% to 25% by mass in one embodiment of the present invention, 1% to 20% by mass in another embodiment, 1% to 10% by mass in still another embodiment, 3% to 10% by mass in still another embodiment, 4% to 7% by mass in still another embodiment, 1% to 5% by mass in still another embodiment, or 5% to 10% by mass in still another embodiment.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XV-1) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (59.1) to (59.4), particularly preferably a compound represented by the formula (59.2).

Alternatively, or in addition, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XV) is/are preferably a compound or compounds represented by the general formula (XV-2).

In the general formula (XV-2), R¹⁵⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Although any compounds may be combined, one or two or more compounds are preferably combined in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XV-2) is appropriately adjusted in consideration of characteristics such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index.

For example, in consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XV-2) preferably ranges from 1% to 20% by mass, 1% to 15% by mass, 5% to 15% by mass, or 8% to 9% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XV-2) for use in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (60.1) to (60.4), more preferably a compound represented by the formula (60.1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (60.2).

A liquid crystal composition that contains two or three compounds as compounds represented by the general formula (ii) preferably contains the compound represented by the formula (60.1) and the compound represented by the formula (60.2) as compounds represented by the general formula (XV-2). The total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound represented by the formula (60.1), and the compound represented by the formula (60.2) preferably ranges from 15% to 33% by mass, more preferably 18% to 30% by mass, still more preferably 21% to 27% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may contain a compound represented by the general formula (XVI) as a chiral agent. The compound has a structure similar to the structure of the general formula (M).

In the general formula (XVI), R¹⁶⁰ denotes an alkyl group having 9 or 10 carbon atoms, X¹⁶¹ to X¹⁶³ denotes a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, K¹⁶⁰ denotes a single bond or —CH₂CH₂—, and P¹⁶⁰ is 1, 2, or 3.

Although compounds of any types may be combined, these compounds are appropriately combined in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index. For example, one compound is used in one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, two or more compounds are used in another embodiment of the present invention.

In consideration of solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XVI) preferably ranges from 2.5% to 25% by mass, 3% to 15% by mass, or 3% to 10% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

More specifically, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XVI) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the formulae (62.1) to (62.3) or a compound represented by the formula (62.1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (62.2).

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (62.1) is preferably adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, and preferably ranges from 0.1% to 1% by mass, more preferably 0.1% to 0.5% by mass, of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

The amount of the compound represented by the formula (62.2) is preferably adjusted in a manner that depends on the desired characteristics, such as solubility at low temperatures, transition temperature, electrical reliability, and birefringence index, and preferably ranges from 0.1% to 1% by mass, 0.1% to 0.5% by mass, 0.1% to 0.3% by mass, or 0.1% to 0.2% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably contains no compound having a structure in which oxygen atoms are bonded together, such as a peroxy (—CO—OO—) structure, in its molecule.

When the reliability and long-term stability of a liquid crystal composition are regarded as important, the amount of compound(s) having a carbonyl group is preferably 5% or less by mass, more preferably 3% or less by mass, still more preferably 1% or less by mass, most preferably substantially zero percent, of the total mass of the composition.

When stability under UV irradiation is regarded as important, the amount of compound(s) substituted with a chlorine atom is preferably 15% or less by mass, more preferably 10% or less by mass, still more preferably 5% or less by mass, most preferably substantially zero percent, of the total mass of the composition.

The amount of compound in which all the ring structures of its molecule are 6-membered rings is preferably increased. The amount of compound in which all the ring structures of its molecule are 6-membered rings is preferably 80% or more by mass, more preferably 90% or more by mass, still more preferably 95% or more by mass, of the total mass of the composition. Most preferably, a liquid crystal composition is composed substantially solely of a compound in which all the ring structures of its molecule are 6-membered rings.

In order to suppress the oxidation degradation of a liquid crystal composition, the amount of compound(s) having a cyclohexenylene group as a ring structure is preferably decreased. The amount of compound(s) having a cyclohexenylene group is preferably 10% or less by mass, more preferably 5% or less by mass, still more preferably substantially zero percent, of the total mass of the composition.

When improved viscosity and Tni are regarded as important, the amount of compound having a 2-methylbenzene-1,4-diyl group in its molecule in which a hydrogen atom may be substituted with a halogen is preferably decreased, and the amount of compound having the 2-methylbenzene-1,4-diyl group in its molecule is preferably 10% or less by mass, more preferably 5% or less by mass, still more preferably substantially zero percent, of the total mass of the composition.

When a compound in a composition according to a first embodiment of the present invention has an alkenyl group as a side chain, and the alkenyl group is bonded to cyclohexane, then the alkenyl group preferably has 2 to 5 carbon atoms. When the alkenyl group is bonded to benzene, the alkenyl group preferably has 4 or 5 carbon atoms, and an unsaturated bond of the alkenyl group is preferably not directly bonded to benzene.

A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention can contain a polymerizable compound in order to produce a PS mode, transverse electric field PSA mode, or transverse electric field PSVA mode liquid crystal display element. One possible polymerizable compound may be a photopolymerizable monomer, which can be polymerized by an energy beam, such as light. For example, the polymerizable compound has a liquid crystal skeleton in which a plurality of six-membered rings, such as a biphenyl derivative or a terphenyl derivative, are linked. More specifically, a bifunctional monomer represented by the general formula (XX) is preferred.

In the general formula (XX), X²⁰¹ and X²⁰² independently denote a hydrogen atom or a methyl group,

Sp²⁰¹ and Sp²⁰² independently denote a single bond, an alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or —O—(CH₂)_s— (wherein s is an integer in the range of 2 to 7, and the oxygen atom is bonded to an aromatic ring),

Z²⁰¹ denotes —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CF₂O—, —OCF₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CF₂CF₂—, —CH═CH—OCO—, —CH═CH—OCO—, —COO—CH═CH—, —OCO—CH═CH—, —COO—CH₂CH₂—, —OCO—CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—OCO—, —CH₂CH₂—OCO—, —COO—CH₂—, —OCO—CH₂—, —CH₂—OCO—, —CH₂—OCO—, —CY¹═CY²— (wherein Y¹ and Y² independently denote a fluorine atom or a hydrogen atom), —C≡C—, or a single bond, and

M²⁰¹ denotes a 1,4-phenylene group, a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, or a single bond. Any hydrogen atom of all the 1,4-phenylene groups in the formula may be substituted with a fluorine atom.

Both of X²⁰¹ and X²⁰² preferably denote a hydrogen atom (a diacrylate derivative) or a methyl group (a dimethacrylate derivative). Alternatively, one of X²⁰¹ and X²⁰² preferably denotes a hydrogen atom, and the other preferably denotes a methyl group. With respect to the rate of polymerization of these compounds, diacrylate derivatives have the highest rates, dimethacrylate derivatives have low rates, and asymmetric compounds have medium rates. The preferred embodiment depends on the application. Dimethacrylate derivatives are particularly suitable for PSA display elements.

Sp²⁰¹ and Sp²⁰² independently denote a single bond, an alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or —O—(CH₂)_s—. In PSA display elements, at least one of Sp²⁰¹ and Sp²⁰² is preferably a single bond, and a compound in which both of Sp²⁰¹ and Sp²⁰² are single bonds or an embodiment in which one of Sp²⁰¹ and Sp²⁰² is a single bond and the other is an alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or —O—(CH₂)_s— is preferred. In this case, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is preferred, and s is preferably in the range of 1 to 4.

Z²⁰¹ is preferably —OCH₂—, —CH₂O—, —OCO—, —OCO—, —CF₂O—, —OCF₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CF₂CF₂—, or a single bond, more preferably —COO—, —OCO—, or a single bond, particularly preferably a single bond.

M²⁰¹ denotes a 1,4-phenylene group in which any hydrogen atom may be substituted with a fluorine atom, a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, or a single bond, preferably the 1,4-phenylene group or a single bond. In the case that M²⁰¹ denotes a ring structure other than a single bond, Z²⁰¹ preferably denotes a linking group other than a single bond. In the case that M²⁰¹ denotes a single bond, Z²⁰¹ preferably denotes a single bond.

Thus, in the general formula (XX), more specifically, the ring structures between Sp²⁰¹ and Sp²⁰² preferably have the following structure.

In the general formula (XX), if M²⁰¹ denotes a single bond, and the ring structures are composed of two rings, the ring structures are preferably represented by the following formulae (XXa-1) to (XXa-5), more preferably the formulae (XXa-1) to (XXa-3), particularly preferably the formula (XXa-1).

In the formulae (XXa-1) to (XXa-5), each end is bonded to Sp²⁰¹ or Sp²⁰².

Polymerizable compounds having such a skeleton are most suitable for PSA liquid crystal display elements with respect to alignment regulating force after polymerization and can provide a satisfactory alignment state, thus causing little or no variations in display.

