Liquid crystal composition, and liquid crystal display element, sensor, liquid crystal lens, optical communication device and antenna using the same

A liquid crystal composition with isothiocyanate group and indane/tetralin structures addresses the challenges of high refractive index anisotropy and temperature stability, enhancing performance in display elements, sensors, lenses, and antennas.

JP7776224B2Active Publication Date: 2025-11-26DIC CORP
View PDF 3 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021167285
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-11-05
Filing Date
2021-10-12
Publication Date
2025-11-26
Estimated Expiration
2041-10-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing liquid crystal compositions used in antennas, sensors, and optical communication devices face challenges with high refractive index anisotropy (Δn) and temperature stability, particularly in the context of automotive applications requiring wide temperature ranges and compatibility with other compounds.

Method used

A liquid crystal composition comprising compounds with an isothiocyanate group combined with indane or tetralin structures, designed to enhance refractive index anisotropy and temperature stability, suitable for use in liquid crystal display elements, sensors, lenses, and antennas.

Benefits of technology

The composition achieves a wide liquid crystal phase with high Δn and good room temperature stability, enabling effective use in various devices including liquid crystal display elements, sensors, lenses, and antennas.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007776224000159
    Figure 0007776224000159
  • Figure 0007776224000160
    Figure 0007776224000160
  • Figure 0007776224000161
    Figure 0007776224000161
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a liquid crystal composition that has a liquid crystal phase in a wide temperature range, high Δn (refractive index anisotropy), and high stability at room temperature, and a liquid crystal display device, sensor, a liquid crystal lens, a light communication device and an antenna each including the same.SOLUTION: A liquid crystal composition includes at least one compound having an isothiocyanate group (-NCS), represented by general formula (ii) in combination with at least one compound having an indan structure or a tetralin structure and an isothiocyanate group (-NCS), represented by general formula (i).SELECTED DRAWING: None
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid crystal composition, and a liquid crystal display element, a sensor, a liquid crystal lens, an optical communication device and an antenna using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Liquid crystals are widely used in displays, but a new application that has attracted attention is antennas that use liquid crystals to transmit and receive radio waves between mobile objects such as automobiles and communication satellites. Conventionally, satellite communications have used parabolic antennas, but when used in mobile objects such as automobiles, the parabolic antenna must be constantly pointed toward the satellite, necessitating a large movable part. However, liquid crystal antennas can change the direction of transmission and reception of radio waves by moving the liquid crystal, eliminating the need to move the antenna itself and allowing the antenna to be made flat.

[0003] Generally, autonomous driving of automobiles and other vehicles requires the downloading of large amounts of high-precision 3D map information. However, by incorporating an antenna using liquid crystal into a vehicle, it becomes possible to download large amounts of data from communication satellites without the need for any mechanical moving parts. The frequency band used in satellite communications is approximately 13 GHz, which is significantly different from the frequencies used in LCD displays to date. As a result, the physical properties required of liquid crystals are also significantly different, with a Δn of approximately 0.4 required for liquid crystals used in antennas and an operating temperature range of -40 to 120°C.

[0004] Additionally, infrared laser image recognition and distance measurement devices using liquid crystals are attracting attention as sensors for autonomous driving of vehicles such as automobiles. The liquid crystals required for this application have a Δn of 0.2 to 0.3 and an operating temperature range of -40 to 120°C.

[0005] Furthermore, it is known that many liquid crystal compounds constituting a liquid crystal composition exhibiting a high Δn of 0.2 to 0.4 or more have low compatibility, and therefore it is also important to select a liquid crystal compound with high compatibility.

[0006] In contrast to this, Patent Document 1, for example, is an example of a liquid crystal technology for antennas.

[0007] Furthermore, Non-Patent Document 1 proposes the use of liquid crystal materials as components of high frequency devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-37607 [Non-patent literature]

[0009] [Non-Patent Document 1] D. Dolfi, Electronics Letters, (UK), 1993, Vol. 29, No. 10, pp. 926-927 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a liquid crystal composition having a high Δn (refractive index anisotropy), a liquid crystal phase in a wide temperature range, and good room temperature stability, as well as a liquid crystal display element, a sensor, a liquid crystal lens, an optical communication device, and an antenna using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] As a result of extensive investigations, the present inventors have found that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by using a liquid crystal composition containing one or more compounds represented by general formula (ii) having an isothiocyanate group (-NCS) in combination with one or more compounds represented by general formula (i) having an indane structure or a tetralin structure and an isothiocyanate group (-NCS), and have thereby completed the present invention.

[0012] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is configured as follows.

[0013] The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention comprises The following general formula (i)

[0014] [ka]

[0015] (In general formula (i), R i1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, one or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be replaced by -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-; one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted by -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF- and / or -C≡C-; One or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may each independently be replaced by -O-CO-O-; One or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted by -CH=CH-CO-O-, -CH=CH-O-CO-, -CO-O-CH=CH-, or -O-CO-CH=CH-; One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may be independently substituted with a halogen atom, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, A i1 and A i2 each independently represents a hydrocarbon ring having 3 to 16 carbon atoms or a heterocycle having 3 to 16 carbon atoms, The above A i1 and A i2 One or more hydrogen atoms in each independently represent a substituent S i1 and optionally substituted by substituent S i1represents any one of a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a pentafluorosulfanyl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an isocyano group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, a methylamino group, a dimethylamino group, a diethylamino group, a diisopropylamino group, a trimethylsilyl group, a dimethylsilyl group, a thioisocyano group, and an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be replaced by -O-, -S- and / or -CO-; one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted by -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -C≡C-, -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH- and / or -NH-CO-; One or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may each independently be replaced by -O-CO-O-; One or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may each independently be replaced by -CH=CH-CO-O-, -CH=CH-O-CO-, -CO-O-CH=CH- and / or -O-CO-CH=CH-; One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may be independently substituted with a halogen atom, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, substituent S i1 When there are multiple L, they may be the same or different. i1 and L i2 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a pentafluorosulfanyl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an isocyano group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, a methylamino group, a dimethylamino group, a diethylamino group, a diisopropylamino group, a trimethylsilyl group, a dimethylsilyl group, a thioisocyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be replaced by -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-; one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted by -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -C≡C-, -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH- and / or -NH-CO-; One or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may each independently be replaced by -O-CO-O-; one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may each independently be replaced by -CH=CH-CO-O-, -CH=CH-O-CO-, -CO-O-CH=CH- and / or -O-CO-CH=CH-; One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may be independently substituted with a halogen atom, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, Z i1 and Z i2 each independently represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, one or more -CH2- in the alkylene group may each independently be replaced by -O-, -CF2- and / or -CO-; one or more -CH2-CH2- in the alkylene group may each independently be substituted by -CH2-CH(CH3)-, -CH(CH3)-CH2-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -CH=C(CH3)-, -C(CH3)=CH-, -CH=N-, -N=CH-, -N=N-, -C≡C-, -CO-O- and / or -O-CO-; One or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkylene group may each independently be substituted with -CH=NN=CH-, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, m i1 represents an integer between 0 and 1, n i1 represents an integer between 0 and 3, A i2 or Z i2 When there are multiple, they may be the same or different.) and one or more compounds represented by the formula: The following general formula (ii)

[0016] [ka]

[0017] (In general formula (ii), R ii1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be replaced by -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-; one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted by -CH=CH-, -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF- and / or -C≡C-; One or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may each independently be replaced by -O-CO-O-; One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may be independently substituted with a halogen atom, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, A ii1 and A ii2 are each independently the following groups (a), (b), (c), and (d): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (in which one —CH— or two or more non-adjacent —CH— groups may be replaced by —O— and / or —S—), (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (in which one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups may be replaced by —N=). (c) a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= groups in the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group may be replaced by -N=). (d) a thiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-3,7-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, or a thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,5-diyl group (in this group, one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= may be replaced by —N=). represents a group selected from the group consisting of The above A ii1 and A ii2 One or more hydrogen atoms in each independently represent a substituent S ii1 and optionally substituted by substituent S ii1 represents any one of a halogen atom, a pentafluorosulfanyl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an isocyano group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, a methylamino group, a dimethylamino group, a diethylamino group, a diisopropylamino group, a trimethylsilyl group, a dimethylsilyl group, a thioisocyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be replaced by -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-; one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted by -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF- and / or -C≡C-; One or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may each independently be replaced by -O-CO-O-; One or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted by -CH=CH-CO-O-, -CH=CH-O-CO-, -CO-O-CH=CH-, or -O-CO-CH=CH-; One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may be independently substituted with a halogen atom, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, substituent S ii1 When there are multiple, they may be the same or different, Z ii1 represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, One or more -CH2- in the alkylene group may each independently be substituted with -O-, one or more -CH2-CH2- in the alkylene group may each independently be substituted by -CH2-CH(CH3)-, -CH(CH3)-CH2-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -CH=C(CH3)-, -C(CH3)=CH-, -CH=N-, -N=CH-, -N=N-, -C≡C-, -CO-O- and / or -O-CO-; One or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may each independently be replaced by -O-CO-O-; One or more -CH-CH-CH-CH- in the alkylene group each independently represent -C(R ia )=NN=C(R ib )-, but Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, R ia and R ib each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be replaced by -O-, -CO- and / or -S-; One or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may be replaced by -CH=CH-, -CO-O-, -O-CO- and / or -C≡C-, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, n ii1 represents an integer from 1 to 4, A ii1 and Z ii1 When there are multiple, they may be the same or different.) and one or more compounds represented by The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0018] The liquid crystal display device according to the present invention is characterized by using the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition.

[0019] The sensor according to the present invention is characterized by using the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition.

[0020] The liquid crystal lens according to the present invention is characterized by using the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition.

[0021] The optical communication device according to the present invention is characterized by using the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition.

[0022] The antenna according to the present invention is characterized by using the liquid crystal composition described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, by using a liquid crystal composition containing one or more compounds represented by general formula (ii) having an isothiocyanate group (-NCS) in combination with one or more compounds represented by general formula (i) having an indane structure or a tetralin structure and an isothiocyanate group (-NCS), it is possible to obtain a liquid crystal composition having a liquid crystal phase in a wide temperature range, a high Δn (refractive index anisotropy), and good room temperature stability, and the liquid crystal composition is useful for liquid crystal display elements, sensors, liquid crystal lenses, optical communication devices, and antennas. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a vehicle equipped with an antenna according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an example of an exploded view of an antenna according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an example of an exploded view of an antenna body according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of a slot array section according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of a projection of an antenna body according to the present invention; [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna body of FIG. 5 taken along line AA. [Figure 7] 6 is another form of a cross-sectional view of the antenna body of FIG. 5 taken along line AA. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is another example of a top view showing a projection view of the antenna body according to the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna body of FIG. 8 taken along line CC. [Figure 10] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna body of FIG. 8 taken along line BB. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] (Compound represented by general formula (i)) The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains one or more compounds represented by the following general formula (i) having an indane structure or a tetralin structure and an isothiocyanate group (-NCS).

[0026] [ka]

[0027] In general formula (i), R i1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0028] The alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms is a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and is preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0029] The alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0030] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-.

[0031] Furthermore, one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted by -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF- and / or -C≡C-.

[0032] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-CO-O-.

[0033] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- may each independently be substituted with -CH=CH-CO-O-, -CH=CH-O-CO-, -CO-O-CH=CH-, or -O-CO-CH=CH-.

[0034] Furthermore, one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom.

[0035] Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, and a bromine atom.

[0036] However, when the alkyl group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0037] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0038] For example, R i1 can represent an alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -O-.

[0039] The alkoxy group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear alkoxy group.

[0040] The alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0041] Also, R i1 can represent a thioalkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms (alkylsulfanyl group, alkylthio group) by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -S-.

[0042] The thioalkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic thioalkoxy group, and is preferably a linear thioalkoxy group.

[0043] The thioalkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0044] Also, R i1 can represent an alkenyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group with -CH=CH-.

[0045] The alkenyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyl group, and is preferably a linear alkenyl group.

[0046] The alkenyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0047] Also, R i1 can represent an alkynyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group with -C≡C-.

[0048] The alkynyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkynyl group, and is preferably a linear alkynyl group.

[0049] The alkynyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0050] Also, R i1 can represent an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more -CH2-CH2- are replaced with -CH=CH-.

[0051] The alkenyloxy group is a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyloxy group, and is preferably a linear alkenyloxy group.

[0052] The alkenyloxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0053] Also, R i1 can represent a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, in which one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group have been substituted with halogen atoms.

[0054] The halogenated alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkyl group.

[0055] The halogenated alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0056] Also, R i1can represent a halogenated alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group are replaced with halogen atoms.

[0057] The halogenated alkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic halogenated alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkoxy group.

[0058] The halogenated alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0059] R i1 Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (including substituted alkyl groups) in the formula (R i1 -1)~(R i1 -36).

[0060] [ka]

[0061] Formula (R i1 -1)~(R i1 -36) In the middle, black dots are A i1 Represents a bond to .

[0062] In addition, R i1 As the alkyl group, a linear alkyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms is preferred from the viewpoint of Δn and compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds.

[0063] In general formula (i), A i1 and A i2 each independently represents a hydrocarbon ring having 3 to 16 carbon atoms or a heterocyclic ring having 3 to 16 carbon atoms.

[0064] More specifically, the hydrocarbon ring having 3 to 16 carbon atoms or the heterocyclic ring having 3 to 16 carbon atoms is the following group (a), group (b), group (c), and group (d): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (in which one —CH— or two or more non-adjacent —CH— groups may be replaced by —O— or —S—). (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (in which one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups may be replaced by —N=). (c) 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-diyl group, naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalene-1,4-diyl group, decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, anthracene-2,6-diyl group, anthracene-1,4-diyl group, anthracene-9,10-diyl group, phenanthracene anthracene-2,7-diyl group (one -CH= or two or more -CH= present in a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalene-1,4-diyl group, an anthracene-2,6-diyl group, an anthracene-1,4-diyl group, an anthracene-9,10-diyl group, or a phenanthrene-2,7-diyl group may be replaced by -N=); (d) a thiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-3,7-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, or a thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,5-diyl group (in this group, one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= may be replaced by —N=). It is preferred that the aryl group represents a group selected from the group consisting of:

[0065] A i1 and A i2 One or more hydrogen atoms in each independently represent a substituent S i1 may be substituted by

[0066] substituent S i1represents any one of a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a pentafluorosulfanyl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an isocyano group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, a methylamino group, a dimethylamino group, a diethylamino group, a diisopropylamino group, a trimethylsilyl group, a dimethylsilyl group, a thioisocyano group, and an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0067] The alkyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and is preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0068] The alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 3 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0069] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -S- and / or -CO-.

[0070] Furthermore, one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -C≡C-, -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH- and / or -NH-CO-.

[0071] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may be substituted with -O-CO-O-.

[0072] Furthermore, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- may each independently be substituted with -CH=CH-CO-O-, -CH=CH-O-CO-, -CO-O-CH=CH- and / or -O-CO-CH=CH-.

[0073] One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom.

[0074] Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0075] However, when the alkyl group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0076] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0077] substituent S i1 is preferably a fluorine atom or a linear alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0078] Also, A i1 and A i2 At least one of the groups has at least one substituent S i1 It is preferably substituted with

[0079] Also, A i2 has at least one substituent S i1 It is preferably substituted with

[0080] In addition, the substituent S i1 When there are a plurality of, they may be the same or different.

[0081] A i1 Substituent S in i1 The substitution position of the following formula (A i1 -SP-1)~(A i1 -SP-2).

[0082] [ka]

[0083] Formula (A i1 -SP-1)~(A i1 -SP-2) White spots are Z i1 The black dots represent bonds to Z. i2or represents a bond to an isothiocyanate group (-NCS).

[0084] A i2 Substituent S in i1 The substitution position of the following formula (A i2 -SP-1)~(A i2 -SP-2).

[0085] [ka]

[0086] Formula (A i2 -SP-1)~(A i2 -SP-2) White spots are Z i2 The black dots represent bonds to Z. i2 or represents a bond to an isothiocyanate group (-NCS).

[0087] More specifically, A i1 is expressed by the following formula (A i1 -1)~(A i1 -4) is preferred.

[0088] [ka]

[0089] Formula (A i1 -1)~(A i1 -4) Medium, white dots are Z i1 The black dots represent bonds to Z. i2 or represents a bond to an isothiocyanate group (-NCS).

[0090] More specifically, A i2 is expressed by the following formula (A i2 -1)~(A i2 -3) is preferred.

[0091] [ka]

[0092] Formula (A i2 -1)~(A i2 -3) Middle, white point is Z i2 The black dots represent bonds to Z. i2 or represents a bond to an isothiocyanate group (-NCS).

[0093] In general formula (i), L i1 and L i2 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a pentafluorosulfanyl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an isocyano group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, a methylamino group, a dimethylamino group, a diethylamino group, a diisopropylamino group, a trimethylsilyl group, a dimethylsilyl group, a thioisocyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0094] The alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms is a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and is preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0095] The alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0096] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-.