Thus, the polymerizable monomer(s) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formulae (XX-1) to (XX-4), more preferably a compound represented by the general formula (XX-2).

In the general formulae (XX-3) and (XX-4), Sp²⁰ denotes an alkylene group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

Although such a monomer in a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention can be polymerized without a polymerization initiator, the liquid crystal composition may contain a polymerization initiator so as to promote polymerization. Examples of the polymerization initiator include benzoin ethers, benzophenones, acetophenones, benzyl ketals, and acylphosphine oxides.

A liquid crystal composition in the present invention may further contain a compound represented by the general formula (Q) as an antioxidant.

In the general formula (Q), R^Q denotes a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms. One or two or more CH₂ groups in the alkyl group may be substituted with —O—, —CH═CH—, —CO—, —OCO—, —COO—, —C≡C—, —CF₂O—, and/or —OCF₂—, provided that oxygen atoms are not directly adjacent to each other. M^Q denotes a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-phenylene group, or a single bond.

R^Q denotes a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms. One or two or more CH₂ groups in the alkyl group may be substituted with —O—, —CH═CH—, —CO—, —OCO—, —COO—, —C≡C—, —CF₂O—, and/or —OCF₂—, provided that oxygen atoms are not directly adjacent to each other. R^Q preferably denotes a linear alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear alkoxy group, a linear alkyl group in which one CH₂ group is substituted with —OCO— or —COO—, a branched alkyl group, a branched alkoxy group, or a branched alkyl group in which one CH₂ group is substituted with —OCO— or —COO—, more preferably a linear alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a linear alkyl group in which one CH₂ group is substituted with —OCO— or —COO—, a branched alkyl group, a branched alkoxy group, or a branched alkyl group in which one CH₂ group is substituted with —OCO— or —COO—.

M^Q denotes a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, a 1,4-phenylene group, or a single bond, preferably a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group or a 1,4-phenylene group.

The compound(s) represented by the general formula (Q) is/are preferably at least one compound selected from a compound group represented by the general formulae (Q-a) to (Q-d), more preferably a compound represented by the general formula (Q-a) and/or a compound represented by the general formula (Q-c).

In these formulae, R^Q1 is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, R^Q2 is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, R^Q3 is preferably a linear alkyl group, a branched alkyl group, a linear alkoxy group, or a branched alkoxy group each having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and L^Q is preferably a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Among these, the compound(s) represented by the general formula (Q) is/are preferably a compound represented by the following formula (Q-a-1) and/or a compound represented by the formula (Q-c-1).

A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably contains one or two, more preferably one to five, compounds represented by the general formula (Q). The amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (Q) preferably ranges from 0.001% to 1% by mass, 0.001% to 0.1% by mass, or 0.001% to 0.05% by mass of the total mass of a liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two or three compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one compound represented by the general formula (I-1-2) and at least one compound represented by the general formula (XIII-3), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1-2), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII-3) preferably ranges from 55% to 70% by mass, more preferably 57% to 68% by mass, still more preferably 60% to 65% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two or three compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one compound represented by the general formula (I-1-2) and at least one compound represented by the general formula (X-2-1), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1-2), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-2-1) preferably ranges from 60% to 80% by mass, more preferably 62% to 78% by mass, still more preferably 65% to 75% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two or three compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one compound represented by the general formula (I-1-2), at least one compound represented by the general formula (IX-2-1), and at least one compound represented by the general formula (X-1-1), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1-2), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-1), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-1-1) preferably ranges from 80% to 95% by mass, more preferably 82% to 93% by mass, still more preferably 85% to 90% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two or three compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one compound represented by the general formula (I-1-2), at least one compound represented by the general formula (X-2-1), and at least one compound represented by the general formula (X-4-1), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1-2), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-2-1), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-4-1) preferably ranges from 65% to 85% by mass, more preferably 70% to 80% by mass, still more preferably 73% to 78% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two or three compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one compound represented by the general formula (I-1-2), at least one compound represented by the general formula (IX-1-1), at least one compound represented by the general formula (IX-2-2), and at least one compound represented by the general formula (IX-2-5), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1-2), compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-1-1), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-2), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-5) preferably ranges from 60% to 75% by mass, more preferably 63% to 72% by mass, still more preferably 65% to 70% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two or three compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one compound represented by the general formula (I-1-2), at least one compound represented by the general formula (X-1-1), and at least one compound represented by the general formula (XI-1), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1-2), the compound represented by the general formula (X-1-1), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XI-1) preferably ranges from 70% to 90% by mass, more preferably 72% to 85% by mass, still more preferably 74% to 82% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two or three compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one compound represented by the general formula (I-1-2) and the compound represented by the formula (2.5), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-1-2), and the compound represented by the formula (2.5) preferably ranges from 70% to 90% by mass, more preferably 73% to 85% by mass, still more preferably 75% to 82% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing three compounds represented by the general formula (ii-1) as compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and containing at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (XIII-3), at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (XIV-1), the compound represented by the formula (62.1), and at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (Q-c), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIII-3), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-1), the compound represented by the formula (62.1), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (Q-c) preferably ranges from 18% to 32% by mass, more preferably 20% to 30% by mass, still more preferably 23% to 27% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two compounds represented by the general formula (ii-1) as compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (X-2-1) and at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (Q-c), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-2-1), and the compound represented by the general formula (Q-c) preferably ranges from 13% to 28% by mass, more preferably 15% to 25% by mass, still more preferably 18% to 22% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two compounds represented by the general formula (ii-1) as compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one (preferably two) compound represented by the general formula (IX-2-1) and the compound represented by the formula (12.4), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-1), and the compound represented by the formula (12.4) preferably ranges from 30% to 45% by mass, more preferably 33% to 42% by mass, still more preferably 35% to 39% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two compounds represented by the general formula (ii-1) as compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (X-2-1) and at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (X-4-1), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-2-1), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-4-1) preferably ranges from 20% to 35% by mass, more preferably 23% to 32% by mass, still more preferably 25% to 30% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two compounds represented by the general formula (ii-1) as compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (II-2) and at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (IX-2-2), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-2), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-2) preferably ranges from 35% to 50% by mass, more preferably 38% to 47% by mass, still more preferably 40% to 45% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two compounds represented by the general formula (ii-1) as compounds represented by the general formula (ii), further containing at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (II-2), the compound represented by the formula (12.4), and at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (Q-a), and containing no compound represented by the formula (2.5), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-2), the compound represented by the formula (12.4), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (Q-a) preferably ranges from 35% to 45% by mass, more preferably 38% to 47% by mass, still more preferably 40% to 45% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two compounds represented by the general formula (ii-1) as compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (II-2), the compound represented by the formula (2.5), the compound represented by the formula (12.4), and at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (Q-a), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-2), the compound represented by the formula (2.5), the compound represented by the formula (12.4), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (Q-a) preferably ranges from 67% to 83% by mass, more preferably 70% to 80% by mass, still more preferably 73% to 77% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two compounds represented by the general formula (ii-1) as compounds represented by the general formula (ii), further containing at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (II-2), the compound represented by the formula (2.5), and the compound represented by the formula (12.4), and containing no compound represented by the general formula (Q-a), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compounds represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-2), the compound represented by the formula (2.5), and the compound represented by the formula (12.4) preferably ranges from 75% to 88% by mass, more preferably 77% to 85% by mass, still more preferably 79% to 83% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing two compounds represented by the general formula (ii-2) as compounds represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (Q-a), the amount of the compound(s) represented by the general formula (Q-a) preferably ranges from 0.01% to 1% by mass, more preferably 0.01% to 0.5% by mass, still more preferably 0.02% to 0.1% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing one compound represented by the general formula (ii-2) as a compound represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (I-2), at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (I-5), at least one (preferably two) compound represented by the general formula (II-2), at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (IX-2-2), at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (X-3-1), and at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (X-6), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-2), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-5), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-2), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-2), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-3-1), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-6) preferably ranges from 53% to 65% by mass, more preferably 55% to 63% by mass, still more preferably 57% to 61% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing one compound represented by the general formula (ii-1) as a compound represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one (preferably two) compound represented by the general formula (IXV-2-2), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound represented by the general formula (ii), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IXV-2-2) preferably ranges from 20% to 33% by mass, more preferably 22% to 30% by mass, still more preferably 24% to 28% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing one compound represented by the general formula (ii-2) as a compound represented by the general formula (ii), further containing at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (II-2), at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (IX-2-2), and at least one (preferably two) compound represented by the general formula (X-6), and containing no compound represented by the general formula (I-2), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-2), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-2), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (X-6) preferably ranges from 30% to 45% by mass, more preferably 33% to 43% by mass, still more preferably 35% to 40% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing one compound represented by the general formula (ii-1) as a compound represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (I-5) and at least one (preferably two) compound represented by the general formula (II-2), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound represented by the general formula (ii), the compound represented by the general formula (I-5), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (II-2) preferably ranges from 35% to 50% by mass, more preferably 38% to 48% by mass, still more preferably 40% to 45% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

In a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention containing one compound represented by the general formula (ii-1) as a compound represented by the general formula (ii) and further containing at least one (preferably three) compound represented by the general formula (I-2), at least one (preferably two) compound represented by the general formula (IX-2-3), and at least one (preferably one) compound represented by the general formula (XIV-1), the total amount of the compound represented by the formula (i), the compound represented by the general formula (ii), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (I-2), the compound(s) represented by the general formula (IX-2-3), and the compound(s) represented by the general formula (XIV-1) preferably ranges from 65% to 80% by mass, more preferably 68% to 78% by mass, still more preferably 70% to 75% by mass, of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

<Liquid Crystal Display Element>

In a liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound of the present invention, the polymerizable compound is polymerized by ultraviolet irradiation to impart liquid crystal alignment capability to the liquid crystal composition. Such a liquid crystal composition can be used in liquid crystal display elements that can control the amount of transmitted light utilizing the birefringence of the liquid crystal composition. Such a liquid crystal composition can be used in ECB-LCD, VA-LCD, VA-IPS-LCD, FFS-LCD, active-matrix liquid crystal display elements (AM-LCD), nematic liquid crystal display elements (TN), super-twisted nematic liquid crystal display elements (STN-LCD), OCB-LCD, and in-plane switching liquid crystal display elements (IPS-LCD), particularly in AM-LCD, and can be used in transmissive and reflective liquid crystal display elements.

Two substrates of a liquid crystal cell for use in liquid crystal display elements may be made of glass or a flexible transparent material, such as a plastic. One of the two substrates may be made of an opaque material, such as silicon. A transparent substrate having a transparent electrode layer may be produced by deposition of indium tin oxide (ITO) on a transparent substrate, such as a glass plate, by sputtering.

A color filter may be produced by a pigment dispersion method, a printing method, an electrodeposition method, or a staining method. For example, in a method for producing a color filter by a pigment dispersion method, a curable coloring composition for a color filter is applied to a transparent substrate, is patterned, and is cured by heating or light irradiation. This process is repeatedly performed to produce red, green, and blue pixel units for color filters. A pixel electrode that includes an active element, such as TFT or a thin-film diode, may be formed on the substrate.

The substrates face each other with the transparent electrode layer interposed therebetween. The distance between the substrates may be adjusted with a spacer. The distance between the substrates is preferably adjusted such that the resulting light control layer has a thickness in the range of 1 to 100 μm, more preferably 1.5 to 10 μm. When a polarizer is used, the product of the anisotropy of reflective index Δn of liquid crystals and the cell thickness d is preferably adjusted so as to maximize contrast. When two polarizers are used, a polarization axis of each of the polarizers may be adjusted to improve the view angle or contrast. A retardation film for increasing the view angle may also be used. For example, the spacer may be a columnar spacer formed of glass particles, plastic particles, alumina particles, or a photoresist material. Subsequently, a sealant, such as a thermosetting epoxy composition, is applied to the substrates by screen printing such that a liquid crystal inlet is formed. The substrates are then joined and heated to cure the sealant.

A liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound may be applied between two substrates by a vacuum injection method or a one drop fill (ODF) method. The vacuum injection method does not form drop marks but leaves injection marks. The present invention can be suitably applied to display elements manufactured by the ODF method. In a process of manufacturing a liquid crystal display element by the ODF method, a light and heat curable epoxy sealant is applied in a closed-loop bank shape to a back or front plane substrate using a dispenser. A predetermined amount of a liquid crystal composition is dropped inside the closed-loop bank while degassing is performed. The front plane and the back plane are joined to manufacture the liquid crystal display element. A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention can be consistently dropped in the ODF process and can therefore be suitably used.

In order to achieve high liquid crystal alignment capability, an appropriate rate of polymerization is desirable. Thus, a polymerizable compound is preferably polymerized by irradiation of an active energy beam, such as ultraviolet light or an electron beam, alone, in combination, or in sequence. In the case of ultraviolet light, a polarized or unpolarized light source may be used. When a polymerizable compound between two substrates is polymerized, at least the substrate to be irradiated must be transparent to an active energy beam. A particular portion of a polymerizable compound may be polymerized using a mask during light irradiation, and then the condition, such as an electric field, a magnetic field, or temperature, may be altered to change the alignment state of an unpolymerized portion, which is then polymerized by irradiation with an active energy beam. In particular, for ultraviolet exposure, a liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable compound is preferably exposed to ultraviolet light in an alternating electric field. The alternating electric field preferably has a frequency in the range of 10 to 10,000 Hz, more preferably 60 to 10,000 Hz. The voltage depends on the desired pretilt angle of a liquid crystal display element. In other words, the pretilt angle of a liquid crystal display element can be controlled through the voltage to be applied. Transverse electric field MVA mode liquid crystal display elements preferably have a pretilt angle in the range of 80 to 89.9 degrees in terms of stability of alignment and contrast.

The irradiation temperature is preferably in such a range that a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention can retain its liquid crystal state. The polymerization temperature is preferably close to room temperature, typically in the range of 15° C. to 35° C. Examples of lamps for generating ultraviolet light include metal halide lamps, high-pressure mercury lamps, and ultrahigh-pressure mercury lamps. The wavelength of ultraviolet light is preferably outside the absorption wavelength range of a liquid crystal composition. Ultraviolet light is preferably filtered as required. The ultraviolet light intensity preferably ranges from 0.1 mW/cm² to 100 W/cm², more preferably 2 mW/cm² to 50 W/cm². The ultraviolet light energy can be appropriately determined and preferably range from 10 mJ/cm² to 500 J/cm², more preferably 100 mJ/cm² to 200 J/cm². During ultraviolet irradiation, the ultraviolet light intensity may be changed. The ultraviolet irradiation time depends on the ultraviolet light intensity and preferably ranges from 10 to 3600 seconds, more preferably 10 to 600 seconds.

A liquid crystal display element containing a liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is useful due to its high-speed response and reduced display defects, is particularly useful for liquid crystal display elements for active-matrix driving, and can be applied to VA mode, PSVA mode, PSA mode, in-plane switching (IPS) mode, VA-IPS mode, fringe field switching (FFS) mode, and ECB mode liquid crystal display elements.

Preferred embodiments of a liquid crystal display unit according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display element that includes two substrates facing each other, a sealant between the substrates, and liquid crystals in a sealing region surrounded by the sealant.

More specifically, the liquid crystal display element includes a back plane, a front plane, a sealant 301, and liquid crystal layers 303. In the back plane, TFT layers 102 and pixel electrodes 103 are disposed on a first substrate 100 and are covered with a passivation film 104 and a first alignment film 105. In the front plane, a black matrix 202, the color filters 203, a planarization film (overcoat layer) 201, and a transparent electrode 204 are disposed on a second substrate 200, and a second alignment film 205 is disposed on the transparent electrode 204. The front plane faces the back plane. The sealant 301 is disposed between the substrates. The liquid crystal layers 303 are disposed in a sealing region surrounded by the sealant. Protrusions (columnar spacers) 302 and 304 are disposed on a substrate face in contact with the sealant 301.

The first substrate or the second substrate may be made of any substantially transparent material, such as glass, a ceramic, or a plastic. Plastic substrates may be made of cellulose or a cellulose derivative, such as cellulose triacetate or cellulose diacetate, a polycycloolefin derivative, a polyester, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or poly(ethylene naphthalate), a polyolefin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, a polycarbonate, poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinylidene chloride), a polyamide, a polyimide, a poly(imide amide), a polystyrene, a polyacrylate, poly(methyl methacrylate), polyethersulfone, a polyarylate, or an inorganic-organic composite material, such as glass fiber-epoxy resin or glass fiber-acrylic resin.

For plastic substrates, a barrier film is preferably provided. The barrier film functions to decrease the moisture permeability of plastic substrates and improve the reliability of the electrical characteristics of liquid crystal display elements. The barrier film may be any barrier film having high transparency and low water permeability and is generally a thin film formed from an inorganic material, such as silicon oxide, by vapor deposition, sputtering, or a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method.

In the present invention, the first substrate or the second substrate may be made of the same material or different materials. Glass substrates are preferred because heat-resistant and dimensionally stable liquid crystal display elements can be manufactured. Plastic substrates are preferred because they are suitable for manufacturing methods utilizing a roll-to-roll method and suitable for the purpose of weight reduction or flexibility. When flatness and heat resistance are desired, a plastic substrate and a glass substrate may be combined.