[0097] Furthermore, one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -C≡C-, -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH- and / or -NH-CO-.

[0098] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may be substituted with -O-CO-O-.

[0099] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- may each independently be substituted with -CH=CH-CO-O-, -CH=CH-O-CO-, -CO-O-CH=CH- and / or -O-CO-CH=CH-.

[0100] Furthermore, one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom.

[0101] Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, and a bromine atom.

[0102] However, when the alkyl group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0103] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0104] For example, L i1 and L i2 can represent an alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -O-.

[0105] The alkoxy group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear alkoxy group.

[0106] The alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0107] Also, L i1 and L i2 can represent a thioalkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms (alkylsulfanyl group, alkylthio group) by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -S-.

[0108] The thioalkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic thioalkoxy group, and is preferably a linear thioalkoxy group.

[0109] The thioalkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0110] Also, L i1 and L i2 can represent an alkenyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group with -CH=CH-.

[0111] The alkenyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyl group, and is preferably a linear alkenyl group.

[0112] The alkenyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0113] Also, L i1 and L i2 can represent an alkynyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group with -C≡C-.

[0114] The alkynyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkynyl group, and is preferably a linear alkynyl group.

[0115] The alkynyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0116] Also, L i1 and L i2 can represent an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more -CH2-CH2- are replaced with -CH=CH-.

[0117] The alkenyloxy group is a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyloxy group, and is preferably a linear alkenyloxy group.

[0118] The alkenyloxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0119] Also, L i1 and L i2 can represent a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, in which one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group have been substituted with halogen atoms.

[0120] The halogenated alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkyl group.

[0121] The halogenated alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0122] Also, L i1 and L i2 can represent a halogenated alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group are replaced with halogen atoms.

[0123] The halogenated alkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic halogenated alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkoxy group.

[0124] The halogenated alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0125] L i1 and L i2 Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (including substituted alkyl groups) in the formula (L i1 / 2 -1)~(L i1 / 2-36).

[0126] [ka]

[0127] Formula (L i1 / 2 -1)~(L i1 / 2 -36), the black dots represent bonds to the indane or tetralin structure.

[0128] From the viewpoint of compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, L i1 and L i2 At least one of L is preferably a fluorine atom. i1 and L i2 are preferably both fluorine atoms.

[0129] Z i1 and Z i2 each independently represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0130] The alkylene group is a linear, branched or cyclic alkylene group, and is preferably a linear alkylene group.

[0131] The alkylene group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0132] One or more -CH2- in the alkylene group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -CF2- and / or -CO-.

[0133] Furthermore, one or more -CH2-CH2- in the alkylene group may each independently be substituted with -CH2-CH(CH3)-, -CH(CH3)-CH2-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -CH=C(CH3)-, -C(CH3)=CH-, -CH=N-, -N=CH-, -N=N-, -C≡C-, -CO-O- and / or -O-CO-.

[0134] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkylene group may each independently be substituted with -CH=NN=CH-.

[0135] However, when the alkylene group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0136] Specific examples of the alkylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms (including substituted ones) include the alkylene group represented by the formula (Z i1 / 2 -1)~(Z i1 / 2 -24).

[0137] [ka]

[0138] Formula(Z i1 / 2 -1)~(Z i1 / 2 -24) In the white dots, indan structure, tetralin structure, A i1 or A i2 The black dots represent bonds to A. i1 or A i2 Represents a bond to .

[0139] From the viewpoint of improving Δn and low viscosity, Z i1 and Z i2 At least one of the formula (Z i1 / 2 -4) (-C≡C-), and Z i1 and Z i2 Both are expressions (Z i1 / 2 -4) (-C≡C-).

[0140] In general formula (i), m i1 represents an integer of 0 to 1.

[0141] From the viewpoints of compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, phase transition temperature, ease of synthesis, and availability of raw materials, i1 Preferably, represents 1.

[0142] In general formula (i), n i1 represents an integer of 0 to 3.

[0143] From the viewpoints of compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, phase transition temperature, dielectric anisotropy, ease of synthesis, and availability of raw materials, i1 is preferably 1 or 2.

[0144] A i2 or Z i2 When there are a plurality of groups, they may be the same or different.

[0145] The compound represented by general formula (i) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formulas (i-1) to (i-3).

[0146] [ka]

[0147] In general formulas (i-1) to (i-3), R i1 , A i1 , A i2 , Z i1 , L i1 and L i2 represents R in the above general formula (i). i1 , A i1 , A i2 , Z i1 , L i1 and L i2 and the preferred groups are also the same.

[0148] The compound represented by general formula (i-1) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formulas (i-1-a) to (i-1-f).

[0149] [ka]

[0150] [ka]

[0151] In general formulas (i-1-a) to (i-1-f), R i1 , S i1 , L i1 and L i2 are each independently R in the general formula (i). i1 , S i1 , L i1 and L i2 The preferred groups are also the same as those shown above.

[0152] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (i-1-a) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (i-1-a.1) to (i-1-a.3).

[0153] [ka]

[0154] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (i-1-b) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (i-1-b.1) to (i-1-b.3).

[0155] [ka]

[0156] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (i-1-c) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (i-1-c.1) to (i-1-c.3).

[0157] [ka]

[0158] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (i-1-d) include compounds represented by the following structural formulae (i-1-d.1) to (i-1-d.3).

[0159] [ka]

[0160] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (i-1-e) include compounds represented by the following structural formulae (i-1-e.1) to (i-1-e.3).

[0161] [ka]

[0162] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (i-1-f) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (i-1-f.1) to (i-1-f.3).

[0163] [ka]

[0164] The compound represented by general formula (i-2) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formulas (i-2-a) to (i-2-d).

[0165] [ka]

[0166] In general formulas (i-2-a) to (i-2-d), R i1 , S i1 , L i1 and L i2 are each independently R in the general formula (i). i1 , S i1 , L i1 and L i2 The preferred groups are also the same as those shown above.

[0167] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (i-2-a) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (i-2-a.1) to (i-2-a.3).

[0168] [ka]

[0169] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (i-2-b) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (i-2-b.1) to (i-2-b.3).

[0170] [ka]

[0171] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (i-2-c) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (i-2-c.1) to (i-2-c.3).

[0172] [ka]

[0173] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (i-2-d) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (i-2-d.1) to (i-2-d.3).

[0174] [ka]

[0175] The compound represented by general formula (i-3) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formulas (i-3-a) to (i-3-b).

[0176] [ka]

[0177] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (i-3-a) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (i-3-a.1) to (i-3-a.3).

[0178] [ka]

[0179] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (i-3-b) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (i-3-b.1) to (i-1-b.2).

[0180] [ka]

[0181] General formula (i), General formula (i-1)~(i-3), General formula (i-1-a)~(i-1-f), General formula (i-2-a)~(i-2-d), General formula (i-3-a)~(i-3-b), Structural formula (i-1-a.1)~(i-1-a.3), Structural formula (i-1) -b.1)~(i-1-b.3), Structural formula (i-1-c.1)~(i-1-c.3), Structural formula (i-1-d.1)~(i-1-d.3), Structural formula (i-1-e.1)~(i-1-e.3), Structural formula (i-1-f.1)~(i-1-f.3), The compounds represented by structural formulae (i-2-a.1) to (i-2-a.3), structural formulae (i-2-b.1) to (i-2-b.3), structural formulae (i-2-c.1) to (i-2-c.3), structural formulae (i-2-d.1) to (i-2-d.3), structural formulae (i-3-a.1) to (i-3-a.3), or structural formulae (i-3-b.1) to (i-3-b.3) may be used in a liquid crystal composition in one or more varieties, preferably one to five varieties, preferably one to four varieties, preferably one to three varieties, preferably one to two varieties, and preferably one variety.

[0182] General formula (i), General formula (i-1)~(i-3), General formula (i-1-a)~(i-1-f), General formula (i-2-a)~(i-2-d), General formula (i-3-a)~(i-3-b), Structural formula (i-1-a.1)~(i-1-a.3), Structural formula (i-1- b.1)~(i-1-b.3), Structural formula (i-1-c.1)~(i-1-c.3), Structural formula (i-1-d.1)~(i-1-d.3), Structural formula (i-1-e.1)~(i-1-e.3), Structural formula (i-1-f.1)~(i-1-f.3), Structural formula The lower limit of the total content of the compounds represented by (i-2-a.1) to (i-2-a.3), structural formulae (i-2-b.1) to (i-2-b.3), structural formulae (i-2-c.1) to (i-2-c.3), structural formulae (i-2-d.1) to (i-2-d.3), structural formulae (i-3-a.1) to (i-3-a.3), or structural formulae (i-3-b.1) to (i-3-b.3) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, and even more preferably 3% by mass or more.

[0183] General formula (i), General formula (i-1)~(i-3), General formula (i-1-a)~(i-1-f), General formula (i-2-a)~(i-2-d), General formula (i-3-a)~(i-3-b), Structural formula (i-1-a.1)~(i-1-a.3), Structural formula (i-1- b.1)~(i-1-b.3), Structural formula (i-1-c.1)~(i-1-c.3), Structural formula (i-1-d.1)~(i-1-d.3), Structural formula (i-1-e.1)~(i-1-e.3), Structural formula (i-1-f.1)~(i-1-f.3), Structural formula ( The upper limit of the total content of the compounds represented by structural formulae (i-2-a.1) to (i-2-a.3), structural formulae (i-2-b.1) to (i-2-b.3), structural formulae (i-2-c.1) to (i-2-c.3), structural formulae (i-2-d.1) to (i-2-d.3), structural formulae (i-3-a.1) to (i-3-a.3), or structural formulae (i-3-b.1) to (i-3-b.3) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 35% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, and even more preferably 25% by mass or less.

[0184] General formula (i), General formula (i-1)~(i-3), General formula (i-1-a)~(i-1-f), General formula (i-2-a)~(i-2-d), General formula (i-3-a)~(i-3-b), Structural formula (i-1-a.1)~(i-1-a.3), Structural formula (i-1-b.1) )~(i-1-b.3), Structural formula (i-1-c.1)~(i-1-c.3), Structural formula (i-1-d.1)~(i-1-d.3), Structural formula (i-1-e.1)~(i-1-e.3), Structural formula (i-1-f.1)~(i-1-f.3), Structural formula (i-2-a. From the viewpoint of improving Δn and Tni, the total content of the compounds represented by structural formulae (i-2-a.1) to (i-2-a.3), structural formulae (i-2-b.1) to (i-2-b.3), structural formulae (i-2-c.1) to (i-2-c.3), structural formulae (i-2-d.1) to (i-2-d.3), structural formulae (i-3-a.1) to (i-3-a.3), or structural formulae (i-3-b.1) to (i-3-b.3) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0.5 to 35% by mass, more preferably 1 to 30% by mass, and even more preferably 3 to 25% by mass.

[0185] General formula (i), general formula (i-1)~(i-3), general formula (i-1-a)~(i-1-f), general formula (i-2-a)~(i-2-d), general formula (i-3-a)~(i-3-b), structural formula (i-1-a.1)~(i-1) -a.3), Structural formula (i-1-b.1)~(i-1-b.3), Structural formula (i-1-c.1)~(i-1-c.3), Structural formula (i-1-d.1)~(i-1-d.3), Structural formula (i-1-e.1)~(i-1-e.3) The compounds represented by structural formulae (i-1-f.1) to (i-1-f.3), structural formulae (i-2-a.1) to (i-2-a.3), structural formulae (i-2-b.1) to (i-2-b.3), structural formulae (i-2-c.1) to (i-2-c.3), structural formulae (i-2-d.1) to (i-2-d.3), structural formulae (i-3-a.1) to (i-3-a.3), or structural formulae (i-3-b.1) to (i-3-b.3) can be synthesized using known synthesis methods. (Compound represented by general formula (ii)) The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention contains one or more compounds having an isothiocyanate group (-NCS) and represented by the following general formula (ii).

[0186] [ka]

[0187] In general formula (ii), R ii1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0188] The alkyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and is preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0189] The alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0190] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-.

[0191] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may be substituted by -CH=CH-, -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF- and / or -C≡C-.

[0192] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may be substituted with -O-CO-O-.

[0193] Furthermore, one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom.

[0194] Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0195] However, when the alkyl group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0196] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0197] For example, R ii1 can represent an alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -O-.

[0198] The alkoxy group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear alkoxy group.

[0199] The alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0200] Also, R ii1 can represent a thioalkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms (alkylsulfanyl group, alkylthio group) by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -S-.

[0201] The thioalkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic thioalkoxy group, and is preferably a linear thioalkoxy group.

[0202] The thioalkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0203] Also, R ii1 can represent an alkenyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group with -CH=CH-.

[0204] The alkenyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyl group, and is preferably a linear alkenyl group.

[0205] The alkenyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0206] Also, R ii1 can represent an alkynyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group with -C≡C-.

[0207] The alkynyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkynyl group, and is preferably a linear alkynyl group.

[0208] The alkynyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0209] Also, R ii1 can represent an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more -CH2-CH2- are replaced with -CH=CH-.

[0210] The alkenyloxy group is a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyloxy group, and is preferably a linear alkenyloxy group.

[0211] The alkenyloxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0212] Also, R ii1 can represent a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, in which one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group have been substituted with halogen atoms.

[0213] The halogenated alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkyl group.

[0214] The halogenated alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0215] Also, R ii1can represent a halogenated alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group are replaced with halogen atoms.

[0216] The halogenated alkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic halogenated alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkoxy group.

[0217] The halogenated alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0218] R ii1 Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (including substituted alkyl groups) in the formula (R ii1 -1)~(R ii1 -36).

[0219] [ka]

[0220] Formula (R ii1 -1)~(R ii1 -36) In the middle, black dots are A ii1 Represents a bond to .

[0221] R ii1 When the ring structure to which R is bonded is a phenyl group (aromatic), 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 to 5 carbon atoms is preferred, and R ii1 When the ring structure to which is bonded is a saturated ring structure such as cyclohexane, pyran, and dioxane, 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 is preferred.

[0222] Also, R ii1In order to stabilize the nematic phase, the total number of carbon atoms and oxygen atoms, if present, is preferably 5 or less, and the structure is preferably linear.

[0223] In addition, R ii1 As the group, from the viewpoint of Δn and compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, a linear alkyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms or a linear alkoxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms is preferred.

[0224] In general formula (ii), A ii1 and A ii2 are each independently the following groups (a), (b), (c), and (d): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (in which one —CH— or two or more non-adjacent —CH— groups may be replaced by —O— and / or —S—), (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (in which one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups may be replaced by —N=). (c) A naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= groups in the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group may be replaced by -N=). (d) a thiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-3,7-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, or a thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,5-diyl group (in this group, one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= may be replaced by —N=). represents a group selected from the group consisting of:

[0225] A ii1 and A ii2 One or more hydrogen atoms in each independently represent a substituent S ii1 may be substituted by:

[0226] substituent S ii1represents any one of a halogen atom, a pentafluorosulfanyl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an isocyano group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, a methylamino group, a dimethylamino group, a diethylamino group, a diisopropylamino group, a trimethylsilyl group, a dimethylsilyl group, a thioisocyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0227] Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0228] The alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms is a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and is preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0229] The alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0230] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be replaced by -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-.

[0231] Furthermore, one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted by -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF- and / or -C≡C-.

[0232] One or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-CO-O-.

[0233] One or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -CH=CH-CO-O-, -CH=CH-O-CO-, -CO-O-CH=CH-, or -O-CO-CH=CH-.

[0234] Furthermore, one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom.

[0235] Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0236] However, when the alkyl group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0237] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0238] substituent S ii1 is preferably a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom.

[0239] Also, A ii1 At least one of or A ii2 has at least one substituent S ii1 It is preferably substituted with

[0240] In addition, the substituent S ii1 When there are a plurality of, they may be the same or different.

[0241] A ii1 Substituent S in ii1 The substitution position of the following formula (A ii1 -SP-1)~(A ii1 -SP-4).

[0242] [ka]

[0243] Formula (A ii1 -SP-1)~(A ii1 -SP-4) White points are R ii1 or Z ii1 The black dots represent bonds to Z. ii1Represents a bond to .

[0244] A ii2 Substituent S in ii1 The substitution position of the following formula (A ii2 -SP-1)~(A ii2 -SP-7).

[0245] [ka]

[0246] Formula (A ii2 -SP-1)~(A ii2 -SP-7) White spots are Z ii1 The black dot represents a bond to the isothiocyanate group (-NCS).

[0247] More specifically, A ii1 is expressed by the following formula (A ii1 -1)~(A ii1 -3) It is preferable to represent either of these.

[0248] [ka]

[0249] Formula (A ii1 -1)~(A ii1 -3) Medium, white point is R ii1 or Z ii1 The black dots represent bonds to Z. ii1 Represents a bond to .

[0250] More specifically, A ii2 is expressed by the following formula (A ii2 -1)~(A ii2 -5) is preferable.

[0251] [ka]

[0252] Formula (Aii2 -1)~(A ii2 -5) In the middle, the white point is Z ii1 The black dot represents a bond to the isothiocyanate group (-NCS).