In the examples described later, a substrate is used as a material for the first substrate 100 or the second substrate 200.

In the back plane, the TFT layers 102 and the pixel electrodes 103 are disposed on the first substrate 100. These are produced in a general array process. The passivation film 104 and the first alignment film 105 are formed on the TFT layers 102 and the pixel electrodes 103, thus forming the back plane.

The passivation film 104 (also referred to as an inorganic protective film) protects the TFT layers and is generally a nitride film (SiNx) or an oxide film (SiOx) formed by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique.

The first alignment film 105 functions to align liquid crystals and is generally formed of a polymeric material, such as polyimide. An alignment agent solution composed of a polymeric material and a solvent is used as a coating liquid. The alignment film may decrease the adhesive strength of the sealant and is therefore formed in a pattern in the sealing region. A printing method, such as flexography, or a droplet ejection method, such as ink jet, is used for coating. An applied alignment agent solution is temporarily dried to evaporate the solvent and is cross-linked and cured by baking. Alignment treatment is then performed to activate the alignment function.

Alignment treatment is generally performed by a rubbing method. A polymer film formed as described above is rubbed in one direction with a rubbing cloth made of fibers, such as rayon, to produce liquid-crystal alignment capability.

A photo-alignment method may also be used. In the photo-alignment method, an alignment film containing a photosensitive organic material is irradiated with polarized light to produce alignment capability. Thus, unlike the rubbing method, the photo-alignment method does not cause scratches on substrates and dust. An organic material for use in the photo-alignment method may be a material containing a dichroic dye. The dichroic dye may have a group that causes a photoreaction leading to liquid-crystal alignment capability (hereinafter referred to as a photo-alignment group), such as an alignment inducing or isomerization reaction (for example, an azobenzene group), a dimerization reaction (for example, a cinnamoyl group), a photocrosslinking reaction (for example, a benzophenone group), or a photolysis reaction (for example, a polyimide group) of molecules due to the Weigert effect resulting from photodichroism. An applied alignment agent solution is temporarily dried to evaporate the solvent and is irradiated with light having polarization (polarized light), forming an alignment film having alignment capability in a certain direction.

In the front plane, the black matrix 202, the color filters 203, the planarization film 201, the transparent electrode 204, and the second alignment film 205 are disposed on the second substrate 200.

The black matrix 202 may be formed by a pigment dispersion method. More specifically, a color resin liquid containing a uniformly dispersed black colorant for a black matrix is applied to the second substrate 200 having a barrier film 201, thereby forming a color layer. The color layer is then cured by baking. A photoresist is applied to the color layer and is prebaked. The photoresist is exposed to light through a mask pattern and is then developed to pattern the color layer. The photoresist layer is then removed, and the color layer is baked to complete the black matrix 202.

Alternatively, a photoresist type pigment dispersion liquid may also be used. In this case, a photoresist type pigment dispersion liquid is applied, is prebaked, is exposed to light through a mask pattern, and is developed to pattern the color layer. The photoresist layer is then removed, and the color layer is baked to complete the black matrix 202.

The color filters 203 may be formed by a pigment dispersion method, an electrodeposition method, a printing method, or a staining method. For example, in the pigment dispersion method, a color resin liquid containing a uniformly dispersed (for example, red) pigment is applied to the second substrate 200 and is cured by baking. A photoresist is then applied to the color layer and is prebaked. The photoresist is exposed to light through a mask pattern and is then developed to pattern the color layer. The photoresist layer is then removed, and the color layer is baked again to complete the (red) color filters 203. The colors may be formed in any order. Green color filters 203 and blue color filters 203 are formed in the same manner.

The transparent electrode 204 is disposed on the color filters 203 (if necessary, the overcoat layer (201) for surface planarization is formed on the color filters 203). The transparent electrode 204 is preferably transparent to light and preferably has low electrical resistance. The transparent electrode 204 may be an oxide film, such as ITO, formed by a sputtering method.

A passivation film may be formed on the transparent electrode 204 in order to protect the transparent electrode 204.

The second alignment film 205 is the same as the first alignment film 105.

Although specific embodiments of the back plane and the front plane for use in the present invention have been described, the present application is not limited to these specific embodiments. The embodiments may be modified in each desired liquid crystal display element.

The columnar spacers may have any shape and may have various horizontal cross sections, such as circular and polygonal, including tetragonal. In consideration of misalignment margins in a process, a circular or regular polygonal horizontal cross section is particularly preferred. The protrusions preferably have a truncated cone or truncated pyramid shape.

The columnar spacers may be made of any material that is not dissolved in the sealant, an organic solvent of the sealant, or the liquid crystals, and are preferably made of a synthetic resin (curable resin) in terms of processing and weight reduction. The protrusions may be formed on a surface of the first substrate in contact with the sealant by a photolithography method or a droplet ejection method. For such reasons, a photocurable resin suitable for the photolithography method or the droplet ejection method is preferably used.

The columnar spacers formed by the photolithography method will be described below by way of example. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exposure treatment process in which a columnar spacer forming pattern on a black matrix is used as a photomask pattern.

A resin liquid for forming a columnar spacer (containing no colorant) is applied to the transparent electrode 204 in the front plane. The resin layer 402 is then cured by baking. A photoresist is applied to the resin layer 402 and is prebaked. The photoresist is exposed to light through a mask pattern 401 and is then developed to pattern the resin layer. The photoresist layer is then removed, and the resin layer is baked to complete the columnar spacers (302 and 304 in FIG. 1).

The positions of the columnar spacers can be determined as desired using the mask pattern. Thus, both the inside and the outside (a portion to which a sealant is applied) of a sealing region of a liquid crystal display element can be simultaneously formed. The columnar spacers are preferably disposed on a black matrix so as not to reduce the quality of the sealing region. Such columnar spacers formed by the photolithography method are sometimes referred to as column spacers or photo-spacers.

The materials of the spacers include a mixture of a negative water-soluble resin, such as a PVA-stilbazo photosensitive resin, a polyfunctional acrylic monomer, an acrylic acid copolymer, and a triazole initiator. In another method, a color resin that contains a colorant dispersed in a polyimide resin is used. The materials of the spacers are not particularly limited in the present invention. The spacers may be formed from known materials that match the liquid crystal and the sealant.

After the columnar spacers are formed in the sealing region in the front plane in this manner, a sealant is applied to a surface of the back plane with which the sealant comes into contact (301 in FIG. 1).

The materials of the sealant are not particularly limited and may be a curable resin composition that contains an epoxy or acrylic photocurable, thermosetting, or light and heat curable resin and a polymerization initiator. A filler composed of an inorganic or organic substance may be added to the sealant in order to control the moisture permeability, modulus of elasticity, and viscosity. The filler may have any shape, such as spherical, fibrous, or amorphous. The sealant may be mixed with a spherical or fibrous gap material having a monodisperse diameter in order to control the cell gap or with a fibrous substance that is easily wound around the protrusions on the substrate in order to increase adhesion to the substrate. The fibrous substance preferably has a diameter of approximately ⅕ to 1/10 or less of the cell gap and preferably has a length shorter than the sealing width.

The material of the fibrous substance may be any material that can form a predetermined shape, for example, synthetic fibers, such as cellulose, polyamide, or polyester, or an inorganic material, such as glass or carbon.

The sealant may be applied by a printing method or a dispense method. The dispense method is preferred because the amount of sealant to be used can be decreased. The sealant is generally applied over the black matrix so as not to adversely affect the sealing region. In order to form a liquid crystal dropping region used in the next process (in order to prevent the leakage of liquid crystals), the sealant is applied in a closed loop shape.

Liquid crystals are dropped into the closed loop (sealing region) in the front plane to which the sealant is applied. In general, a dispenser is used. In order to match the amount of liquid crystals to be dropped to the liquid crystal cell volume, the amount of liquid crystals is basically the same as the volume calculated by multiplying the height of the columnar spacers by the sealing area. However, in order to prevent the leakage of liquid crystals in a cell joining process or optimize the display characteristics, the amount of liquid crystals to be dropped may be appropriately adjusted, or the positions at which liquid crystals are dropped may be dispersed.

The back plane is then joined to the front plane to which the sealant is applied and onto which the liquid crystals are dropped. More specifically, the front plane and the back plane are adsorbed on a stage having a mechanism for adsorbing a substrate, such as an electrostatic chuck, such that the second alignment film of the front plane faces the first alignment film of the back plane. The front plane and the back plane are disposed at a position (distance) at which the sealant is not in contact with the substrate. The system is evacuated under these conditions. After evacuation, the positions of the substrates are adjusted for the joining position between the front plane and the back plane (alignment operation). After the joining position is adjusted, the substrates are brought closer together to bring the sealant in the front plane into contact with the back plane. The system is filled with an inert gas under this condition, and the pressure is increased to normal pressure. The front plane and the back plane are joined together due to the atmospheric pressure, and the cell gap reaches the height of the columnar spacers. The sealant is cured under this condition by ultraviolet irradiation, thereby forming a liquid crystal cell. After that, a heating process is performed if necessary to promote curing of the sealant. In order to enhance the adhesion of the sealant or improve the reliability of electrical characteristics, a heating process is often performed.