[0253] In general formula (ii), Z ii1 represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0254] One or more -CH2- in the alkylene group may each independently be substituted with -O-.

[0255] Furthermore, one or more -CH2-CH2- in the alkylene group may each independently be substituted with -CH2-CH(CH3)-, -CH(CH3)-CH2-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -CH=C(CH3)-, -C(CH3)=CH-, -CH=N-, -N=CH-, -N=N-, -C≡C-, -CO-O- and / or -O-CO-.

[0256] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-CO-O-.

[0257] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkylene group each independently represent -C(R ia )=NN=C(R ib )-.

[0258] However, when an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0259] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0260] R ia and R ibeach independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0261] Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0262] The alkyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and is preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0263] The alkyl group preferably has 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0264] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -CO- and / or -S-.

[0265] One or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may be substituted with -CH=CH-, -CO-O-, -O-CO- and / or -C≡C-.

[0266] However, when an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0267] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0268] Specific examples of the alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (including substituted ones) include the alkylene group represented by the formula (Z ii1 -1)~(Z ii1 -24).

[0269] [ka]

[0270] Formula(Z ii1 -1)~(Z ii1-24) Medium, white dots A ii1 The black dots represent bonds to A. ii1 or A ii2 Represents a bond to .

[0271] In general formula (ii), n ii1 represents an integer of 1 to 4, preferably an integer of 1 or 2.

[0272] n ii1 When is 1, from the viewpoint of improving Δn, Z ii1 preferably represents a single bond or -C≡C-.

[0273] Also, n ii1 When is 2, from the viewpoint of improving Δn, Z ii1 It is preferred that at least one of the groups represents -C≡C-.

[0274] In the general formula (ii), A ii1 and Z ii1 When there are a plurality of groups, they may be the same or different.

[0275] The compound represented by general formula (ii) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formulas (ii-1) to (ii-5).

[0276] [ka]

[0277] In general formulas (ii-1) to (ii-5), R ii1 , A ii1 and A ii2 represents R in the above general formula (ii). ii1 , A ii1 and A ii2 and each mean the same thing.

[0278] In general formulas (ii-3) to (ii-5), A ii1-2 The definition of A in the above general formula (ii) ii1 is the same as the definition of

[0279] The compound represented by general formula (ii-1) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (ii-1-a).

[0280] [ka]

[0281] In general formula (ii-1-a), R ii1 represents R in the above general formula (ii). ii1 It has the same meaning as:

[0282] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (ii-1-a) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (ii-1-a.1) to (ii-1-a.4).

[0283] [ka]

[0284] The compound represented by general formula (ii-2) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formulas (ii-2-a) to (ii-2-c).

[0285] [ka]

[0286] In general formulas (ii-2-a) to (ii-2-c), R ii1 and S ii1 are each independently R in the general formula (ii) ii1 and S ii1 and each mean the same thing.

[0287] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (ii-2-a) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (ii-2-a.1) to (ii-2-a.5).

[0288] [ka]

[0289] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (ii-2-b) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (ii-2-b.1) to (ii-2-b.3).

[0290] [ka]

[0291] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (ii-2-c) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (ii-2-c.1) to (ii-2-c.3).

[0292] [ka]

[0293] The compound represented by general formula (ii-3) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formulas (ii-3-a) to (ii-3-c).

[0294] [ka]

[0295] In general formulas (ii-3-a) to (ii-3-c), R ii1 and S ii1 are each independently R in the general formula (ii) ii1 and S ii1 and each mean the same thing.

[0296] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (ii-3-a) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (ii-3-a.1) to (ii-3-a.4).

[0297] [ka]

[0298] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (ii-3-b) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (ii-3-b.1) to (ii-3-b.3).

[0299] [ka]

[0300] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (ii-3-c) include compounds represented by the following structural formulae (ii-3-c.1) to (ii-3-c.3).

[0301] [ka]

[0302] The compound represented by general formula (ii-4) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formulas (ii-4-a) to (ii-4-d).

[0303] [ka]

[0304] In general formulas (ii-4-a) to (ii-4-d), R ii1 and S ii1 are each independently R in the general formula (ii) ii1 and S ii1 and each mean the same thing.

[0305] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (ii-4-a) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (ii-4-a.1) to (ii-4-a.3).

[0306] [ka]

[0307] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (ii-4-b) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (ii-4-b.1) to (ii-4-b.3).

[0308] [ka]

[0309] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (ii-4-c) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (ii-4-c.1) to (ii-4-c.3).

[0310] [ka]

[0311] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (ii-4-d) include compounds represented by the following structural formulae (ii-4-d.1) to (ii-4-d.3).

[0312] [ka]

[0313] The compound represented by general formula (ii-5) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formulas (ii-5-a) to (ii-5-b).

[0314] [ka]

[0315] In general formulas (ii-5-a) to (ii-5-b), R ii1 and S ii1 are each independently R in the general formula (ii) ii1 and S ii1 and each mean the same thing.

[0316] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (ii-5-a) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (ii-5-a.1) to (ii-5-a.4).

[0317] [ka]

[0318] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (ii-5-b) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (ii-5-b.1) to (ii-5-b.4).

[0319] [ka]

[0320] General formula (ii), General formula (ii-1)~(ii-5), General formula (ii-1-a), General formula (ii-2-a)~(ii-2-c), General formula (ii-3-a)~(ii-3-c), General formula (ii-4-a)~(ii-4-d), General formula (ii-5-a)~(ii-5-b), Structural formula (ii-1-a.1)~(ii-1-a.4), Structural formula (ii-2-a.1)~(ii-2-a.5), Structural formula (ii-2-b.1)~(ii-2-b.3), Structural formula (ii-2-c.1)~(ii-2-c.3), Structural formula (ii-3-a.1)~(ii-3-a.4), Structural formula The compounds represented by structural formulae (ii-3-b.1) to (ii-3-b.3), structural formulae (ii-4-a.1) to (ii-4-a.3), structural formulae (ii-4-b.1) to (ii-4-b.3), structural formulae (ii-4-c.1) to (ii-4-c.3), structural formulae (ii-4-d.1) to (ii-4-d.3), structural formulae (ii-5-a.1) to (ii-5-a.4), or structural formulae (ii-5-b.1) to (ii-5-b.4) may be used in a liquid crystal composition in one or more varieties, preferably 1 to 20 varieties, preferably 1 to 18 varieties, preferably 1 to 15 varieties, and preferably 2 to 15 varieties.

[0321] General formula (ii), General formula (ii-1)~(ii-5), General formula (ii-1-a), General formula (ii-2-a)~(ii-2-c), General formula (ii-3-a)~(ii-3-c), General formula (ii-4-a)~(ii-4-d), General formula (ii-5-a)~(ii-5-b), Structural formula (ii) -1-a.1)~(ii-1-a.4), Structural formula (ii-2-a.1)~(ii-2-a.5), Structural formula (ii-2-b.1)~(ii-2-b.3), Structural formula (ii-2-c.1)~(ii-2-c.3), Structural formula (ii-3-a.1)~(ii-3-a.4), Structural formula (ii-3) The lower limit of the total content of the compounds represented by structural formulas (ii-3-b.1) to (ii-3-b.3), structural formulas (ii-4-a.1) to (ii-4-a.3), structural formulas (ii-4-b.1) to (ii-4-b.3), structural formulas (ii-4-c.1) to (ii-4-c.3), structural formulas (ii-4-d.1) to (ii-4-d.3), structural formulas (ii-5-a.1) to (ii-5-a.4), or structural formulas (ii-5-b.1) to (ii-5-b.4) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 25% by mass or more, and even more preferably 30% by mass or more.

[0322] General formula (ii), General formula (ii-1)~(ii-5), General formula (ii-1-a), General formula (ii-2-a)~(ii-2-c), General formula (ii-3-a)~(ii-3-c), General formula (ii-4-a)~(ii-4-d), General formula (ii-5-a)~(ii-5-b), Structural formula (ii) -1-a.1)~(ii-1-a.4), Structural formula (ii-2-a.1)~(ii-2-a.5), Structural formula (ii-2-b.1)~(ii-2-b.3), Structural formula (ii-2-c.1)~(ii-2-c.3), Structural formula (ii-3-a.1)~(ii-3-a.4), Structural formula (ii-3- The upper limit of the total content of the compounds represented by structural formulae (ii-3-b.1) to (ii-3-b.3), structural formulae (ii-4-a.1) to (ii-4-a.3), structural formulae (ii-4-b.1) to (ii-4-b.3), structural formulae (ii-4-c.1) to (ii-4-c.3), structural formulae (ii-4-d.1) to (ii-4-d.3), structural formulae (ii-5-a.1) to (ii-5-a.4), or structural formulae (ii-5-b.1) to (ii-5-b.4) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 97.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 95% by mass or less.

[0323] General formula (ii), General formula (ii-1)~(ii-5), General formula (ii-1-a), General formula (ii-2-a)~(ii-2-c), General formula (ii-3-a)~(ii-3-c), General formula (ii-4-a)~(ii-4-d), General formula (ii-5-a)~(ii-5-b), Structural formula (ii-1-a.1) )~(ii-1-a.4), Structural formula (ii-2-a.1)~(ii-2-a.5), Structural formula (ii-2-b.1)~(ii-2-b.3), Structural formula (ii-2-c.1)~(ii-2-c.3), structural formula (ii-3-a.1)~(ii-3-a.4), structural formula (ii-3-b.1)~(ii-3- From the viewpoints of improving Δn and compatibility with other liquid crystal compositions, the total content of the compounds represented by structural formulas (ii-4-a.1) to (ii-4-a.3), structural formulas (ii-4-b.1) to (ii-4-b.3), structural formulas (ii-4-c.1) to (ii-4-c.3), structural formulas (ii-4-d.1) to (ii-4-d.3), structural formulas (ii-5-a.1) to (ii-5-a.4), or structural formulas (ii-5-b.1) to (ii-5-b.4) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 20 to 99% by mass, more preferably 25 to 97.5% by mass, and even more preferably 30 to 95% by mass.

[0324] General formula (ii), General formula (ii-1)~(ii-5), General formula (ii-1-a), General formula (ii-2-a)~(ii-2-c), General formula (ii-3-a)~(ii-3-c), General formula (ii-4-a)~(ii-4-d), General formula (ii-5-a)~( ii-5-b), Structural formula (ii-1-a.1)~(ii-1-a.4), Structural formula (ii-2-a.1)~(ii-2-a.5), Structural formula (ii-2-b.1)~(ii-2-b.3), Structural formula (ii-2-c.1)~(ii-2-c.3), Structural formula (i The compounds represented by structural formulae (ii-3-a.1) to (ii-3-a.4), structural formulae (ii-3-b.1) to (ii-3-b.3), structural formulae (ii-4-a.1) to (ii-4-a.3), structural formulae (ii-4-b.1) to (ii-4-b.3), structural formulae (ii-4-c.1) to (ii-4-c.3), structural formulae (ii-4-d.1) to (ii-4-d.3), structural formulae (ii-5-a.1) to (ii-5-a.4), or structural formulae (ii-5-b.1) to (ii-5-b.4) can be synthesized using known synthesis methods. (Other compounds) From the viewpoint of improving Δε, the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may contain one or more compounds having a cyano group (—CN) and represented by the following general formula (iii).

[0325] [ka]

[0326] In general formula (iii), R iii1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0327] The alkyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and is preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0328] The alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0329] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-.

[0330] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may be substituted with -CH=CH-, -CO-O-, -O-CO- and / or -C≡C-.

[0331] Furthermore, one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom.

[0332] Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0333] However, when the alkyl group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0334] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0335] For example, R iii1 can represent an alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -O-.

[0336] The alkoxy group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear alkoxy group.

[0337] The alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0338] Also, R iii1 can represent a thioalkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms (alkylsulfanyl group, alkylthio group) by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -S-.

[0339] The thioalkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic thioalkoxy group, and is preferably a linear thioalkoxy group.

[0340] The thioalkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0341] Also, R iii1 can represent an alkenyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group with -CH=CH-.

[0342] The alkenyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyl group, and is preferably a linear alkenyl group.

[0343] The alkenyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0344] Also, R iii1 can represent an alkynyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group with -C≡C-.

[0345] The alkynyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkynyl group, and is preferably a linear alkynyl group.

[0346] The alkynyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0347] Also, R iii1 can represent an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more -CH2-CH2- are replaced with -CH=CH-.

[0348] The alkenyloxy group is a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyloxy group, and is preferably a linear alkenyloxy group.

[0349] The alkenyloxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0350] Also, R iii1 can represent a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, in which one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group have been substituted with halogen atoms.

[0351] The halogenated alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkyl group.

[0352] The halogenated alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0353] Also, R iii1 can represent a halogenated alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group are replaced with halogen atoms.

[0354] The halogenated alkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic halogenated alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkoxy group.

[0355] The halogenated alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0356] R iii1 Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (including substituted alkyl groups) in the formula (R iii1 -1)~(R iii1 -36).

[0357] [ka]

[0358] Formula (R iii1 -1)~(R iii1 -36) In the middle, black dots are A iii1 Represents a bond to .

[0359] R iii1 When the ring structure to which R is bonded is a phenyl group (aromatic), 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 to 5 carbon atoms is preferred, and R iii1 When the ring structure to which is bonded is a saturated ring structure such as cyclohexane, pyran, and dioxane, 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 is preferred.

[0360] Also, R iii1 In order to stabilize the nematic phase, the total number of carbon atoms and oxygen atoms, if present, is preferably 5 or less, and the structure is preferably linear.

[0361] In addition, R iii1 As the alkyl group, a linear alkyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms is preferred from the viewpoint of Δn and compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds.

[0362] In general formula (iii), A iii1 , A iii2 and A iii3 are each independently the following groups (a), (b), (c), and (d): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (in which one —CH— or two or more non-adjacent —CH— groups may be replaced by —O— and / or —S—), (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (in which one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups may be replaced by —N=). (c) A naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= groups in the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group may be replaced by -N=). (d) a thiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-3,7-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, or a thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,5-diyl group (in this group, one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= may be replaced by —N=). represents a group selected from the group consisting of:

[0363] A iii1 , A iii2 and A iii3 One or more hydrogen atoms in each independently represent a substituent S iii1 may be substituted by:

[0364] substituent S iii1 represents a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0365] Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0366] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-.

[0367] Furthermore, one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom.

[0368] Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0369] However, when the alkyl group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0370] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0371] Also, at least one A iii1 , A iii2 or A iii3 has at least one substituent S iii1 It is preferably substituted with

[0372] Also, A iii2 has at least one substituent S iii1 It is preferably substituted with

[0373] In addition, the substituent S iii1 When there are a plurality of, they may be the same or different.

[0374] A iii2 Substituent S in iii1 From the viewpoint of solubility, the substitution position of the following formula (A iii2 -SP-1) is preferred.

[0375] [ka]

[0376] Formula (A iii2 -SP-1) White dots are A iii1 The black dots represent bonds to A. iii3 Represents a bond to .

[0377] More specifically, A iii1 is expressed by the following formula (A iii1 -1)~(A iii1 -2) is preferable.

[0378] [ka]

[0379] Formula (A iii1 -1)~(A iii1 -2) Medium, white point is R iii1 or A iii1 The black dots represent bonds to A. iii1 or A iii2 Represents a bond to .

[0380] More specifically, A iii2 is expressed by the following formula (A iii2 -1)~(A iii2 -3) is preferred.

[0381] [ka]

[0382] Formula (A iii2 -1)~(A iii2 -3) Medium, white point is A iii1 The black dots represent bonds to A. iii3 Represents a bond to .

[0383] More specifically, A iii3 is expressed by the following formula (A iii3 -1)~(A iii3 -2) is preferable.

[0384] [ka]

[0385] Formula (A iii3 -1)~(A iii3 -2) Medium, white point is A iii2 The black dot represents a bond to the cyano group (-CN).

[0386] In general formula (iii), n iii1 represents an integer of 1 to 2.

[0387] In the general formula (iii), A iii1 When there are a plurality of, they may be the same or different.

[0388] The compound represented by general formula (iii) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (iii-1).

[0389] [ka]

[0390] In general formula (iii-1), R iii1 , A iii1 , A iii2 and A iii3 represents R in the above general formula (iii). iii1 , A iii1 , A iii2 and A iii3 and each mean the same thing.

[0391] The compound represented by general formula (iii-1) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formulas (iii-1-a) to (iii-1-c).

[0392] [ka]

[0393] In general formulas (iii-1-a) to (iii-1-c), R iii1 and S iii1 are each independently R in the general formula (iii) iii1 and S iii1 and each mean the same thing.

[0394] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (iii-1-a) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (iii-1-a.1) to (iii-1-a.3).

[0395] [ka]

[0396] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (iii-1-b) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (iii-1-b.1) to (iii-1-b.3).

[0397] [ka]

[0398] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (iii-1-c) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (iii-1-c.1) to (iii-1-c.3).

[0399] [ka]

[0400] The compounds represented by general formula (iii), general formula (iii-1), general formulas (iii-1-a) to (iii-1-c), structural formulas (iii-1-a.1) to (iii-1-a.3), structural formulas (iii-1-b.1) to (iii-1-b.3), or structural formulas (iii-1-c.1) to (iii-1-c.3) used in the liquid crystal composition are one or more types, preferably one to five types, preferably one to four types, preferably one to three types, preferably one to two types, and preferably one type.

[0401] The lower limit of the total content of the compounds represented by general formula (iii), general formula (iii-1), general formulas (iii-1-a) to (iii-1-c), structural formulas (iii-1-a.1) to (iii-1-a.3), structural formulas (iii-1-b.1) to (iii-1-b.3), or structural formulas (iii-1-c.1) to (iii-1-c.3) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 2% by mass or more, and even more preferably 3% by mass or more.

[0402] The upper limit of the total content of the compounds represented by general formula (iii), general formula (iii-1), general formulas (iii-1-a) to (iii-1-c), structural formulas (iii-1-a.1) to (iii-1-a.3), structural formulas (iii-1-b.1) to (iii-1-b.3), or structural formulas (iii-1-c.1) to (iii-1-c.3) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less.

[0403] From the viewpoint of compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, the total content of the compounds represented by general formula (iii), general formula (iii-1), general formulas (iii-1-a) to (iii-1-c), structural formulas (iii-1-a.1) to (iii-1-a.3), structural formulas (iii-1-b.1) to (iii-1-b.3), or structural formulas (iii-1-c.1) to (iii-1-c.3) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 1 to 15% by mass, more preferably 2 to 15% by mass, and even more preferably 3 to 20% by mass.

[0404] The compounds represented by general formula (iii), general formula (iii-1), general formulas (iii-1-a) to (iii-1-c), structural formulas (iii-1-a.1) to (iii-1-a.3), structural formulas (iii-1-b.1) to (iii-1-b.3), or structural formulas (iii-1-c.1) to (iii-1-c.3) can be synthesized using known synthesis methods.

[0405] The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is preferably a liquid crystal composition having an alkynyl group (R iv1 The compound may contain one or more compounds represented by the following general formula (iv) having a —C≡C—) and a cyano group (—CN):

[0406] [ka]

[0407] In general formula (iv), R iv1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0408] The alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms is a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and is preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0409] The alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0410] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-.

[0411] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may be substituted with -CH=CH-, -COO-, -OCO- and / or -C≡C-.

[0412] Furthermore, one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom.

[0413] Examples of halogen atoms include chlorine atoms, bromine atoms, and fluorine atoms.

[0414] However, when the alkyl group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0415] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0416] For example, R iv1 can represent an alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -O-.

[0417] The alkoxy group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear alkoxy group.

[0418] The alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0419] Also, R iv1 can represent a thioalkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms (alkylsulfanyl group, alkylthio group) by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -S-.

[0420] The thioalkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic thioalkoxy group, and is preferably a linear thioalkoxy group.

[0421] The thioalkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0422] Also, R iv1 can represent an alkenyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group with -CH=CH-.

[0423] The alkenyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyl group, and is preferably a linear alkenyl group.

[0424] The alkenyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0425] Also, R iv1 can represent an alkynyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group with -C≡C-.

[0426] The alkynyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkynyl group, and is preferably a linear alkynyl group.

[0427] The alkynyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0428] Also, R iv1 can represent an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more -CH2-CH2- are replaced with -CH=CH-.

[0429] The alkenyloxy group is a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyloxy group, and is preferably a linear alkenyloxy group.

[0430] The alkenyloxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0431] Also, R iv1 can represent a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, in which one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group have been substituted with halogen atoms.

[0432] The halogenated alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkyl group.

[0433] The halogenated alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0434] Also, R iv1 can represent a halogenated alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group are replaced with halogen atoms.

[0435] The halogenated alkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic halogenated alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkoxy group.

[0436] The halogenated alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0437] R iv1 Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (including substituted alkyl groups) in the formula (R iv1 -1)~(R iv1 -36).

[0438] [ka]

[0439] Formula (R iv1 -1)~(R iv1 -36), the black dot represents the bond to -C≡C-.

[0440] In addition, R iv1 From the viewpoint of compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, a linear alkyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms is preferred.

[0441] In general formula (iv), A iv1 and A iv2 are each independently the following groups (a), (b), (c), and (d): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (in which one —CH— or two or more non-adjacent —CH— groups may be replaced by —O— and / or —S—), (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (in which one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups may be replaced by —N=). (c) A naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= groups in the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group may be replaced by -N=). (d) a thiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-3,7-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, or a thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,5-diyl group (in this group, one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= may be replaced by —N=). represents a group selected from the group consisting of:

[0442] A iv1 and A iv2 One or more hydrogen atoms in each independently represent a substituent S iv1 may be substituted by:

[0443] substituent S iv1 represents a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0444] Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0445] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-.

[0446] One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom.

[0447] Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0448] However, when the alkyl group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0449] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0450] Also, Aiv1 At least one of the groups is a substituent S iv1 It is preferably substituted with

[0451] In addition, the substituent S iv1 When there are a plurality of, they may be the same or different.

[0452] A iv1 Substituent S in iv1 From the viewpoint of solubility, the substitution position of the following formula (A iv1 -SP-1).

[0453] [ka]

[0454] Formula (A iv1 -SP-1), the white dots are -C≡C- or A iv1 The black dots represent bonds to A. iv1 or A iv2 Represents a bond to .

[0455] A iv2 Substituent S in iv1 The substitution position of the following formula (A iv2 -SP-1)~(A iv2 -SP-2).

[0456] [ka]

[0457] Formula (A iv2 -SP-1)~(A iv2 -SP-2) White dots are A iv1 The black dot represents a bond to the cyano group (-CN).

[0458] More specifically, A iv1 is expressed by the following formula (A iv1 -1)~(A iv1-3) is preferred.

[0459] [ka]

[0460] Formula (A iv1 -1)~(A iv1 -3) In the white spot, -C≡C- or A iv1 The black dots represent bonds to A. iv1 or A iv2 Represents a bond to .

[0461] More specifically, A iv2 is expressed by the following formula (A iv2 -1)~(A iv2 -2) is preferable.

[0462] [ka]

[0463] Formula (A iv2 -1)~(A iv2 -2) Medium, white point is A iv1 The black dot represents a bond to the cyano group (-CN).

[0464] In general formula (iv), n iv1 represents an integer of 1 to 2.

[0465] In general formula (iv), A iv1 When there are multiple, they may be the same or different.

[0466] The compound represented by general formula (iv) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (iv-1).

[0467] [ka]

[0468] In general formula (iv-1), R iv1 , A iv1 and A iv2 represents R in the above general formula (iv). iv1 , A iv1 and A iv2 and each mean the same thing.

[0469] The compound represented by general formula (iv-1) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formulas (iv-1-a) to (iv-1-f).

[0470] [ka]

[0471] In general formulas (iv-1-a) to (iv-1-f), R iv1 and S iv1 are each independently R in the general formula (iv). iv1 and S iv1 and each mean the same thing.

[0472] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (iv-1-a) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (iv-1-a.1) to (iv-1-a.2).

[0473] [ka]

[0474] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (iv-1-b) include compounds represented by the following structural formulae (iv-1-b.1) to (iv-1-b.2).

[0475] [ka]

[0476] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (iv-1-c) include compounds represented by the following structural formulae (iv-1-c.1) to (iv-1-c.2).

[0477] [ka]

[0478] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (iv-1-d) include compounds represented by the following structural formulae (iv-1-d.1) to (iv-1-d.2).

[0479] [ka]

[0480] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (iv-1-e) include compounds represented by the following structural formulae (iv-1-e.1) to (iv-1-e.2).

[0481] [ka]

[0482] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (iv-1-f) include compounds represented by the following structural formulae (iv-1-f.1) to (iv-1-f.2).

[0483] [ka]

[0484] The compounds represented by general formula (iv), general formula (iv-1), general formula (iv-1-a) to (iv-1-f), structural formulae (iv-1-a.1) to (iv-1-a.2), structural formulae (iv-1-b.1) to (iv-1-b.2), structural formulae (iv-1-c.1) to (iv-1-c.2), structural formulae (iv-1-d.1) to (iv-1-d.2), structural formulae (iv-1-e.1) to (iv-1-e.2), or structural formulae (iv-1-f.1) to (iv-1-f.2) may be used in a liquid crystal composition in one or more varieties, preferably one to five varieties, preferably one to four varieties, preferably one to three varieties, preferably one to two varieties, and preferably one variety.

[0485] The lower limit of the total content of the compounds represented by general formula (iv), general formula (iv-1), general formulas (iv-1-a) to (iv-1-f), structural formulae (iv-1-a.1) to (iv-1-a.2), structural formulae (iv-1-b.1) to (iv-1-b.2), structural formulae (iv-1-c.1) to (iv-1-c.2), structural formulae (iv-1-d.1) to (iv-1-d.2), structural formulae (iv-1-e.1) to (iv-1-e.2), or structural formulae (iv-1-f.1) to (iv-1-f.2) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more.

[0486] The upper limit of the total content of the compounds represented by general formula (iv), general formula (iv-1), general formulas (iv-1-a) to (iv-1-f), structural formulae (iv-1-a.1) to (iv-1-a.2), structural formulae (iv-1-b.1) to (iv-1-b.2), structural formulae (iv-1-c.1) to (iv-1-c.2), structural formulae (iv-1-d.1) to (iv-1-d.2), structural formulae (iv-1-e.1) to (iv-1-e.2), or structural formulae (iv-1-f.1) to (iv-1-f.2) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 35% by mass or less, more preferably 30% by mass or less, and even more preferably 25% by mass or less.

[0487] From the viewpoint of compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, the total content of the compounds represented by general formula (iv), general formula (iv-1), general formulas (iv-1-a) to (iv-1-f), structural formulas (iv-1-a.1) to (iv-1-a.2), structural formulas (iv-1-b.1) to (iv-1-b.2), structural formulas (iv-1-c.1) to (iv-1-c.2), structural formulas (iv-1-d.1) to (iv-1-d.2), structural formulas (iv-1-e.1) to (iv-1-e.2), or structural formulas (iv-1-f.1) to (iv-1-f.2) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0 to 35% by mass, more preferably 1 to 30% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 25% by mass.

[0488] The compounds represented by general formula (iv), general formula (iv-1), general formulas (iv-1-a) to (iv-1-f), structural formulas (iv-1-a.1) to (iv-1-a.2), structural formulas (iv-1-b.1) to (iv-1-b.2), structural formulas (iv-1-c.1) to (iv-1-c.2), structural formulas (iv-1-d.1) to (iv-1-d.2), structural formulas (iv-1-e.1) to (iv-1-e.2), or structural formulas (iv-1-f.1) to (iv-1-f.2) can be synthesized using known synthesis methods.

[0489] The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may contain one or more compounds represented by the following general formula (v) having at least one —C≡C— and a cyano group (—CN) as a linking group.

[0490] [ka]

[0491] In general formula (v), R v1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0492] The alkyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and is preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0493] The alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0494] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-.

[0495] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -CH=CH-, -CO-O-, -O-CO- and / or -C≡C-.

[0496] Furthermore, one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom.

[0497] Examples of halogen atoms include chlorine atoms, bromine atoms, and fluorine atoms.

[0498] However, when the alkyl group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0499] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0500] For example, R v1 can represent an alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -O-.

[0501] The alkoxy group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear alkoxy group.

[0502] The alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0503] Also, R v1 is R v1When one of the -CH2- groups is replaced with -S-, the group can represent a thioalkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms (an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkylthio group).

[0504] The thioalkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic thioalkoxy group, and is preferably a linear thioalkoxy group.

[0505] The thioalkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0506] Also, R v1 can represent an alkenyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group with -CH=CH-.

[0507] The alkenyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyl group, and is preferably a linear alkenyl group.

[0508] The alkenyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0509] Also, R v1 can represent an alkynyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group with -C≡C-.

[0510] The alkynyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkynyl group, and is preferably a linear alkynyl group.

[0511] The alkynyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0512] Also, R v1can represent an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more -CH2-CH2- are replaced with -CH=CH-.

[0513] The alkenyloxy group is a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyloxy group, and is preferably a linear alkenyloxy group.

[0514] The alkenyloxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0515] Also, R v1 can represent a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, in which one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group have been substituted with halogen atoms.

[0516] The halogenated alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkyl group.

[0517] The halogenated alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0518] R v1 Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (including substituted alkyl groups) in the formula (R v1 -1)~(R v1 -36).

[0519] [ka]

[0520] Formula (R v1 -1)~(R v1 -36) In the middle, black dots are A v1 Represents a bond to .

[0521] R v1When the ring structure to which R is bonded is a phenyl group (aromatic), 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 to 5 carbon atoms is preferred, and R v1 When the ring structure to which is bonded is a saturated ring structure such as cyclohexane, pyran, and dioxane, 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 is preferred.

[0522] Also, R v1 In order to stabilize the nematic phase, the total number of carbon atoms and oxygen atoms, if present, is preferably 5 or less, and the structure is preferably linear.

[0523] In addition, R v1 From the viewpoint of compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, a linear alkyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms is preferred.

[0524] In general formula (v), A v1 and A v2 are each independently the following groups (a), (b), (c), and (d): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (in which one —CH— or two or more non-adjacent —CH— groups may be replaced by —O— and / or —S—), (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (in which one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups may be replaced by —N=). (c) A naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= groups in the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group may be replaced by -N=). (d) a thiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-3,7-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, or a thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,5-diyl group (in this group, one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= may be replaced by —N=). represents a group selected from the group consisting of:

[0525] A v1 and A v2 One or more hydrogen atoms in each independently represent a substituent S v1 may be substituted by:

[0526] substituent S v1 represents a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0527] Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0528] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-.

[0529] Furthermore, one or more hydrogen atoms present in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom.

[0530] Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0531] However, when an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0532] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0533] Also, A v1 At least one of or A v2 has at least one substituent S v1 It is preferably substituted with

[0534] In addition, the substituent S v1 When there are a plurality of, they may be the same or different.

[0535] A v1 Substituent S in v1 From the viewpoint of solubility, the substitution position of the following formula (A v1 -SP-1) is preferred.

[0536] [ka]

[0537] Formula (A v1 -SP-1) White points are R v1 or Z v1 The black dots represent bonds to Z. v1 Represents a bond to .

[0538] A v2 Substituent S in v1 The substitution position of the following formula (A v2 -SP-1)~(A v2 -SP-2).

[0539] [ka]

[0540] Formula (A v2 -SP-1)~(A v2 -SP-2) White spots are Z v1 The black dot represents a bond to the cyano group (-CN).

[0541] More specifically, A v1 is expressed by the following formula (A v1 -1)~(Av1 It is preferable to display one of the following:

[0542] [ka]

[0543] Formula (A v1 -1)~(A v1 -3) Medium, white point is R v1 or Z v1 The black dots represent bonds to Z. v1 Represents a bond to .

[0544] More specifically, A v2 is expressed by the following formula (A v2 -1)~(A v2 It is preferable to display one of the following:

[0545] [ka]

[0546] Formula (A v2 -1)~(A v2 -3) Middle, white point is Z v1 The black dot represents a bond to the cyano group (-CN).

[0547] In general formula (v), Z v1 represents a single bond, -C≡C-, -CH=CH-, or -CF=CF-.

[0548] However, Z v1 At least one of the groups represents -C≡C-.

[0549] In general formula (v), n v1 represents an integer of 1 to 2.

[0550] In general formula (v), A v1 and Z v1 When there are a plurality of groups, they may be the same or different.

[0551] The compound represented by general formula (v) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formulas (v-1) to (v-2).

[0552] [ka]

[0553] In general formulas (v-1) to (v-2), R v1 , A v1 and A v2 represents R in the above general formula (v). v1 , A v1 and A v2 and each mean the same thing.

[0554] In general formulas (v-1) to (v-2), A v1-2 The definition of A in the above general formula (v) v1 is the same as the definition of

[0555] The compound represented by general formula (v-1) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formulas (v-1-a) to (v-1-f).

[0556] [ka]

[0557] In general formulas (v-1-a) to (v-1-f), R v1 and S v1 are each independently R in the general formula (v). v1 and S v1 and each mean the same thing.

[0558] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (v-1-a) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (v-1-a.1) to (v-1-a.3).

[0559] [ka]

[0560] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (v-1-b) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (v-1-b.1) to (v-1-b.3).

[0561] [ka]

[0562] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (v-1-c) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (v-1-c.1) to (v-1-c.3).

[0563] [ka]

[0564] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (v-1-d) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (v-1-d.1) to (v-1-d.3).

[0565] [ka]

[0566] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (v-1-e) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (v-1-e.1) to (v-1-e.3).

[0567] [ka]

[0568] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (v-1-f) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (v-1-f.1) to (v-1-f.3).

[0569] [ka]

[0570] The compound represented by general formula (v-2) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formulas (v-2-a) to (v-2-b).

[0571] [ka]

[0572] In general formulas (v-2-a) to (v-2-b), R v1 and S v1 are each independently R in the general formula (v). v1 and S v1 and each mean the same thing.