EXAMPLES

Although the present invention will be further described in the following examples, the present invention is not limited to these examples. The term “%” with respect to compositions in the following examples and comparative examples refers to “% by mass”.

The following characteristics were measured in the examples.

Tni: Nematic phase-isotropic liquid phase transition temperature (° C.)

Δn: Anisotropy of reflective index (also referred to as birefringence index) at 298 K

Δε: Anisotropy of dielectric constant at 298 K

η: Viscosity (mPa·s) at 293 K

γ1: Rotational viscosity (mPa·s) at 298 K

VHR: Voltage holding ratio (%) at a frequency of 60 Hz, at an applied voltage of 5 V, and at 333 K

VHR after heat resistance test: After a test element group (TEG) for the evaluation of electro-optical characteristics containing a liquid crystal composition sample was held in a thermostat at 130° C. for 1 hour, VHR was measured under the conditions described above.

Burn-In:

In the evaluation of burn-in in a liquid crystal display element, a predetermined fixed pattern was displayed in a display area for a test time. The test time at which the after-image of the fixed pattern being uniformly displayed on the entire screen reached an unacceptable level was measured.

1) The test time refers to the display time of the fixed pattern. A longer test time indicates suppression of an after-image and higher performance.2) An unacceptable after-image level means that the observed after-image fails to meet inspection standards.

Drop Marks:

In the evaluation of drop marks in a liquid crystal display unit, white drop marks on a black background on the entire screen were visually inspected according to the following five ratings:

5: No drop mark (excellent)

4: A few acceptable drop marks (good)

3: Several drop marks on the borderline of acceptability (fair under certain conditions)

2: Unacceptable drop marks (poor)

1: Terrible drop marks (very poor)

Process Compatibility:

The process compatibility in an ODF process was evaluated by dropping 100 drops of liquid crystals with a constant delivery pump, the volume of each drop being 50 pL, repeatedly performing this procedure (“0 to 100 drops, 101 to 200 drops, 201 to 300 drops, . . . ”), measuring the mass of 100 drops each, and determining the number of drops at which the variations in mass fail to meet the specifications of the ODF process.

A larger number of drops indicates consistent dropping for longer periods and higher process compatibility.

Solubility at Low Temperatures:

Solubility at low temperatures was evaluated by preparing a liquid crystal composition, weighing 1 g of the liquid crystal composition in a 2-mL sample bottle, subjecting the sample bottle to cycles of temperature changes of “−20° C. (for 1 hour)→temperature rise (0.1° C./min)→0° C. (for 1 hour)→temperature rise (0.1° C./min)→20° C. (for 1 hour)→temperature drop (−0.1° C./min)→0° C. (for 1 hour)→temperature drop (−0.1° C./min)→−20° C.” in a temperature controlled test chamber, visually inspecting the sample bottle for precipitates from the liquid crystal composition, and determining the test time at which precipitates were observed.

A longer test time indicates a stable liquid crystal phase for longer periods and higher solubility at low temperatures.

Volatility/Contamination of Manufacturing Apparatus:

The volatility of a liquid crystal material was evaluated by observing the operational status of a vacuum stirring and degassing mixer with a stroboscope and visually inspecting the mixer for foaming of the liquid crystal material. More specifically, 0.8 kg of the liquid crystal composition was poured into a 2.0-L special-purpose container of the vacuum stirring and degassing mixer. The vacuum stirring and degassing mixer was operated at a reduced pressure of 4 kPa, at an orbital speed of 15 s⁻¹, and at a rotational speed of 7.5 s⁻¹. The time to foam was measured.

A longer time to foam indicates lower volatility, lower likelihood of contamination of the manufacturing apparatus, and higher performance.

Examples 1 and 2

Compositions listed in Table 1 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 2 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

Comparative Example 1

A composition containing no compound represented by the general formula (i) listed in Table 1 was prepared. An IPS liquid crystal display unit having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 was manufactured. Table 2 shows the evaluation results for the composition and the liquid crystal display unit.

	TABLE 1
	Ratio (mass %)
	Formula No. of	Comparative
	compound	example 1	Example 1	Example 2
	Formula (i)		7	11
	Formula (ii.1.4)	4	4	4
	Formula (1.3)	8	8	8
	Formula (2.2)	44	44	44
	Formula (5.4)	3	3	3
	Formula (11.1)	15	15	15
	Formula (15.1)	4	4	4
	Formula (44.1)	6	6	6
	Formula (44.2)	5	5	5
	Formula (49.1)	4	4
	Formula (49.2)	7

	TABLE 2
	Evaluation results
	Comparative
Evaluation items	example 1	Example 1	Example 2
TNI/° C.	76.0	76.8	75.4
Δn	0.103	0.102	0.102
Δε	4.7	4.9	5.3
η/mPa · s	13	15	16
γ1/mPa · s	50	39	37
Initial voltage holding ratio (%)	99.0	99.4	99.5
Voltage holding ratio after heat	97.5	98.3	98.5
resistance test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in (h)	75	160	600
Evaluation of drop marks	2	5	5
Evaluation of contamination of	80	100	110
manufacturing apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process compatibility	600	1000	1010
(×100 drops)
Evaluation of solubility at low	100	260	610
temperatures (h)

The compositions prepared in Examples 1 and 2 were consistently dropped for longer periods in the ODF process and had much higher solubility at low temperatures than the composition prepared in Comparative Example 1. The liquid crystal display units prepared in Examples 1 and 2 had higher resistance to burn-in and deterioration in display quality due to drop marks than the liquid crystal display unit prepared in Comparative Example 1.

Examples 3 and 4

Compositions listed in Table 3 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 4 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

Comparative Example 2

A composition containing no compound represented by the general formula (i) listed in Table 3 was prepared. An IPS liquid crystal display unit having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 was manufactured. Table 4 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

	TABLE 3
	Ratio (mass %)
	Formula No. of	Comparative
	compound	example 2	Example 3	Example 4
	Formula (i)		5	10
	Formula (ii.1.1)	6	6	6
	Formula (ii.1.4)	6	6	6
	Formula (1.3)	7	11	15
	Formula (2.2)	31.5	27.5	22
	Formula (5.4)	5	5	5
	Formula (11.2)	1.5	1.5	3
	Formula (28.3)	3	3	3
	Formula (28.5)	8	8	8
	Formula (50.12)	7	7	7
	Formula (50.14)	7	7	7
	Formula (54.2)	3	3	5
	Formula (56.2)	15	10	3

	TABLE 4
	Evaluation results
	Comparative
Evaluation items	example 2	Example 3	Example 4
TNI/° C.	74.6	72.5	72.8
Δn	0.103	0.104	0.107
Δε	4.7	5.1	5.6
η/mPa · s	13	15	17
γ1/mPa · s	50	50	48
Initial voltage holding ratio (%)	96.5	98.0	98.5
Voltage holding ratio after heat	95.0	96.7	97.3
resistance test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in (h)	100	300	600
Evaluation of drop marks	2	5	5
Evaluation of contamination of	75	180	220
manufacturing apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process compatibility	150	1000	1000
(×100 drops)
Evaluation of solubility at low	100	250	600
temperatures (h)

The compositions prepared in Examples 3 and 4 were consistently dropped for longer periods in the ODF process and had much higher solubility at low temperatures than the composition prepared in Comparative Example 2. The liquid crystal display units prepared in Examples 3 and 4 had higher resistance to burn-in and deterioration in display quality due to drop marks than the liquid crystal display unit prepared in Comparative Example 2.