[0573] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (v-2-a) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (v-2-a.1) to (v-2-a.3).

[0574] [ka]

[0575] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (v-2-b) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (v-2-b.1) to (v-2-b.3).

[0576] [ka]

[0577] General formula (v), general formula (v-1)~(v-2), general formula (v-1-a)~(v-1-f), general formula (v-2-a)~(v-2-b), structural formula (v-1-a.1)~(v-1-a.3 ), Structural formula (v-1-b.1)~(v-1-b.3), Structural formula (v-1-c.1)~(v-1-c.3), Structural formula (v-1-d.1)~(v-1-d.3), Structural formula (v-1-e.1) The compounds represented by structural formulae (v-1-f.1) to (v-1-f.3), structural formulae (v-2-a.1) to (v-2-a.3), or structural formulae (v-2-b.1) to (v-2-b.3) are used in the liquid crystal composition in one or more varieties, preferably one to five varieties, preferably one to four varieties, preferably one to three varieties, preferably one to two varieties, and preferably one variety.

[0578] General formula (v), general formula (v-1)~(v-2), general formula (v-1-a)~(v-1-f), general formula (v-2-a)~(v-2-b), structural formula (v-1-a.1)~(v-1-a.3) , Structural formula (v-1-b.1)~(v-1-b.3), Structural formula (v-1-c.1)~(v-1-c.3), Structural formula (v-1-d.1)~(v-1-d.3), Structural formula (v-1-e.1)~ The lower limit of the total content of the compounds represented by (v-1-e.3), structural formulae (v-1-f.1) to (v-1-f.3), structural formulae (v-2-a.1) to (v-2-a.3), or structural formulae (v-2-b.1) to (v-2-b.3) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more.

[0579] General formula (v), general formula (v-1)~(v-2), general formula (v-1-a)~(v-1-f), general formula (v-2-a)~(v-2-b), structural formula (v-1-a.1)~(v-1-a.3) , Structural formula (v-1-b.1)~(v-1-b.3), Structural formula (v-1-c.1)~(v-1-c.3), Structural formula (v-1-d.1)~(v-1-d.3), Structural formula (v-1-e.1)~ The upper limit of the total content of the compounds represented by (v-1-e.3), structural formulae (v-1-f.1) to (v-1-f.3), structural formulae (v-2-a.1) to (v-2-a.3), or structural formulae (v-2-b.1) to (v-2-b.3) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less.

[0580] General formula (v), General formula (v-1)~(v-2), General formula (v-1-a)~(v-1-f), General formula (v-2-a)~(v-2-b), Structural formula (v-1-a.1)~(v-1-a.3), Structural formula (v-1-b.1)~(v-1-b.3), Structural formula (v-1-c.1)~(v-1-c.3), Structural formula (v-1-d.1)~(v-1-d.3), Structural formula (v-1-e.1)~(v-1-e.3 From the viewpoint of compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, the total content of the compounds represented by structural formulae (v-1-f.1) to (v-1-f.3), structural formulae (v-2-a.1) to (v-2-a.3), or structural formulae (v-2-b.1) to (v-2-b.3) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0.5 to 20% by mass, more preferably 1 to 15% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 10% by mass.

[0581] The compounds represented by general formula (v), general formulae (v-1) to (v-2), general formulae (v-1-a) to (v-1-f), general formulae (v-2-a) to (v-2-b), structural formulae (v-1-a.1) to (v-1-a.3), structural formulae (v-1-b.1) to (v-1-b.3), structural formulae (v-1-c.1) to (v-1-c.3), structural formulae (v-1-d.1) to (v-1-d.3), structural formulae (v-1-e.1) to (v-1-e.3), structural formulae (v-1-f.1) to (v-1-f.3), structural formulae (v-2-a.1) to (v-2-a.3), or structural formulae (v-2-b.1) to (v-2-b.3) can be synthesized using known synthesis methods.

[0582] The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may contain one or more compounds represented by the following general formula (vi) having at least one —C≡C— as a linking group.

[0583] [ka]

[0584] In general formula (vi), R vi1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0585] The alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms is a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and is preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0586] The alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0587] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-.

[0588] Furthermore, one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted by -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF- and / or -C≡C-.

[0589] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-CO-O-.

[0590] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- may each independently be substituted with -CH=CH-CO-O-, -CH=CH-O-CO-, -CO-O-CH=CH-, or -O-CO-CH=CH-.

[0591] Furthermore, one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom.

[0592] Examples of halogen atoms include chlorine atoms, bromine atoms, and fluorine atoms.

[0593] However, when the alkyl group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0594] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0595] For example, R vi1 can represent an alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -O-.

[0596] The alkoxy group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear alkoxy group.

[0597] The alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0598] Also, R vi1 can represent a thioalkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms (alkylsulfanyl group, alkylthio group) by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -S-.

[0599] The thioalkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic thioalkoxy group, and is preferably a linear thioalkoxy group.

[0600] The thioalkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0601] Also, R vi1 can represent an alkenyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group with -CH=CH-.

[0602] The alkenyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyl group, and is preferably a linear alkenyl group.

[0603] The alkenyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0604] Also, R vi1 can represent an alkynyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group with -C≡C-.

[0605] The alkynyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkynyl group, and is preferably a linear alkynyl group.

[0606] The alkynyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0607] Also, R vi1 can represent an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more -CH2-CH2- are replaced with -CH=CH-.

[0608] The alkenyloxy group is a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyloxy group, and is preferably a linear alkenyloxy group.

[0609] The alkenyloxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0610] Also, R vi1 can represent a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, in which one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group have been substituted with halogen atoms.

[0611] The halogenated alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkyl group.

[0612] The halogenated alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0613] Also, R vi1 can represent a halogenated alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group are replaced with halogen atoms.

[0614] The halogenated alkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic halogenated alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkoxy group.

[0615] The halogenated alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0616] R vi1 Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (including substituted alkyl groups) in the formula (R vi1 -1)~(R vi1 -36).

[0617] [ka]

[0618] Formula (R vi1 -1)~(R vi1 -36) In the middle, black dots are A vi1 Represents a bond to .

[0619] R vi1 When importance is placed on the reliability of the entire liquid crystal composition, it is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and when importance is placed on reducing the viscosity of the entire liquid crystal composition, it is preferably an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0620] R vi1 When the ring structure to which R is bonded is a phenyl group (aromatic), 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 to 5 carbon atoms is preferred, and R vi1 When the ring structure to which is bonded is a saturated ring structure such as cyclohexane, pyran, and dioxane, 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 is preferred.

[0621] Also, R vi1 In order to stabilize the nematic phase, the total number of carbon atoms and oxygen atoms, if present, is preferably 5 or less, and the structure is preferably linear.

[0622] In addition, R vi1 As the alkyl group, a linear alkyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms is preferred from the viewpoint of Δn and compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds.

[0623] In general formula (vi), R vi2 represents any one of a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a pentafluorosulfanyl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an isocyano group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, a methylamino group, a dimethylamino group, a diethylamino group, a diisopropylamino group, a trimethylsilyl group, a dimethylsilyl group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0624] The alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms is a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and is preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0625] The alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0626] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-.

[0627] Furthermore, one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted by -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF- and / or -C≡C-.

[0628] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-CO-O-.

[0629] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- may each independently be substituted with -CH=CH-CO-O-, -CH=CH-O-CO-, -CO-O-CH=CH-, or -O-CO-CH=CH-.

[0630] Furthermore, one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom.

[0631] Examples of halogen atoms include chlorine atoms, bromine atoms, and fluorine atoms.

[0632] However, when the alkyl group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0633] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0634] For example, R vi2 can represent an alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -O-.

[0635] The alkoxy group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear alkoxy group.

[0636] The alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0637] Also, R vi2 can represent a thioalkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms (alkylsulfanyl group, alkylthio group) by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -S-.

[0638] The thioalkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic thioalkoxy group, and is preferably a linear thioalkoxy group.

[0639] The thioalkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0640] Also, R vi2can represent an alkenyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group with -CH=CH-.

[0641] The alkenyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyl group, and is preferably a linear alkenyl group.

[0642] The alkenyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0643] Also, R vi2 can represent an alkynyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group with -C≡C-.

[0644] The alkynyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkynyl group, and is preferably a linear alkynyl group.

[0645] The alkynyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0646] Also, R vi2 can represent an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more -CH2-CH2- are replaced with -CH=CH-.

[0647] The alkenyloxy group is a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyloxy group, and is preferably a linear alkenyloxy group.

[0648] The alkenyloxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0649] Also, R vi2can represent a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, in which one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group have been substituted with halogen atoms.

[0650] The halogenated alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkyl group.

[0651] The halogenated alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0652] Also, R vi2 can represent a halogenated alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group are replaced with halogen atoms.

[0653] The halogenated alkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic halogenated alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkoxy group.

[0654] The halogenated alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0655] R vi2 Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (including substituted alkyl groups) in the formula (R vi2 -1)~(R vi2 -36).

[0656] [ka]

[0657] Formula (R vi2 -1)~(R vi2 -36) In the middle, black dots are A vi3 Represents a bond to .

[0658] Rvi2 When the ring structure to which R is bonded is a phenyl group (aromatic), 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 to 5 carbon atoms is preferred, and R vi2 When the ring structure to which is bonded is a saturated ring structure such as cyclohexane, pyran, and dioxane, 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 is preferred.

[0659] Also, R vi2 In order to stabilize the nematic phase, the total number of carbon atoms and oxygen atoms, if present, is preferably 5 or less, and the structure is preferably linear.

[0660] In addition, R vi2 As the group, from the viewpoint of Δn and compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, a linear alkyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms or a linear thioalkoxy group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms is preferred.

[0661] In general formula (vi), A vi1 , A vi2 and A vi3 each independently represents a hydrocarbon ring having 3 to 16 carbon atoms or a heterocyclic ring having 3 to 16 carbon atoms.

[0662] More specifically, the hydrocarbon ring having 3 to 16 carbon atoms or the heterocyclic ring having 3 to 16 carbon atoms is The following groups (a), (b), (c) and (d): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (in which one —CH— or two or more non-adjacent —CH— groups may be replaced by —O— or —S—). (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (in which one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups may be replaced by —N=). (c) 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-diyl group, naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalene-1,4-diyl group, decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, anthracene-2,6-diyl group, anthracene-1,4-diyl group, anthracene-9,10-diyl group, phenanthracene anthracene-2,7-diyl group (one -CH= or two or more -CH= present in a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalene-1,4-diyl group, an anthracene-2,6-diyl group, an anthracene-1,4-diyl group, an anthracene-9,10-diyl group, or a phenanthrene-2,7-diyl group may be replaced by -N=); (d) a thiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-3,7-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, or a thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,5-diyl group (in this group, one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= may be replaced by —N=). It is preferred that the aryl group represents a group selected from the group consisting of:

[0663] A vi1 , A vi2 and A vi3 One or more hydrogen atoms in each independently represent a substituent S vi1 may be substituted by

[0664] substituent S vi1 represents any one of a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a pentafluorosulfanyl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an isocyano group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, a methylamino group, a dimethylamino group, a diethylamino group, a diisopropylamino group, a trimethylsilyl group, a dimethylsilyl group, a thioisocyano group, and an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0665] The alkyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and is preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0666] The alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 3 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0667] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -S- and / or -CO-.

[0668] Furthermore, one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -C≡C-, -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH- and / or -NH-CO-.

[0669] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may be substituted with -O-CO-O-.

[0670] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group may be substituted with -CH=CH-CO-O-, -CH=CH-O-CO-, -CO-O-CH=CH- and / or -O-CO-CH=CH-.

[0671] One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom.

[0672] Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0673] However, when the alkyl group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0674] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0675] substituent S vi1 is preferably a fluorine atom or a linear alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0676] Also, A vi1 , A vi2 and A vi3 At least one of the groups has at least one substituent S vi1 It is preferably substituted with

[0677] Also, A vi1 has at least one substituent S vi1 It is preferably substituted with

[0678] In addition, the substituent S vi1 When there are a plurality of, they may be the same or different.

[0679] A vi1 Substituent S in vi1 The substitution position of the following formula (A vi1 -SP-1)~(A vi1 -SP-2).

[0680] [ka]

[0681] Formula (A vi1 -SP-1)~(A vi1 -SP-2) White points are R vi1 The black dot represents a bond to -C≡C-.

[0682] A vi2 Substituent S in vi1 The substitution position of the following formula (A vi2 -SP-1)~(A vi2-SP-7), and in terms of compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, the following formula (A vi2 -SP-1)~(A vi2 -SP-5).

[0683] [ka]

[0684] Formula (A vi2 -SP-1)~(A vi2 -SP-7), the white dots represent -C≡C- bonds, and the black dots represent Z vi1 Represents a bond to .

[0685] A vi3 Substituent S in vi3 The substitution position of the following formula (A vi3 -SP-1)~(A vi3 -SP-7), and from the viewpoint of compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, the compound represented by the following formula (A vi3 -SP-1)~(A vi3 -SP-5).

[0686] [ka]

[0687] Formula (A vi3 -SP-1)~(A vi3 -SP-7) White spots are Z vi1 The black dots represent bonds to Z. vi1 or R vi2 Represents a bond to .

[0688] More specifically, A vi1 is expressed by the following formula (A vi1 -1)~(A vi1 -4) is preferred.

[0689] [ka]

[0690] Formula (A vi1 -1)~(A vi1 -4) Medium, white point is R vi1 The black dot represents a bond to -C≡C-.

[0691] More specifically, A vi2 is expressed by the following formula (A vi2 -1)~(A vi2 -4) is preferred.

[0692] [ka]

[0693] Formula (A vi2 -1)~(A vi2 -4) In the figure, the white dots represent -C≡C- bonds, and the black dots represent Z bonds. vi1 Represents a bond to .

[0694] More specifically, A vi3 is expressed by the following formula (A vi3 -1)~(A vi3 -3) is preferred.

[0695] [ka]

[0696] Formula (A vi3 -1)~(A vi3 -3) Middle, white point is Z vi1 The black dots represent bonds to Z. vi1 or R vi2 Represents a bond to .

[0697] In general formula (vi), Z vi1 each independently represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

[0698] The alkylene group is a linear, branched or cyclic alkylene group, and is preferably a linear alkylene group.

[0699] The alkylene group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0700] One or more -CH2- in the alkylene group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -CF2- and / or -CO-.

[0701] Furthermore, one or more -CH2-CH2- in the alkylene group may each independently be substituted with -CH2-CH(CH3)-, -CH(CH3)-CH2-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -CH=C(CH3)-, -C(CH3)=CH-, -CH=N-, -N=CH-, -N=N-, -C≡C-, -CO-O- and / or -O-CO-.

[0702] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- in the alkylene group may each independently be substituted with -CH=NN=CH-.

[0703] However, when the alkylene group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0704] Specific examples of the alkylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms (including substituted ones) include the alkylene group represented by the formula (Z vi1 -1)~(Z vi1 -24).

[0705] [ka]

[0706] Formula(Z vi1 -1)~(Z vi1 -24) Medium, white dots A vi2 or A vi3 The black dots represent bonds to A.vi3 Represents a bond to .

[0707] In general formula (vi), n vi1 represents an integer of 1 to 3, preferably an integer of 1 or 2.

[0708] n vi1 When is 1, from the viewpoint of improving Δn, Z vi1 Preferably, represents -C≡C-.

[0709] Also, n vi1 When Z is 2 or 3, from the viewpoint of improving Δn, vi1 It is preferred that at least one of the groups represents -C≡C-.

[0710] In the general formula (vi), A vi3 and Z vi1 When there are a plurality of groups, they may be the same or different.

[0711] The compound represented by general formula (vi) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (vi-1).

[0712] [ka]

[0713] In general formula (vi-1), R vi1 , R vi2 , A vi1 , A vi2 and A vi3 represents R in the above general formula (vi). vi1 , R vi2 , A vi1 , A vi2 and A vi3 and each mean the same thing.

[0714] The compound represented by general formula (vi-1) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formulas (vi-1-a) to (vi-1-e).

[0715] [ka]

[0716] In general formulas (vi-1-a) to (vi-1-e), R vi1 , R vi2 and S vi1 are each independently R in the general formula (vi). vi1 , R vi2 and S vi1 and each mean the same thing.

[0717] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (vi-1-a) include compounds represented by the following structural formulae (vi-1-a.1) to (vi-1-a.2).

[0718] [ka]

[0719] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (vi-1-b) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (vi-1-b.1) to (vi-1-b.6).

[0720] [ka]

[0721] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (vi-1-c) include compounds represented by the following structural formulas (vi-1-c.1) to (vi-1-c.4).

[0722] [ka]

[0723] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (vi-1-d) include compounds represented by the following structural formulae (vi-1-d.1) to (vi-1-d.5).

[0724] [ka]

[0725] Specific examples of the compound represented by general formula (vi-1-e) include compounds represented by the following structural formulae (vi-1-e.1) to (vi-1-e.4).

[0726] [ka]

[0727] The compounds represented by general formula (vi), general formula (vi-1), general formula (vi-1-a) to (vi-1-e), structural formulae (vi-1-a.1) to (vi-1-a.2), structural formulae (vi-1-b.1) to (vi-1-b.6), structural formulae (vi-1-c.1) to (vi-1-c.4), structural formulae (vi-1-d.1) to (vi-1-d.5), or structural formulae (vi-1-e.1) to (vi-v1-e.4) may be used in a liquid crystal composition in one or more varieties, preferably one to five varieties, preferably one to four varieties, preferably one to three varieties, preferably one to two varieties, and preferably one variety.

[0728] The lower limit of the total content of the compounds represented by general formula (vi), general formula (vi-1), general formulas (vi-1-a) to (vi-1-e), structural formulas (vi-1-a.1) to (vi-1-a.2), structural formulas (vi-1-b.1) to (vi-1-b.6), structural formulas (vi-1-c.1) to (vi-1-c.4), structural formulas (vi-1-d.1) to (vi-1-d.5), or structural formulas (vi-1-e.1) to (vi-v1-e.4) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more.

[0729] The upper limit of the total content of the compounds represented by general formula (vi), general formula (vi-1), general formulas (vi-1-a) to (vi-1-e), structural formulas (vi-1-a.1) to (vi-1-a.2), structural formulas (vi-1-b.1) to (vi-1-b.6), structural formulas (vi-1-c.1) to (vi-1-c.4), structural formulas (vi-1-d.1) to (vi-1-d.5), or structural formulas (vi-1-e.1) to (vi-v1-e.4) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 40% by mass or less, more preferably 35% by mass or less, and even more preferably 30% by mass or less.

[0730] From the viewpoint of improving Δn and Tni, the total content of the compounds represented by general formula (vi), general formula (vi-1), general formula (vi-1-a) to (vi-1-e), structural formulae (vi-1-a.1) to (vi-1-a.2), structural formulae (vi-1-b.1) to (vi-1-b.6), structural formulae (vi-1-c.1) to (vi-1-c.4), structural formulae (vi-1-d.1) to (vi-1-d.5), or structural formulae (vi-1-e.1) to (vi-v1-e.4) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0 to 40% by mass, more preferably 3 to 35% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 30% by mass.

[0731] The compounds represented by general formula (vi), general formula (vi-1), general formulas (vi-1-a) to (vi-1-e), structural formulas (vi-1-a.1) to (vi-1-a.2), structural formulas (vi-1-b.1) to (vi-1-b.6), structural formulas (vi-1-c.1) to (vi-1-c.4), structural formulas (vi-1-d.1) to (vi-1-d.5), or structural formulas (vi-1-e.1) to (vi-v1-e.4) can be synthesized using known synthesis methods.

[0732] The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may contain one or more compounds represented by the following general formula (vii) having at least one of —C≡C— and —N═N— as a linking group.

[0733] [ka]

[0734] In general formula (vii), R vii1 and R vii2 each independently represents a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a cyano group, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0735] One or two or more non-adjacent -CH2- groups in the group may each independently be replaced by -CH=CH-, -C≡C-, -O-, -CO-, -CO-O- or -O-CO-.

[0736] Also, R vii1 and R vii2 One or more hydrogen atoms present therein may each independently be substituted with a fluorine atom.

[0737] However, R vii1 and R vii2 and do not both represent a substituent selected from a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, and a cyano group.

[0738] The alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms is a linear or branched alkyl group, and is preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0739] The alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms has 1 to 12, preferably 1 to 8, preferably 1 to 5, and preferably 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

[0740] Specific examples of alkyl groups having 1 to 12 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a pentyl group, a hexyl group, a heptyl group, an octyl group, a nonyl group, a decyl group, an isodecyl group, a dodecyl group, and a 2-ethylhexyl group.

[0741] The alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms is a linear or branched alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear alkoxy group.

[0742] The alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms preferably has 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

[0743] Specific examples of the alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms include a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, a propoxy group, a butoxy group, a pentoxy group, and a hexoxy group.

[0744] The alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms is a linear or branched alkenyl group, and is preferably a linear alkenyl group.

[0745] The alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms preferably has 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0746] Specific examples of the alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms include the alkenyl group represented by the formula (R vii1 / 2 -1)~(R vii1 / 2 -5) (the black dots in each formula represent carbon atoms in the ring structure).

[0747] [ka]

[0748] The alkenyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms is a linear or branched alkenyloxy group, and is preferably a linear alkenyloxy group.

[0749] The alkenyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms preferably has 2 to 5 carbon atoms.

[0750] Specific examples of the alkenyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms include those represented by the formula (R vii1 / 2 -6)~(R vii1 / 2 -10) (in each formula, the black dot represents a carbon atom in the ring structure).

[0751] [ka]

[0752] R vii1 When importance is placed on the reliability of the entire liquid crystal composition, it is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and when importance is placed on reducing the viscosity of the entire liquid crystal composition, it is preferably an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0753] Also, R vii1 When the ring structure to which R is bonded is a phenyl group (aromatic), 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 to 5 carbon atoms is preferred, and R vii1 When the ring structure to which is bonded is a saturated ring structure such as cyclohexane, pyran, and dioxane, 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 is preferred.

[0754] Also, R vii1 In order to stabilize the nematic phase, the total number of carbon atoms and, if present, oxygen atoms is preferably 5 or less, and the structure is preferably linear.

[0755] R vii2 When the compound represented by general formula (vii) is a so-called p-type compound having a positive Δε, then R is preferably a fluorine atom, a cyano group, a trifluoromethyl group or a trifluoromethoxy group, and more preferably a fluorine atom or a cyano group.

[0756] When the compound represented by the general formula (vii) is a so-called non-polar compound having a Δε of approximately 0, R vii2 is R vii1 It has the same meaning as R vii2 and R vii1 may be the same or different.

[0757] In general formula (vii), Z vii1 , Z vii2 and Z vii3each independently represents a single bond, -O-CH2-, -CH2-O-, -CH2-CH2-, -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-, -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -CF2-O-, -O-CF2-, -CF2-CF2- or -C≡C-.

[0758] where Z vii1 , Z vii2 and / or Z vii3 is preferably a single bond.

[0759] In general formula (vii), A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii3 , A vii4 , A vii5 and A vii6 are each independently the following groups (a), (b) and (c): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (in which one —CH— or two or more non-adjacent —CH— groups may be replaced by —O—). (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (in which one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= groups may be replaced by -N=). (c) A naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= groups in the naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group may be replaced by -N=). and one or more hydrogen atoms in the above groups (a), (b) and (c) may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom, a cyano group or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0760] Examples of the halogen atom include a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and a fluorine atom, and a fluorine atom is preferred.

[0761] A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii3 , A vii4 , A vii5 and / or A vii6 are each independently preferably a group (b) or a group (c) which is a divalent cyclic group exhibiting aromaticity when it is required to increase Δn, and are each independently preferably a group (a) which is an aliphatic divalent cyclic group in order to improve the response speed, and are each independently a group having the following structure:

[0762] [ka]

[0763] (R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.) and preferably any one of a 1,4-phenylene group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, and a tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, in which one or more hydrogen atoms may each independently be substituted by a fluorine atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0764] Especially A vii2 are the following groups (d) to (f):

[0765] [ka]

[0766] (X viid1 , X viid2 , X viie1 , X viie2 , X viif1 and X viif2 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom. From the viewpoint of improving Δn, it is preferable that the aryl group represents a group selected from the group consisting of:

[0767] From the viewpoint of compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, it is preferable that the compound represents the group (f).

[0768] In order to improve the compatibility with other liquid crystal compositions, A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii3 , A vii4 , A vii5 and / or A vii6 At least one of these preferably represents a 1,4-phenylene group substituted with an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and more preferably represents a 1,4-phenylene group substituted with an ethylene group.

[0769] In the above general formula (vii), m vii1 , m vii2 and m vii3 Each independently represents 0 or 1, and m vii1 +m vii2 +m vii3 represents 0 or 1.

[0770] where m vii1 is preferably 0 when importance is attached to the solubility in the liquid crystal composition, and Δn and T ni When emphasis is placed on this, 1 is preferred.

[0771] Also, m vii1 +m vii2 +m vii3 is preferably 0.

[0772] A is a ring structure in one molecule of the compound represented by general formula (vii) of the present invention. vii1 , A vii2 , A vii3 , A vii4 , A vii5 and / or A vii6 has preferably 1 to 5 fluorine atoms in total, and more preferably 1 to 4 fluorine atoms.

[0773] A is a ring structure in one molecule of the compound represented by general formula (vii) in the present invention. vii1 , A vii2 , A vii3 , Avii4 , A vii5 and / or A vii6 has preferably 0 to 3 halogen atoms (other than fluorine atoms), and more preferably 0 to 2 halogen atoms in total.

[0774] A is a ring structure in one molecule of the compound represented by general formula (vii) in the present invention. vii1 , A vii2 , A vii3 , A vii4 , A vii5 and / or A vii6 has preferably 1 to 5 halogen atoms (including fluorine atoms) in total, and more preferably 1 to 4 halogen atoms.

[0775] The compound represented by the above general formula (vii) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (vii-1).

[0776] [ka]

[0777] (In the above general formula (vii-1), R vii1 , R vii2 , Z vii1 , Z vii2 , Z vii3 , A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii4 , A vii6 , m vii1 , m vii2 and m vii3 represents R in the above general formula (vii). vii1 , R vii2 , Z vii1 , Z vii2 , Z vii3 , A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii4 , A vii6 , m vii1 , m vii2 and m vii3 and each mean the same thing, A vii3-1 and A vii5-1each independently represent a 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= groups in this group may be replaced by -N=), and one or more hydrogen atoms in the group may each independently be substituted by a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0778] In the above general formula (vii-1), R vii1 , R vii2 , Z vii1 , Z vii2 , Z vii3 , A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii4 , A vii6 , m vii1 , m vii2 and m vii3 are R in the above general formula (vii), respectively. vii1 , R vii2 , Z vii1 , Z vii2 , Z vii3 , A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii4 , A vii6 , m vii1 , m vii2 and m vii3 and the preferred groups and preferred numbers are also the same, so the explanation here will be omitted.

[0779] The compound represented by the above general formula (vii) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (vii-2).

[0780] [ka]

[0781] (In the above general formula (vii-2), R vii1 , R vii2 , Z vii1 , Z vii2 , Z vii3 , A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii4 , A vii6 , mvii1 , m vii2 and m vii3 represents R in the above general formula (vii). vii1 , R vii2 , Z vii1 , Z vii2 , Z vii3 , A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii4 , A vii6 , m vii1 , m vii2 and m vii3 and each mean the same thing.

[0782] A vii3-2 represents a 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= in this group may be replaced by -N=), and one or more hydrogen atoms in the group may each independently be substituted by a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0783] A vii5-2 represents a naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= groups in the naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group may be substituted with -N=), and one or more hydrogen atoms in the group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0784] In the above general formula (vii-2), R vii1 , R vii2 , Z vii1 , Z vii2 , Z vii3 , A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii4 , A vii6 , m vii1 , m vii2 and m vii3 represents R in the above general formula (vii).vii1 , R vii2 , Z vii1 , Z vii2 , Z vii3 , A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii4 , A vii6 , m vii1 , m vii2 and m vii3 and the preferred groups and preferred numbers are also the same, so the explanation here will be omitted.

[0785] The compound represented by the above general formula (vii) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (vii-3).

[0786] [ka]

[0787] In general formula (vii-3), R vii1 , R vii2 , Z vii1 , Z vii2 , Z vii3 , A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii4 , A vii6 , m vii1 , m vii2 and m vii3 represents R in the above general formula (vii). vii1 , R vii2 , Z vii1 , Z vii2 , Z vii3 , A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii4 , A vii6 , m vii1 , m vii2 and m vii3 and each mean the same thing.

[0788] A vii3-3represents a naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= groups in the naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group may be substituted with -N=), and one or more hydrogen atoms in the group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0789] A vii5-3 represents a 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= in this group may be replaced by -N=), and one or more hydrogen atoms in the group may each independently be substituted by a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0790] In general formula (vii-3), R vii1 , R vii2 , Z vii1 , Z vii2 , Z vii3 , A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii4 , A vii6 , m vii1 , m vii2 and m vii3 represents R in the above general formula (vii). vii1 , R vii2 , Z vii1 , Z vii2 , Z vii3 , A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii4 , A vii6 , m vii1 , m vii2 and m vii3 and the preferred groups and preferred numbers are also the same, so the explanation here will be omitted.

[0791] As specific structures of general formula (vii-1) according to the present invention, from the viewpoint of further improving the compatibility of the liquid crystal composition, tricyclic or tetracyclic compounds represented by the following general formulas (vii-1-1) to (vii-1-22) are preferred.

[0792] [ka]

[0793] [ka]

[0794] [ka]

[0795] [ka]

[0796] [ka]

[0797] In the above general formulas (vii-1-1) to (vii-1-22), A vii2-1 each independently represents the following structural formula:

[0798] [ka]

[0799] In the above general formulas (vii-1-1) to (vii-1-22), m vii1-1 , m vii2-1 and m vii3-1 Each independently represents 0 or 1, and m vii1-1 +m vii2-1 +m vii3-1 represents 0 or 1.

[0800] In the above general formulas (vii-1-1) to (vii-1-22), Z vii1-1 , Z vii2-1 and Z vii3-1 each independently represents a single bond, -CO-O-, -CF=CF-, -CF2-O-, -O-CF2- or -C≡C-.

[0801] In the above general formulas (vii-1-1) to (vii-1-22), A vii1-1 , A vii4-1 and A vii6-1 each independently represent a 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= groups in this group may be replaced by -N=), and one or more hydrogen atoms in the group may each independently be substituted by a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0802] In the above general formulas (vii-1-1) to (vii-1-22), R vii1 , R vii2 represents R in the above general formula (vii). vii1 , R vii2 and the preferred groups and preferred numbers are also the same, so the explanation here will be omitted.

[0803] As specific structures of the general formula (vii-2) according to the present invention, compounds represented by the following general formulae (vii-2-1) to (vii-2-3) are preferred.

[0804] [ka]

[0805] In the above general formulas (vii-2-1) to (vii-2-3), A vii2-2 each independently represents the following structural formula:

[0806] [ka]

[0807] In the above general formulas (vii-2-1) to (vii-2-3), m vii1-2 , m vii2-2 and m vii3-2 Each independently represents 0 or 1, and m vii1-2 +m vii2-2 +m vii3-2 represents 0 or 1.

[0808] In the above general formulas (vii-2-1) to (vii-2-3), Z vii1-2 , Z vii2-2 and Z vii3-2 each independently represents a single bond, -CO-O-, -CF=CF-, -CF2-O-, -O-CF2- or -C≡C-.

[0809] In the above general formulas (vii-2-1) to (vii-2-3), A vii1-2 , A vii4-2 and A vii6-2 each independently represent a 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= groups in this group may be replaced by -N=), and one or more hydrogen atoms in the group may each independently be substituted by a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0810] In the above general formulas (vii-2-1) to (vii-2-3), R vii1 , R vii2 represents R in the above general formula (vii). vii1 , R vii2 and the preferred groups and preferred numbers are also the same, so the explanation here will be omitted.

[0811] As a specific structure of the general formula (vii-3) according to the present invention, a compound represented by the following general formula (vii-3-1) is preferred.

[0812] [ka]

[0813] In the above general formula (vii-3-1), A vii2-3each independently represents the following structural formula:

[0814] [ka]

[0815] In the above general formula (vii-3-1), m vii1-3 , m vii2-3 and m vii3-3 Each independently represents 0 or 1, and m vii1-3 +m vii2-3 +m vii3-3 represents 0 or 1.

[0816] In the above general formula (vii-3-1), Z vii1-3 , Z vii2-3 and Z vii3-3 each independently represents a single bond, -CO-O-, -CF=CF-, -CF2-O-, -O-CF2- or -C≡C-.

[0817] In the above general formula (vii-3-1), A vii1-3 , A vii4-3 and A vii6-3 each independently represent a 1,4-phenylene group (one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= groups in this group may be replaced by -N=), and one or more hydrogen atoms in the group may each independently be substituted by a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0818] In the above general formula (vii-3-1), R vii1 , R vii2 represents R in the above general formula (vii). vii1 , R vii2 and the preferred groups and preferred numbers are also the same, so the explanation here will be omitted.

[0819] Specific structures of the general formulae (vii-1-1) to (vii-1-22) include compounds represented by the following structural formulae (vii-1.1) to (vii-1.101).

[0820] [ka]

[0821] [ka]

[0822] [ka]

[0823] [ka]

[0824] In the formula, each X independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0825] [ka]

[0826] In the formula, each X independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0827] [ka]

[0828] [ka]

[0829] Among the compounds represented by the above structural formulas (vii-1.1) to (vii-1.101), (vii-1.2) to (vii-1.8), (vii-1.12) to (vii-1.18), (vii-1.22) to (vii-1.28), (vii-1.32) to (vii-1.38), (vii-1.42) to (vii-1.44), (vii-1.46) to (vii-1.48), (vii-1.50) to (vii-1.52), (vii-1.54) to (vii-1. 56), (vii-1.58)~(vii-1.60), (vii-1.62)~(vii-1.64), (vii-1.66)~(vii-1.68), (vii-1.70)~(vii-1.72), (vii-1.74)~( vii-1.76), (vii-1.78) to (vii-1.80), (vii-1.82) to (vii-1.84), (vii-1.86) to (vii-1.88), and (vii-1.90) to (vii-1.101) are preferred.