Examples 5 and 6

Compositions listed in Table 5 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 6 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

Comparative Example 3

A composition containing no compound represented by the general formula (ii) listed in Table 5 was prepared. An IPS liquid crystal display unit having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 was manufactured. Table 6 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

	TABLE 5
	Ratio (mass %)
	Formula No. of	Comparative
	compound	example 3	Example 5	Example 6
	Formula (i)	10	10	10
	Formula (ii.1.1)			5
	Formula (ii.1.4)			5
	Formula (ii.2.2)		7	7
	Formula (1.3)	15	15	15
	Formula (2.2)	27	30	27
	Formula (5.4)	3
	Formula (11.2)	14	7
	Formula (26.1)	9	9	9
	Formula (37.2)	4	4	4
	Formula (44.22)	9	9	9
	Formula (49.1)	9	9	9

	TABLE 6
	Evaluation results
	Comparative
Evaluation items	example 3	Example 5	Example 6
TNI/° C.	80.0	79.7	75.4
Δn	0.110	0.117	0.128
Δε	11.3	11.8	12.8
η/mPa · s	17	19	22
γ1/mPa · s	79	79	90
Initial voltage holding ratio (%)	97.7	99.4	99.3
Voltage holding ratio after heat	95.9	98.7	98.5
resistance test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in (h)	115	280	250
Evaluation of drop marks	2	5	4
Evaluation of contamination of	60	220	210
manufacturing apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process compatibility	150	900	800
(×100 drops)
Evaluation of solubility at low	100	550	500
temperatures (h)

Examples 7 to 10

Compositions listed in Table 7 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 8 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

TABLE 7
Formula No. of	Ratio (mass %)
compound	Example 7	Example 8	Example 9	Example 10
Formula (i)	3	3	3	3
Formula (ii.1.1)	4	6	5	5
Formula (ii.1.4)	3	3	2	3
Formula (ii.1.6)	6	4	6	5
Formula (1.3)	11	13	15	13
Formula (2.2)	41	39	37	39
Formula (15.1)	7	7	7	7
Formula (20.2)	4	4	4	4
Formula (37.2)	2	2	2	2
Formula (49.2)	9	16	9	7
Formula (50.1)	7		7	9
Formula (51.1)	3	3	1	1
Formula (52.1)			2	2

	TABLE 8
	Evaluation results
				Example
Evaluation items	Example 7	Example 8	Example 9	10
TNI/° C.	74.9	80.3	76.2	74.0
Δn	0.116	0.118	0.117	0.115
Δε	3.9	3.7	3.8	3.9
η/mPa · s	11	11	11	11
γ1/mPa · s	38	35	40	40
Initial voltage holding	98.5	98.0	98.5	98.6
ratio (%)
Voltage holding ratio	98.0	97.5	98.2	98.3
after heat resistance
test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in (h)	600	360	610	610
Evaluation of drop marks	5	4	5	5
Evaluation of	120	125	130	125
contamination of
manufacturing
apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process	600	500	1000	1000
compatibility
(×100 drops)
Evaluation of solubility	600	400	610	600
at low temperatures (h)

Examples 11 to 14

Compositions listed in Table 9 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 10 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

	TABLE 9
	Ratio (mass %)
Formula No. of	Example
compound	11	Example 12	Example 13	Example 14
Formula (i)	3	3	3	3
Formula (ii.1.1)	4	6	5	5
Formula (ii.1.6)	7	5	6	8
Formula (1.3)	8	11	6	8
Formula (2.2)	47	44	49	44
Formula (15.1)	7	7	7	8
Formula (20.2)	2		1	2
Formula (21.1)		2	1
Formula (37.2)	3	3	3	4
Formula (39.2)	6	3		5
Formula (39.4)		3	6
Formula (49.1)	6	7	7	6
Formula (49.2)	7	6	6	7

	TABLE 10
	Evaluation results
	Example	Example	Example	Example
Evaluation items	11	12	13	14
TNI/° C.	80.6	80.8	80.2	83.1
Δn	0.121	0.120	0.119	0.126
Δε	4.7	4.6	4.7	4.8
η/mPa · s	11	11	12	12
γ1/mPa · s	50	51	50	54
Initial voltage holding	99.5	99.4	99.0	99.5
ratio (%)
Voltage holding ratio	98.8	98.5	97.9	98.6
after heat resistance
test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in (h)	600	500	300	500
Evaluation of drop marks	5	4	4	5
Evaluation of	170	180	100	170
contamination of
manufacturing
apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process	1100	1000	1000	1220
compatibility
(×100 drops)
Evaluation of solubility	620	640	450	650
at low temperatures (h)

Examples 15 to 18

Compositions listed in Table 11 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 12 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

	TABLE 11
	Ratio (mass %)
Formula No. of	Example
compound	15	Example 16	Example 17	Example 18
Formula (i)	2	2	2	2
Formula (ii.1.1)	14	10	12	15
Formula (ii.1.6)	8	12	10	7
Formula (1.3)	8	11	10	13
Formula (2.2)	47	44	45	42
Formula (30.1)	2	6
Formula (30.2)	10	6	6
Formula (30.3)				6
Formula (30.4)			6	6
Formula (36.1)	4	5	4	5
Formula (36.2)	5	4	5	4

	TABLE 12
	Evaluation results
	Example	Example	Example	Example
Evaluation items	15	16	17	18
TNI/° C.	75.7	76.3	78.1	77.5
Δn	0.11	0.112	0.111	0.111
Δε	3.5	3.4	3.4	3.5
η/mPa · s	11	12	11	11
γ1/mPa · s	39	40	40	41
Initial voltage holding	99.7	99.7	99.5	99.1
ratio (%)
Voltage holding ratio	98.8	98.7	98.5	98.0
after heat resistance
test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in (h)	650	640	480	290
Evaluation of drop marks	5	5	5	3
Evaluation of	170	190	185	180
contamination of
manufacturing
apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process	1110	1010	1000	1000
compatibility
(×100 drops)
Evaluation of solubility	650	650	490	375
at low temperatures (h)

Examples 19 to 22

Compositions listed in Table 13 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 14 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

	TABLE 13
	Ratio (mass %)
Formula No. of	Example
compound	19	Example 20	Example 21	Example 22
Formula (i)	4	4	4	4
Formula (ii.1.1)	8	9	7	9
Formula (ii.1.3)	7
Formula (ii.1.4)			7
Formula (ii.1.6)		7		4
Formula (1.3)	4	7	8	10
Formula (2.2)	48	45	44	42
Formula (5.4)	8	8	8	8
Formula (15.1)	7	6	8	9
Formula (39.1)			6
Formula (39.2)	6	6		6
Formula (42.3)	3	3	3
Formula (42.4)				3
Formula (45.2)	5	5	5	5

	TABLE 14
	Evaluation results
	Example	Example	Example	Example
Evaluation items	19	20	21	22
TNI/° C.	75.1	75.2	75.4	78.6
Δn	0.12	0.122	0.121	0.122
Δε	4.6	4.4	4.4	4.3
η/mPa · s	13	15	14	14
γ1/mPa · s	44	46	45	46
Initial voltage holding	99.5	99.4	99.3	99.6
ratio (%)
Voltage holding ratio	98.9	98.5	97.9	98.1
after heat resistance
test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in (h)	670	600	500	550
Evaluation of drop marks	5	5	5	5
Evaluation of	150	140	130	130
contamination of
manufacturing
apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process	1010	750	550	1000
compatibility
(×100 drops)
Evaluation of solubility	620	600	540	540
at low temperatures (h)

Examples 23 to 26

Compositions listed in Table 15 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 16 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

	TABLE 15
	Ratio (mass %)
Formula No. of	Example
compound	23	Example 24	Example 25	Example 26
Formula (i)	11	11	11	11
Formula (ii.1.1)	6	5	7	6
Formula (ii.1.4)	4	3	2	4
Formula (ii.1.6)		2	1
Formula (1.3)	5	6	7	4
Formula (2.2)	15	14	13	16
Formula (11.1)	7	7	7	7
Formula (28.3)	9	10	9	7
Formula (28.5)	8	9	8	10
Formula (31.1)		4	7	10
Formula (31.2)	14	10	7	2
Formula (34.2)	8	8	8	6
Formula (34.3)				4
Formula (37.2)	5	5	5	5
Formula (56.2)	8	6	8	8

	TABLE 16
	Evaluation results
	Example	Example	Example	Example
Evaluation items	23	24	25	26
TNI/° C.	90.4	90.6	89.7	88.1
Δn	0.105	0.105	0.105	0.104
Δε	9.3	8.7	8.2	7.7
η/mPa · s	17	17	17	16
γ1/mPa · s	78	85	88	88
Initial voltage holding	99.7	99.6	99.3	99.2
ratio (%)
Voltage holding ratio	98.9	98.6	98.0	97.9
after heat resistance
test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in (h)	650	640	600	520
Evaluation of drop marks	5	5	5	5
Evaluation of	230	225	170	160
contamination of
manufacturing
apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process	1160	980	910	1000
compatibility
(×100 drops)
Evaluation of solubility	610	610	550	475
at low temperatures (h)

Examples 27 to 30

Compositions listed in Table 17 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 18 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

	TABLE 17
	Ratio (mass %)
Formula No. of	Example
compound	27	Example 28	Example 29	Example 30
Formula (i)	9	9	9	9
Formula (ii.1.1)	11	11	11	7
Formula (ii.1.6)	11		11	7
Formula (ii.1.9)		11		8
Formula (1.3)	7	7	4
Formula (2.2)	41	35	44	44
Formula (9.2)		6		4
Formula (11.1)	11	11		6
Formula (11.2)			11	5
Formula (36.2)	6	6
Formula (41.2)			6	6
Formula (45.2)			4
Formula (45.3)	4	4
Formula (45.4)				4