[0830] The compounds represented by general formula (vii), general formula (vii-1) to general formula (vii-3), general formula (vii-1-1) to (vii-1-22), general formula (vii-2-1) to (vii-2-3), general formula (vii-3-1), or structural formula (vii-1.1) to (vii-1.101) may be used alone or in combination of two or more. There is no particular limitation on the types of compounds that can be combined, but they are used in appropriate combinations depending on the desired performance, such as dielectric anisotropy, solubility at room temperature, transition temperature, and birefringence.

[0831] The compounds represented by general formula (vii), general formulae (vii-1) to (vii-3), general formulae (vii-1-1) to (vii-1-22), general formulae (vii-2-1) to (vii-2-3), general formula (vii-3-1) or structural formulae (vii-1.1) to (vii-1.101) may be used in a liquid crystal composition in the form of one or more types, preferably 1 to 10 types, and more preferably 1 to 5 types.

[0832] The lower limit of the total content of the compounds represented by general formula (vii), general formulae (vii-1) to (vii-3), general formulae (vii-1-1) to (vii-1-22), general formulae (vii-2-1) to (vii-2-3), general formula (vii-3-1), or structural formulae (vii-1.1) to (vii-1.101) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 1% by mass, more preferably 3% by mass, and even more preferably 5% by mass.

[0833] The upper limit of the total content of the compounds represented by general formula (vii), general formulae (vii-1) to (vii-3), general formulae (vii-1-1) to (vii-1-22), general formulae (vii-2-1) to (vii-2-3), general formula (vii-3-1), or structural formulae (vii-1.1) to (vii-1.101) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 45% by mass, more preferably 40% by mass, and even more preferably 35% by mass.

[0834] Specifically, the total content of the compounds represented by general formula (vii), general formulae (vii-1) to (vii-3), general formulae (vii-1-1) to (vii-1-22), general formulae (vii-2-1) to (vii-2-3), general formula (vii-3-1), or structural formulae (vii-1.1) to (vii-1.101) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 1 to 45% by mass, more preferably 3 to 40% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 35% by mass.

[0835] The compounds represented by general formula (vii), general formulae (vii-1) to (vii-3), general formulae (vii-1-1) to (vii-1-22), general formulae (vii-2-1) to (vii-2-3), general formula (vii-3-1) or structural formulae (vii-1.1) to (vii-1.101) can be produced by known methods.

[0836] The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention may contain one or more compounds represented by the following general formulas (2a) to (2c).

[0837] [ka]

[0838] In general formulas (2a) to (2c), R 2a and R 2b each independently represents an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a halogen atom.

[0839] The alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms is a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and is preferably a linear alkyl group.

[0840] The alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0841] One or more -CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-.

[0842] Furthermore, one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted by -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CH-, -CH=CF-, -CF=CF- and / or -C≡C-.

[0843] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with -O-CO-O-.

[0844] In addition, one or more -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2- may each independently be substituted with -CH=CH-CO-O-, -CH=CH-O-CO-, -CO-O-CH=CH-, or -O-CO-CH=CH-.

[0845] Furthermore, one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom.

[0846] Examples of halogen atoms include chlorine atoms, bromine atoms, and fluorine atoms.

[0847] However, when the alkyl group is substituted with a specific group, the oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0848] From the viewpoint of the stability of the compound, it is preferable that sulfur atoms are not directly bonded to each other and / or oxygen atoms are not directly bonded to each other.

[0849] For example, R 2a and R 2b can represent an alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -O-.

[0850] The alkoxy group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear alkoxy group.

[0851] The alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0852] Also, R 2a and R 2b can represent a thioalkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms (alkylsulfanyl group, alkylthio group) by substituting one -CH2- in the alkyl group with -S-.

[0853] The thioalkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic thioalkoxy group, and is preferably a linear thioalkoxy group.

[0854] The thioalkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0855] Also, R 2a and R 2bcan represent an alkenyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- groups in the alkyl group with -CH=CH-.

[0856] The alkenyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyl group, and is preferably a linear alkenyl group.

[0857] The alkenyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0858] Also, R 2a and R 2b can represent an alkynyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms by substituting one or more -CH2-CH2- in the alkyl group with -C≡C-.

[0859] The alkynyl group may be a linear, branched or cyclic alkynyl group, and is preferably a linear alkynyl group.

[0860] The alkynyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0861] Also, R 2a and R 2b can represent an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more -CH2-CH2- are replaced with -CH=CH-.

[0862] The alkenyloxy group is a linear, branched or cyclic alkenyloxy group, and is preferably a linear alkenyloxy group.

[0863] The alkenyloxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0864] Also, R 2a and R 2bcan represent a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, in which one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group have been substituted with halogen atoms.

[0865] The halogenated alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkyl group.

[0866] The halogenated alkyl group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0867] Also, R 2a and R 2b can represent a halogenated alkoxy group having 1 to 19 carbon atoms, in which one -CH2- in the alkyl group is replaced with -O- and one or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group are replaced with halogen atoms.

[0868] The halogenated alkoxy group may be a linear, branched, or cyclic halogenated alkoxy group, and is preferably a linear halogenated alkoxy group.

[0869] The halogenated alkoxy group preferably has 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0870] R 2a and R 2b Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (including substituted alkyl groups) in the formula (R 2a / b -1)~(R 2a / b -36).

[0871] [ka]

[0872] Formula (R 2a / b -1)~(R 2a / b -36), the black dots represent bonds to ring A, ring B, ring C or ring D.

[0873] R 2a and R 2b Examples of the halogen atom in include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

[0874] In the general formulae (2a) to (2c), ring A, ring B, ring C, and ring D each independently represent the following groups (a), (b), (c), and (d): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (in which one —CH— or two or more non-adjacent —CH— groups may be replaced by —O—), (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (in which one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups may be replaced by —N=). (c) A naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one -CH= or two or more non-adjacent -CH= groups in the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group may be replaced by -N=). (d) 1,4-cyclohexenylene group, 1,3-dioxane-trans-2,5-diyl group, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl group or pyridine-2,5-diyl group represents a group selected from the group consisting of:

[0875] One or more hydrogen atoms in the above groups (a), (b), (c) and (d) may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom, a cyano group or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0876] Examples of the halogen atom include a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and a fluorine atom, and a fluorine atom is preferred.

[0877] In general formulas (2a) to (2c), L 2a , L 2b and L 2ceach independently represents a single bond, -CH2-CH2-, -CH(CH3)-CH2-, -CH2-CH(CH3)-, -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-, -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -OCF2-, -CF2O-, -CH=CH-, -CH=CF-, -CF=CH-, -CF=CF-, -N=N-, -C≡C- or -CH=NN=CH-.

[0878] The number of types of compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formulas (2a) to (2c) used in the liquid crystal composition is preferably one or two or more.

[0879] The lower limit of the total content of the compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formulas (2a) to (2c) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0% by mass, more preferably 2.5% by mass, and even more preferably 5.0% by mass.

[0880] The upper limit of the total content of the compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formulas (2a) to (2c) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 30% by mass, more preferably 25% by mass, and even more preferably 20% by mass.

[0881] Specifically, the total content of the compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by general formulas (2a) to (2c) in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0 to 30% by mass, more preferably 2.5 to 25% by mass, and even more preferably 5.0 to 20% by mass.

[0882] The compounds represented by the general formulae (2a) to (2c) can be produced by known methods. (Liquid Crystal Composition) The polymerizable compound-containing liquid crystal composition according to the present invention can be produced, for example, by mixing the compound represented by the above-mentioned general formula (i), the compound represented by the above-mentioned general formula (ii), and, if necessary, the above-mentioned other compounds and additives.

[0883] The additives include stabilizers, dye compounds, and the like.

[0884] Examples of stabilizers include hydroquinones, hydroquinone monoalkyl ethers, tert-butylcatechols, pyrogallols, thiophenols, nitro compounds, β-naphthylamines, β-naphthols, nitroso compounds, hindered phenols, and hindered amines.

[0885] When stabilizers are used, the total content of the stabilizers in 100% by mass of the liquid crystal composition is preferably 0.005 to 1% by mass, more preferably 0.02 to 0.5% by mass, and even more preferably 0.03 to 0.1% by mass.

[0886] In the polymerizable compound-containing liquid crystal composition according to the present invention, general formula (i), general formulas (i-1) to (i-3), general formulas (i-1-a) to (i-1-f), general formulas (i-2-a) to (i-2-d), general formulas (i-3-a) to (i-3-b), structural formulas (i-1-a.1) to (i-1-a.3), structural formulas (i-1-b.1) to (i-1-b.3), structural formulas (i-1-c.1) to (i-1-c.3), structural formulas (i-1-d.1) to (i-1-d.3), (i-1-e.1) to (i-1-e.3), structural formulas Compounds represented by the structural formulae (i-1-f.1) to (i-1-f.3), structural formulae (i-2-a.1) to (i-2-a.3), structural formulae (i-2-b.1) to (i-2-b.3), structural formulae (i-2-c.1) to (i-2-c.3), structural formulae (i-2-d.1) to (i-2-d.3), structural formulae (i-3-a.1) to (i-3-a.3) or structural formulae (i-3-b.1) to (i-3-b.3) and compounds represented by the general formula (ii), general formulae (ii-1) to (ii-5), general formula (ii-1-a), general formulae (ii-2-a) to (i i-2-c), general formula (ii-3-a)~(ii-3-c), general formula (ii-4-a)~(ii-4-d), general formula (ii-5-a)~(ii-5-b), structural formula (ii-1-a.1)~(ii-1-a.4), structural formula (ii-2-a.1)~ (ii-2-a.5), Structural formula (ii-2-b.1)~(ii-2-b.3), Structural formula (ii-2-c.1)~(ii-2-c.3), Structural formula (ii-3-a.1)~(ii-3-a.4), Structural formula (ii-3-b.1)~(ii-3-b.3) From the viewpoint of improving Δn, the mass ratio of the compounds represented by structural formulae (ii-4-a.1) to (ii-4-a.3), structural formulae (ii-4-b.1) to (ii-4-b.3), structural formulae (ii-4-c.1) to (ii-4-c.3), structural formulae (ii-4-d.1) to (ii-4-d.3), structural formulae (ii-5-a.1) to (ii-5-a.4), or structural formulae (ii-5-b.1) to (ii-5-b.4) is preferably 1 / 99 to 50 / 50, and more preferably 3 / 97 to 35 / 65.

[0887] From the viewpoint of Δn, the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention preferably contains only the compound represented by general formula (i) and the compound represented by general formula (ii) as liquid crystal compounds.

[0888] More specifically, the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention is a compound represented by general formula (i), general formulas (i-1) to (i-3), general formulas (i-1-a) to (i-1-d), general formulas (i-3-a) to (i-3-b), general formulas (i-2-a) to (i-2-b), structural formulas (i-1-a.1) to (i-1-a.3), structural formulas (i-1-b.1) to (i-1-b.3), structural formulas (i-1-c.1) to (i-1-c.3), structural formulas (i-1-d.1) to (i-1-d.3), (i-1-e.1) to (i-1 -e.3), structural formulas (i-1-f.1) to (i-1-f.3), structural formulas (i-2-a.1) to (i-2-a.3), structural formulas (i-2-b.1) to (i-2-b.3), structural formulas (i-2-c.1) to (i-2-c.3), structural formulas (i-2-d.1) to (i-2-d.3), structural formulas (i-3-a.1) to (i-3-a.3) or structural formulas (i-3-b.1) to (i-3-b.3), and compounds represented by general formula (ii), general formulas (ii-1) to (ii-5), general formula (ii -1-a), general formula (ii-2-a)~(ii-2-c), general formula (ii-3-a)~(ii-3-c), general formula (ii-4-a)~(ii-4-d), general formula (ii-5-a)~(ii-5-b), structural formula (ii-1-a.1) ~(ii-1-a.4), Structural formula (ii-2-a.1)~(ii-2-a.5), Structural formula (ii-2-b.1)~(ii-2-b.3), Structural formula (ii-2-c.1)~(ii-2-c.3), Structural formula (ii-3-a.1)~(i It is preferred that the compound contains only compounds represented by structural formulae (ii-3-a.4), (ii-3-b.1) to (ii-3-b.3), (ii-4-a.1) to (ii-4-a.3), (ii-4-b.1) to (ii-4-b.3), (ii-4-c.1) to (ii-4-c.3), (ii-4-d.1) to (ii-4-d.3), (ii-5-a.1) to (ii-5-a.4), or (ii-5-b.1) to (ii-5-b.4).

[0889] Liquid crystal phase upper limit temperature (T ni ) is the temperature at which the liquid crystal composition undergoes a phase transition from a nematic phase to an isotropic phase.

[0890] The upper limit temperature of the liquid crystal phase (T ni ) is T ni The higher the temperature, the more likely it is that the nematic phase can be maintained even at high temperatures, and from the viewpoint of being able to take a wide operating temperature range, the temperature is preferably 135°C or higher, more preferably 137 to 200°C, and even more preferably 140 to 195°C.

[0891] Liquid crystal phase lower limit temperature (T →n ) is the temperature at which a liquid crystal composition undergoes a phase transition from another phase (glass, smectic phase, crystalline phase) to the nematic phase.

[0892] The liquid crystal phase lower limit temperature (T →n ) is T →n The lower the temperature, the more likely it is that the nematic phase can be maintained at a low temperature. Therefore, from the viewpoint of being able to take a wide operating temperature range, the temperature is preferably 10°C or less, more preferably -78 to 0°C, and even more preferably -40 to -5°C.

[0893] The Δn (refractive index anisotropy) of the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention at 25° C. and 589 nm is preferably 0.36 or more, more preferably 0.36 to 0.6, more preferably 0.37 to 0.55, and even more preferably 0.38 to 0.50.

[0894] The Δn in the visible light region correlates with the Δε in the tens of GHz band, and the higher the Δn, the greater the change in dielectric constant in the GHz band. Therefore, if the Δn of a liquid crystal composition at 589 nm is 0.36 or more, the change in dielectric constant in the GHz band can be made large, making it suitable as a liquid crystal composition for sensors or antennas.

[0895] Here, the relationship between the retardation Re, the thickness d (cell gap) of the liquid crystal layer, and Δn is expressed by the formula: Δn=Re / d, and in this specification, Δn is determined using a retardation measurement device.

[0896] More specifically, a sample of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is poured into a glass cell with a polyimide alignment film, and the in-plane retardation (phase difference Re) at a measurement temperature of 25°C and 589 nm is measured using a phase difference film / optical material inspection system RETS-100 (manufactured by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.).

[0897] The glass cell used has a cell gap of 3.0 μm between the glass substrates and parallel rubbing directions of the polyimide alignment films.

[0898] Alternatively, ne and no of the liquid crystal composition may be measured using an Abbe refractometer to calculate Δn. (Liquid crystal display elements, sensors, liquid crystal lenses, optical communication equipment and antennas) The liquid crystal display element, sensor, liquid crystal lens, optical communication device, and antenna using the liquid crystal composition according to the present invention will be described below.

[0899] The liquid crystal display element according to the present invention is characterized by using the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition, and is preferably driven by an active matrix system or a passive matrix system.

[0900] The liquid crystal display element according to the present invention is preferably a liquid crystal display element in which the dielectric constant is reversibly switched by reversibly changing the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal composition.

[0901] The sensor according to the present invention is characterized by using the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition, and examples of its embodiments include a distance measuring sensor that uses electromagnetic waves, visible light, or infrared light, an infrared sensor that uses temperature changes, a temperature sensor that uses a change in the wavelength of reflected light due to a change in the pitch of a cholesteric liquid crystal, a pressure sensor that uses a change in the wavelength of reflected light, an ultraviolet sensor that uses a change in the wavelength of reflected light due to a change in composition, an electric sensor that uses a temperature change due to voltage or current, a radiation sensor that uses a temperature change accompanying the track of a radiation particle, an ultrasonic sensor that uses a change in the alignment of liquid crystal molecules due to mechanical vibration of ultrasonic waves, and an electromagnetic field sensor that uses a change in the wavelength of reflected light due to a change in temperature or a change in the alignment of liquid crystal molecules due to an electric field.

[0902] The distance measurement sensor is preferably for LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) that uses a light source.

[0903] As the LiDAR, those for artificial satellites, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), automobiles, railways, and ships are preferred.

[0904] For automobiles, self-driving automobiles are particularly preferred.

[0905] The light source is preferably an LED or a laser, preferably a laser.

[0906] The light used in LiDAR is preferably infrared light, and the wavelength is preferably 800 to 2000 nm.