	TABLE 18
	Evaluation results
	Example	Example	Example	Example
Evaluation items	27	28	29	30
TNI/° C.	80.8	82.7	73.6	74.0
Δn	0.116	0.119	0.120	0.123
Δε	4.3	4.3	5.1	4.8
η/mPa · s	12	13	13	14
γ1/mPa · s	45	48	48	48
Initial voltage holding	99.4	99.4	99.6	99.4
ratio (%)
Voltage holding ratio	98.8	98.8	98.9	98.8
after heat resistance
test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in (h)	450	400	600	500
Evaluation of drop marks	4	5	4	3
Evaluation of	120	140	100	100
contamination of
manufacturing
apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process	1000	1000	900	800
compatibility
(×100 drops)
Evaluation of solubility	250	250	300	280
at low temperatures (h)

Examples 31 to 34

Compositions listed in Table 19 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 20 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

	TABLE 19
	Ratio (mass %)
Formula No. of	Example
compound	31	Example 32	Example 33	Example 34
Formula (i)	7	6	10	5
Formula (ii.1.1)	11	10	11	13
Formula (ii.1.6)	15	10	12	11
Formula (1.3)		6	16
Formula (2.2)	16	10	29	44
Formula (2.5)	28	28
Formula (11.1)	15	11	10	8
Formula (11.2)		9	1	8
Formula (20.2)			4	3
Formula (23.1)	2	3	4
Formula (28.3)	6	7	3	8

	TABLE 20
	Evaluation results
	Example	Example	Example	Example
Evaluation items	31	32	33	34
TNI/° C.	76.3	81.7	83.0	78.9
Δn	0.117	0.110	0.120	0.108
Δε	3.9	3.9	4.3	4.7
η/mPa · s	11	11	12	11
γ1/mPa · s	44	48	48	46
Initial voltage holding	99.5	99.4	99.2	99.3
ratio (%)
Voltage holding ratio	98.8	98.6	98.3	98.3
after heat resistance
test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in (h)	600	600	400	400
Evaluation of drop marks	5	5	5	5
Evaluation of	180	180	150	150
contamination of
manufacturing
apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process	1000	600	1000	1000
compatibility
(×100 drops)
Evaluation of solubility	650	640	600	450
at low temperatures (h)

Examples 35 to 38

Compositions listed in Table 21 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 22 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

	TABLE 21
	Ratio (mass %)
Formula No. of	Example
compound	35	Example 36	Example 37	Example 38
Formula (i)	8	8	8	8
Formula (ii.2.2)	5	5	5	5
Formula (ii.2.4)		2
Formula (ii.2.10)	2		2	2
Formula (1.3)	7		6	7
Formula (2.2)	49	56	50	49
Formula (36.1)	3	3	4
Formula (36.2)	4	4	3	4
Formula (41.2)				3
Formula (44.21)	4	5	4	4
Formula (44.22)	4	4	4	4
Formula (45.2)				5
Formula (45.3)	5	5	5
Formula (60.1)	4	4	5	4
Formula (60.2)	5	4	4	5

	TABLE 22
	Evaluation results
	Example	Example	Example	Example
Evaluation items	35	36	37	38
TNI/° C.	80.7	78.4	79.7	77.5
Δn	0.113	0.112	0.113	0.115
Δε	7.5	7.7	7.5	7.8
η/mPa · s	11	10	10	11
γ1/mPa · s	61	59	61	62
Initial voltage holding	99.6	99.2	99.1	99.2
ratio (%)
Voltage holding ratio	98.4	97.7	98.0	98.3
after heat resistance
test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in (h)	650	500	600	640
Evaluation of drop marks	4	3	4	4
Evaluation of	180	120	180	180
contamination of
manufacturing
apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process	1100	1000	1050	1100
compatibility
(×100 drops)
Evaluation of solubility	640	610	610	650
at low temperatures (h)

Examples 39 to 41

Compositions listed in Table 23 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 24 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

Comparative Example 4

A composition containing no compound represented by the formula (ii) listed in Table 23 was prepared. An IPS liquid crystal display unit having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 was manufactured. Table 24 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

TABLE 23
	Ratio (mass %)
Formula No. of		Comparative
compound	Example 39	example 4	Example 40	Example 41
Formula (i)	9	9	9	9
Formula (ii.2.2)	1		6	4
Formula (1.3)	8	8	8	8
Formula (2.3)	11	11	11	11
Formula (2.4)	10	10	10	10
Formula (3.3)	4	4	4	4
Formula (6.3)	11	11	8	11
Formula (11.1)	17	17	17	14
Formula (11.2)	9	9	9	9
Formula (31.2)	3	4	2	3
Formula (37.2)	7	8	4	7
Formula (41.2)	1		3	1
Formula (44.2)	4	4	4	4
Formula (45.2)	5	5	5	5

TABLE 24
	Evaluation results
	Example	Comparative	Example	Example
Evaluation items	39	example 4	40	41
TNI/° C.	89.9	90.9	90.9	89.5
Δn	0.105	0.102	0.115	0.109
Δε	6.7	6.7	6.7	7.0
η/mPa · s	14	14	16	15
γ1/mPa · s	70	67	77	73
Initial voltage holding	99.6	99.0	99.4	99.3
ratio (%)
Voltage holding	98.8	97.5	98.0	98.4
ratio after heat
resistance test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in (h)	700	100	490	600
Evaluation of drop marks	5	2	4	5
Evaluation of	200	130	190	200
contamination of manu-
facturing apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process	1100	80	700	1000
compatibility
(× 100 drops)
Evaluation of solubility at	650	64	500	550
low temperatures (h)

The compositions prepared in Examples 39 to 41 were consistently dropped for longer periods in the ODF process and had much higher solubility at low temperatures than the composition prepared in Comparative Example 4. The liquid crystal display units prepared in Examples 39 to 41 had higher resistance to burn-in and deterioration in display quality due to drop marks than the liquid crystal display unit prepared in Comparative Example 4.

Examples 42 to 45

Compositions listed in Table 25 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 26 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

Comparative Example 5

A composition containing no compound represented by the formula (i) listed in Table 25 was prepared. An IPS liquid crystal display unit having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 was manufactured. Table 26 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

	TABLE 25
	Ratio (mass %)
Formula No. of	Exam-	Exam-	Exam-	Example	Comparative
compound	ple 42	ple 43	ple 44	45	example 5
Formula (i)	6	6	6	6
Formula (ii.1.1)			8	8
Formula (ii.1.3)	8	8
Formula (ii.1.4)					8
Formula (1.3)	6	9	7	8	6
Formula (2.2)	43	40	42	41	43
Formula (5.4)	6	6	6	6	6
Formula (15.1)	9	9	9	9	9
Formula (26.1)					6
Formula (30.4)		5	2	7
Formula (34.3)		7		5
Formula (37.2)	6	6	6	6	6
Formula (45.2)	4	4	4	4	4
Formula (54.2)	7		5		7
Formula (54.4)	5		5		5

	TABLE 26
	Evaluation results
	Example	Example	Example	Example	Comparative
Evaluation items	42	43	44	45	example 5
TNI/° C.	76.4	81.0	76.4	80.1	73.6
Δn	0.112	0.109	0.113	0.111	0.112
Δε	4.7	4.4	4.5	4.3	4.6
η/mPa · s	12	12	12	12	12
γ1/mPa · s	44	42	45	42	44
Initial voltage holding ratio (%)	99.6	99.0	99.4	98.9	97.8
Voltage holding ratio after heat	98.8	98.0	98.3	97.5	96.5
resistance test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in (h)	680	650	620	390	90
Evaluation of drop marks	5	5	5	4	1
Evaluation of contamination of	200	168	180	180	155
manufacturing apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process	1050	840	850	300	180
compatibility (×100 drops)
Evaluation of solubility at low	660	480	470	250	72
temperatures (h)

The compositions prepared in Examples 42 to 45 were consistently dropped for longer periods in the ODF process and had much higher solubility at low temperatures than the composition prepared in Comparative Example 5. The liquid crystal display units prepared in Examples 42 to 45 had higher resistance to burn-in and deterioration in display quality due to drop marks than the liquid crystal display unit prepared in Comparative Example 5.

Examples 46 to 49

Compositions listed in Table 27 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 28 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

	TABLE 27
	Ratio (mass %)
Formula No. of	Example
compound	46	Example 47	Example 48	Example 49
Formula (i)	4	4	4	4
Formula (ii.1.4)			3	1
Formula (ii.2.2)	1	3
Formula (1.3)	14	12	13	14
Formula (2.2)	34	36	36	34
Formula (11.1)				5
Formula (11.2)	15	13	12	10
Formula (31.2)	6	6	6	6
Formula (44.1)	4	2	6	3
Formula (44.2)	7	9	5	8
Formula (45.3)	8	8	8	8
Formula (45.4)	7	7	7	7

	TABLE 28
	Evaluation results
	Example	Example	Example	Example
Evaluation items	46	47	48	49
TNI/° C.	91.8	90.8	88.0	90.7
Δn	0.109	0.112	0.109	0.109
Δε	10.3	10.5	10.5	10.1
η/mPa · s	19	20	19	19
γ1/mPa · s	99	98	97	97
Initial voltage holding	99.6	99.6	99.4	99.3
ratio (%)
Voltage holding ratio	98.8	98.7	98.0	98.4
after heat resistance
test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in (h)	670	650	300	600
Evaluation of drop marks	5	5	3	4
Evaluation of	210	200	180	190
contamination of
manufacturing
apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process	1210	1100	350	1000
compatibility
(×100 drops)
Evaluation of solubility	690	650	250	465
at low temperatures (h)

Examples 50 to 52

Compositions listed in Table 29 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 30 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

Comparative Example 6

A composition containing no compound represented by the formula (ii) listed in Table 29 was prepared. An IPS liquid crystal display unit having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 was manufactured. Table 30 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

	TABLE 29
	Ratio (mass %)
Formula No. of	Example			Comparative
compound	50	Example 51	Example 52	example 6
Formula (i)	8	8	8	8
Formula (ii.1.1)	3	3
Formula (ii.2.2)			3
Formula (1.3)	11	16	11	12
Formula (2.3)	15	10	15	15
Formula (2.4)	12	12	14	12
Formula (6.4)		5
Formula (6.6)	5		2	4
Formula (11.1)	15	11	15	15
Formula (11.2)	11	15	11	12
Formula (23.1)	5	5	5	6
Formula (23.2)	5	5	5	6
Formula (45.2)	2	5	2	2
Formula (45.3)	5	3	5	5
Formula (45.4)	3	2	3	3

	TABLE 30
	Evaluation results
	Example	Example	Example	Comparative
Evaluation items	50	51	52	example 6
TNI/° C.	104.9	107.0	107.5	110.0
Δn	0.121	0.120	0.121	0.120
Δε	5.5	5.7	5.4	5.3
η/mPa · s	16	15	16	16
γ1/mPa · s	90	85	89	91
Initial voltage holding	99.7	99.4	99.6	98.9
ratio (%)
Voltage holding ratio	98.8	98.2	98.6	97.6
after heat resistance
test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in	560	310	600	60
(h)
Evaluation of drop	5	4	5	2
marks
Evaluation of	230	175	190	50
contamination of
manufacturing
apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process	1100	720	1030	119
compatibility
(×100 drops)
Evaluation of	660	425	530	72
solubility at low
temperatures (h)

The compositions prepared in Examples 50 to 52 were consistently dropped for longer periods in the ODF process and had much higher solubility at low temperatures than the composition prepared in Comparative Example 6. The liquid crystal display units prepared in Examples 50 to 52 had higher resistance to burn-in and deterioration in display quality due to drop marks than the liquid crystal display unit prepared in Comparative Example 6.

Examples 53 to 56

Compositions listed in Table 31 were prepared. IPS liquid crystal display units having the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 were manufactured. Table 32 shows the evaluation results for the compositions and the liquid crystal display units.

	TABLE 31
	Ratio (mass %)
Formula No. of	Example
compound	53	Example 54	Example 55	Example 56
Formula (i)	3	3	3	8
Formula (ii.1.1)	4	4	4
Formula (ii.2.2)				4
Formula (1.2)		6	8	5
Formula (2.3)		30	12
Formula (3.1)	22	5	11	23
Formula (3.3)	13	5	7	12
Formula (3.4)	3			5
Formula (23.1)	9	9	9	9
Formula (23.2)	8	8	8	8
Formula (30.1)				5
Formula (30.2)				5
Formula (32.2)	4	4	7
Formula (32.4)	4	4	7
Formula (45.2)	3	3	3	3
Formula (45.3)	6	6	6	6
Formula (45.4)	2	2	2	2
Formula (51.1)	19	19	13	5

	TABLE 32
	Evaluation results
	Example	Example	Example	Example
Evaluation items	53	54	55	56
TNI/° C.	86.7	79.6	94.4	94.1
Δn	0.121	0.119	0.125	0.120
Δε	5.6	5.1	5.5	5.6
η/mPa · s	15	14	16	19
γ1/mPa · s	83	70	77	78
Initial voltage holding	98.0	97.5	97.8	99.0
ratio (%)
Voltage holding ratio	97.0	96.6	96.7	98.1
after heat resistance
test (%)
Evaluation of burn-in (h)	600	450	450	700
Evaluation of drop marks	5	3	4	5
Evaluation of	210	160	160	200
contamination of
manufacturing
apparatus (s)
Evaluation of process	1050	1030	700	1050
compatibility
(×100 drops)
Evaluation of solubility	660	660	430	420
at low temperatures (h)

The liquid crystal compositions prepared in the examples had low viscosity and high solubility at low temperatures. The liquid crystal compositions also had low volatility and caused less contamination of the manufacturing apparatus. In the ODF process, the liquid crystal compositions caused a smaller deviation of the amount of dropped liquid crystal compositions and could stably provide a liquid crystal display unit for extended periods. The liquid crystal display units manufactured in the examples had high heat resistance and had stable display characteristics for extended periods.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention having positive anisotropy of dielectric constant has high solubility at low temperatures and has a specific resistance and a voltage holding ratio negligibly affected by heat and light. Thus, the resulting products have high practicality. Liquid crystal display elements containing the liquid crystal composition have high-speed response. The liquid crystal composition can be consistently dropped in a process of manufacturing a liquid crystal display element. Thus, liquid crystal display elements having reduced display defects resulting from a process can be manufactured in high yield. Thus, the liquid crystal composition is very useful.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

• • 100 First substrate
  • 102 TFT layer
  • 103 Pixel electrode
  • 104 Passivation layer
  • 105 First alignment film
  • 200 Second substrate
  • 201 Planarization film
  • 202 Black matrix
  • 203 Color filter
  • 204 Transparent electrode
  • 205 Second alignment film
  • 301 Sealant
  • 302 Protrusion (columnar spacer)
  • 303 Liquid crystal layer
  • 304 Protrusion (columnar spacer)
  • 401 Mask pattern
  • 402 Resin layer

Claims

1. A liquid crystal composition having positive anisotropy of dielectric constant, comprising: a compound represented by the following formula (i); and at least one compound represented by the following general formula (ii):

2. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein one of Xii1 and Xii2 in the general formula (ii) denotes a hydrogen atom, and the other denotes a fluorine atom.

3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 2, comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by the following formula (ii.2.1) and a compound represented by the following formula (ii.2.2) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (ii), the at least one compound constituting 0.5% or more by mass and less than 5% by mass of the total mass of the liquid crystal composition.

4. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 2, comprising a compound represented by the following formula (ii.1.3) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (ii).

5. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 2, comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by the following formula (ii.2.9) and a compound represented by the following formula (ii.2.10) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (ii).

6. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, further comprising at least one compound represented by the following general formula (L): RL1—BL1-LL1-BL2LL2-BL3∃OLRL2  (L)whereinRL1 and RL2 independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and one or two or more nonadjacent —CH2— of the alkyl group may be independently substituted with —CH═CH—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —OCO—,OL is 0, 1, 2, or 3,BL1, BL2, and BL3 independently denote a group selected from the group consisting of(a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (one —CH2— or at least two nonadjacent —CH2— of this group may be substituted with —O—), and(b) a 1,4-phenylene group (one —CH═ or at least two nonadjacent —CH═ of this group may be substituted with —N═),the group (a) and the group (b) may be independently substituted with a cyano group, a fluorine atom, or a chlorine atom,LL1 and LL2 independently denote a single bond, —CH2CH2—, —(CH2)4—, —OCH2—, —CH2O—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCF2—, —CF2O—, —CH═N—N═CH—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, or —C≡C—, andin the case that OL is 2 or 3 and there are a plurality of LL2s, the plurality of LL2s may be the same or different, and in the case that OL is 2 or 3 and there are a plurality of BL3s, the plurality of BL3s may be the same or different, the at least one compound being not the compound(s) represented by the general formula (ii).

7. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, further comprising at least one compound represented by the following general formula (M):

8-9. (canceled)

10. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 7, comprising at least one compound represented by the following general formula (X-6) as at least one compound represented by the general formula (M):

11-45. (canceled)

46. A liquid crystal display element comprising the liquid crystal composition according to claim 1.

47-48. (canceled)