[0907] In particular, an infrared laser with a wavelength of 905 nm or 1550 nm is preferred.

[0908] When the cost of the photodetector to be used and sensitivity in all weather conditions are important, a 905 nm infrared laser is preferred, and when safety for human vision is important, a 1550 nm infrared laser is preferred.

[0909] The liquid crystal composition according to the present invention exhibits a high Δn, and therefore has a large phase modulation power in the visible light, infrared light and electromagnetic wave regions, and can provide a sensor with excellent detection sensitivity.

[0910] The liquid crystal lens according to the present invention is characterized by using the liquid crystal composition described above, and in one embodiment, the liquid crystal lens includes a first transparent electrode layer, a second transparent electrode layer, a liquid crystal layer containing the liquid crystal composition described above and disposed between the first transparent electrode layer and the second transparent electrode layer, an insulating layer disposed between the second transparent electrode layer and the liquid crystal layer, and a high-resistance layer disposed between the insulating layer and the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal lens according to the present invention is used, for example, as a 2D / 3D switching lens or a lens for adjusting the focus of a camera.

[0911] The optical communication device according to the present invention is characterized by using the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition, and one of its embodiments is, for example, LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) having a liquid crystal layer on a reflective layer (electrode), in which liquid crystals constituting each of a plurality of pixels are arranged two-dimensionally.

[0912] The optical communication device according to the present invention is used, for example, as a spatial phase modulator.

[0913] The antenna according to the present invention is characterized by using the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition.

[0914] More specifically, the antenna of the present invention comprises a first substrate having a plurality of slots, a second substrate facing the first substrate and having a power supply section, a first dielectric layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, a plurality of patch electrodes arranged corresponding to the plurality of slots, a third substrate on which the patch electrodes are provided, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the third substrate, wherein the liquid crystal layer contains the above-mentioned liquid crystal composition.

[0915] As a liquid crystal composition, by using a liquid crystal composition containing one or more compounds represented by general formula (ii) having an isothiocyanate group (-NCS) in combination with one or more compounds represented by general formula (i) having an indane structure or a tetralin structure and an isothiocyanate group (-NCS), an antenna having high Δn, a liquid crystal phase over a wide temperature range, and good room temperature stability can be provided that is highly reliable against external stimuli such as heat.

[0916] This makes it possible to provide an antenna that allows greater phase control for microwave or millimeter wave electromagnetic waves.

[0917] The antenna according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0918] As shown in Figure 1, an antenna assembly 11 consisting of four connected antenna units 1 is attached to the roof of a vehicle (automobile) 2. The antenna unit 1 is a planar antenna, and since it is attached to the roof, the antenna unit 1 is always pointed in the direction of the communication satellite. This allows for satellite communication in which both parties can send and receive signals.

[0919] In this specification, the term "antenna" includes the antenna unit 1 or an antenna assembly 11 in which a plurality of antenna units 1 are connected together.

[0920] The antenna according to the present invention preferably operates in the Ka band, K band or Ku band frequencies used for satellite communications.

[0921] Next, an example of an embodiment of the components of the antenna unit 1 is shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the antenna unit 1 shown in Fig. 1. Specifically, the antenna unit 1 has an antenna main body 10, a control plate 4 that controls the antenna main body 10, a case 3 that has a recess that can accommodate the antenna main body 10 and the control plate 4, and an upper cover 5 that seals the case 3.

[0922] The control board 4 is equipped with a transmitter and / or receiver. The transmitter has a mechanism for receiving information from a signal source, such as audio or image data, through an information source coding process (e.g., audio coding or image coding), error correction coding through a transmission path coding process, and then modulating and transmitting the information as radio waves. On the other hand, the receiver has a mechanism for modulating incoming radio waves, error correction through a transmission path decoding process, and then converting the received information into information such as audio or image data through an information source decoding process (e.g., audio decoding or image decoding). The control board 4 is also composed of a known microcomputer, such as a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and controls the overall operation of the antenna main body 1, the transmitter, and / or the receiver. The CPU or ROM of the control board 4 reads various pre-stored programs into the RAM and executes them to perform predetermined processing. The control board 4 has functions such as a memory unit that stores various setting information or control programs, a calculation unit that performs various calculations regarding the amount and direction of voltage to be applied to the liquid crystal layer in the antenna main body 1, various calculations regarding the transmission of radio waves, and / or various calculations in receiving radio waves, and a detection unit that detects received or transmitted radio waves or detects the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer.

[0923] In Figure 2, a hexagonal prism-shaped case 3 and top cover 5 are shown as an example of a case 3 that can accommodate a disk-shaped antenna body 1, but the case 3 and top cover 5 can be appropriately changed to a known shape such as a cylindrical shape, an octagonal prism shape, or a triangular prism shape depending on the shape of the antenna body 1.

[0924] The configuration of the antenna body 10 will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 10. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram in which the components of the antenna body 10 are exploded.

[0925] As shown in FIG. 3, the antenna main body 10 includes a slot array section 6 and a patch array section 7. The slot array section 6 has a plurality of slots (cutout sections) 8 formed on the surface of a disk-shaped conductor P, and a power feeding section 12 is provided inside the center of the slot array section 6. The patch array section 7 has, for example, a plurality of rectangular patches 9, each having a length L and a width W, formed on a disk body Q. The antenna main body 10 has the slot array section 6, which is a disk-shaped conductor P in which a plurality of slots 8 are formed, and the disk-shaped patch array section 7 in which a plurality of patches are formed, and has a structure in which the patch array section 7 and the slot array section 6 are bonded together so that the patches 9 are arranged opposite to each of the slots 8 formed on the surface of the disk-shaped conductor P.

[0926] The slot array unit 6 is an antenna unit that uses cutouts (hereinafter, slots 8) on the surface of a disk-shaped conductor P as radiating elements (or incident elements). The slot array unit 6 has slots 8 and a feeding unit 12 provided in the center of the disk-shaped conductor P. Generally, the slot array unit 6 has a mechanism for direct excitation at the tip of a transmission line or excitation via a cavity provided behind the slot. The slot array unit 6 can be used for feeding power from an antenna using a ground plane or a microstrip line to a patch antenna via the slot. FIG. 3 illustrates a radial line slot array as an example of the slot array unit 6, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0927] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the slot array section 6 in FIG. 3. The slot array section 6 will be described below with reference to FIG. 4. The slot array section 6 has a structure in which power is fed by a coaxial line provided in its center. Therefore, a feed section 12 is provided in the center of the slot array section 6 shown in FIG. 4. The slot array section 6 also has a plurality of sets of slots 8 (hereinafter referred to as "slot pairs") formed on the surface of a disk-shaped conductor P. Each slot pair 8 has a structure in which two rectangular cutouts are arranged in a V-shape. More specifically, two rectangular parallelepiped slots 8 are arranged orthogonally, and one slot of each slot pair 8 is arranged 1 / 4 wavelength apart from the other slot. This allows for the transmission and reception of circularly polarized waves with different rotation directions depending on the azimuth angle of the antenna.

[0928] In this specification, two slots 8 are referred to as a slot pair 8, one slot 8 is simply referred to as a slot 8, and a slot and a slot pair are collectively referred to as a slot (pair) 8.

[0929] A plurality of slot pairs 8 are formed in a spiral shape extending radially outward from the center of the disk-shaped conductive substrate P. The slot pairs 8 are formed on the surface of the disk-shaped substrate so that the distance between adjacent slot pairs 8 along the spiral is constant. This allows the electromagnetic fields to be reinforced with the same phase in front of the slot array section 6, forming a pencil beam in front.

[0930] 3 and 4 show an example of the shape of the slot 8 as a rectangular parallelepiped, but the shape of the slot 8 in the present invention is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped and can be any known shape such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon. Also, while FIGS. 3 and 4 show a slot pair as an example of the slot 8, the slot 8 in the present invention is not limited to a slot pair. Furthermore, while an example of a spiral arrangement of the slots 8 on the surface of the disc-shaped conductive substrate P is shown, the arrangement of the slots 8 is not limited to a spiral, and the slots 8 may be arranged in a concentric pattern, for example, as shown in FIG. 8 described below.

[0931] The power feeder 12 of the present invention has the function of receiving and / or emitting electromagnetic waves. The power feeder 12 of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a part that transmits high-frequency power generated by capturing radio waves with the patch 9, which is a radiating element or an incident element, to a receiver, or a part that connects the radiating element and a feeder line to supply high-frequency power, and any known power feeder or feeder line can be used. Figures 3 and 4 show a coaxial power feeder as an example.

[0932] 3, the patch array section 7 includes a disk Q having a plurality of rectangular patches 9 each having a length L and a width W, and a liquid crystal layer (not shown) filled between the disk Q and the slot array section 6. The patch array section 7 in this embodiment has a so-called microstrip antenna configuration, and is a resonator that resonates at a frequency where the length L corresponds to an integral multiple of 1 / 2 wavelength.

[0933] 3 shows a square patch 9 with a length L and a width W as an example of the patch 9, but the shape of the patch 9 is not limited to a rectangle and may be a circular patch 9. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a circular patch 9 as another embodiment of the present invention.

[0934] FIG. 5 is a top view of the antenna body 10 of the present invention, more specifically, when the antenna body 10 is viewed from the patch array section 7, and is a view in which the patches 9, the feed section 12, and the slot pairs 8 are projected perpendicularly onto the main surface of the disk body Q. Therefore, the patches 9, the feed section 12, and the slot pairs 8 are shown by dashed lines. Furthermore, when the shape of the patch 9 is circular, generally, TM 11It can be operated with an electromagnetic field distribution called a mode. As shown in Fig. 5, the projection of the patch 9 and the projection of the slot pair 8 overlap, so it can be understood that the patches 9 provided on the disk body Q are arranged facing each slot 8 formed on the surface of the disk-shaped conductor P. By utilizing this configuration in which each patch 9 is arranged corresponding to each slot 8, it is possible to feed power from the slot 8 to the patch 9 by an electromagnetic coupling feeding method, or to propagate incoming radio waves from the patch 9 to the slot 8. Therefore, it is possible to provide an antenna capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio waves.

[0935] Generally, methods for feeding a radiating element (e.g., patch 9) of a patch array unit 7 using a general transmission line such as a coaxial line or a planar transmission line are roughly divided into two types: a direct feeding method and an electromagnetic coupling feeding method. Therefore, the feeding method in the present invention can be classified into two types: a direct feeding method in which a transmission line is directly connected to a patch 9 (radiating element) to excite the radiating element, and an electromagnetic coupling feeding method in which the patch electrode (radiating element) is excited by an electromagnetic field generated around a feed line with an open or short-circuited end, without directly connecting the transmission line and the patch electrode (radiating element). In the present invention, the electromagnetic coupling feeding method is shown.

[0936] In this embodiment, the feed line of the (coaxial) feed unit 12 is open-ended, so that a current standing wave occurs where the end of the feed line coincides with a node. This generates a magnetic field surrounding the feed line ((coaxial) feed unit 12), and this magnetic field enters the slot 8, exciting the slot (pair) 8. The magnetic field generated by the excitation of the slot (pair) 8 then enters the patch 9, exciting the patch 9. Since the excitation strength is maximized when the magnetic field entering the slot 8 is maximized, it is preferable to form the slot (pair) 8 at a position where the magnetic field generated from the feed line ((coaxial) feed unit 12) is maximized (i.e., the antinode of the current standing wave).

[0937] A preferred embodiment of the antenna according to the present invention is a combination of a radial line slot array and a patch antenna array.

[0938] Next, an embodiment of the antenna body 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6, which is a cross-sectional view of the antenna body 10 shown in Fig. 5. It goes without saying that Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the antenna.

[0939] As shown in FIG. 6, the antenna main body 10 includes a disk-shaped second substrate 14, a disk-shaped first substrate 13 (corresponding to the disk-shaped conductor P; also referred to as a slot array substrate) having a plurality of slots (pairs) 8 formed radially outward from the center, a first dielectric layer 17 provided between the second substrate 14 and the first substrate 13, a power supply unit 12 provided at the center of the disk-shaped first substrate 13 and the disk-shaped second substrate 14, a disk-shaped third substrate 15 (corresponding to the disk body Q; also referred to as a patch substrate), a patch 9 (a radiating element or an incident element) attached to the third substrate 15, and a liquid crystal layer 16 provided between the third substrate 15 and the first substrate 13. The power supply unit 12 is electrically connected to a transmitter and / or a receiver provided on a control board via a power supply line 12a. Each patch 9 corresponds to each slot pair 8.

[0940] Here, "(respective) patches 9 correspond to (respective) slot pairs 8" means, as explained above in Fig. 5, that the projection plane of the patches 9 vertically projected onto the main surface of the second substrate 14 overlaps with the slot (pair) 8. In other words, the projection plane of the slots (pair) 8 vertically projected onto the main surface of the third substrate 15 overlaps with the patches 9.

[0941] Moreover, first substrate 13, second substrate 14, and third substrate 15 are preferably disks having the same area.

[0942] FIG. 6 shows how radio waves (indicated by arrows) fed by the (coaxial) feeding section 12 become cylindrical waves and propagate radially outward within the first dielectric layer 17, while being transmitted from the slot (pair) 8 to the liquid crystal layer 16. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, when the slot (pair) 8 is configured such that two orthogonal slots in a V-shape are arranged with a quarter wavelength offset, it can generate circularly polarized waves. As described above, by using the electromagnetic coupling feeding method, the slot (pair) 8 is excited, and the magnetic field generated from the slot (pair) 8 is incident on the patch 9, which in turn excites the patch 9. As a result, the patch 9 can emit radio waves with high directionality.

[0943] On the other hand, when receiving an incoming radio wave, according to the principle of reciprocity, the patch 9 receives the incoming radio wave, and then the incoming radio wave is propagated to the power supply unit 12 via the slot (pair) 8 located directly below the patch 9.

[0944] Unlike linearly polarized waves, circularly polarized waves are radio waves whose electric field direction rotates over time. They are classified into right-handed circularly polarized waves used in GPS or ETC, and left-handed circularly polarized waves used in satellite radio broadcasts, etc. The antenna of the present invention can receive either type of polarization.

[0945] Applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer 16 between the patches 9 and the first substrate 13 can change the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 16. As a result, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 16 changes, which changes the capacitance of the slots (pairs) 8, thereby controlling the reactance and resonant frequency of the slots (pairs) 8. In other words, controlling the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 16 can adjust the reactance and resonant frequency of the slots 8, thereby controlling the power supply to each patch 9 by adjusting the excitation of the slots (pairs) 8 and the patches 9. This makes it possible to adjust the radio waves radiated through the liquid crystal layer 16. For this reason, an applied voltage adjustment means, such as a TFT, for adjusting the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 16 may be provided. Furthermore, changing the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 16 changes the refractive index, which in turn shifts the phase of the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 16, thereby enabling phased array control as a comprehensive result.

[0946] The materials of the first substrate 13 and the second substrate 14 are not particularly limited as long as they are conductors such as copper. The material of the third substrate 15 is also not particularly limited, and known materials such as glass substrates, acrylic substrates, ceramics (alumina), silicon, glass cloth Teflon (registered trademark) (PTFE), etc. can be used depending on the application. The material of the first dielectric layer 17 can be selected from known materials according to the desired relative dielectric constant, and may be a vacuum. The material of the patch 9 is also not particularly limited as long as it is a conductor such as copper or silver.

[0947] Next, another embodiment of the antenna body 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the slot array section 6 of the antenna body 10 is different from the embodiment shown in Fig. 6.

[0948] 7, antenna main body 10 includes hollow first substrate 13 having a plurality of slots (pairs) 8 formed on one surface thereof, a disk-shaped second substrate 14, a first dielectric layer 17, and a power supply unit 12 housed inside hollow first substrate 13, a disk-shaped third substrate 15, a patch 9 attached to third substrate 15, and a liquid crystal layer 16 provided between third substrate 15 and first substrate 13. Power supply unit 12 is provided between the other surface of first substrate 13, on which the plurality of slots (pairs) 8 are not formed, and second substrate 14, and is provided in the center of first substrate 13 and disk-shaped second substrate 14. Power supply unit 12 is electrically connected to a transmitter and / or receiver provided on a control board via power supply line 12a. Each patch 9 corresponds to each slot pair 8. In addition, in FIG. 7, both side surfaces of first substrate 13 of the hollow body protrude outward from the hollow body, and specifically have surfaces inclined at 45° with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0949] As shown in Fig. 7, radio waves (indicated by arrows) fed by (coaxial) feeder 12 become cylindrical waves and propagate radially outward within first dielectric layer 17. The propagated cylindrical waves are then reflected by both side surfaces of hollow body first substrate 13, and the cylindrical waves that have traveled around second substrate 14 are converted into traveling waves (indicated by arrows) that travel from the outer periphery of disk-shaped first substrate 13 toward the center, and then propagate within first dielectric layer 17. At this time, the traveling waves are transmitted from slots (pairs) 8 to liquid crystal layer 16. As a result, patch 9 is excited in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, enabling highly directional radio waves to be emitted.

[0950] On the other hand, when receiving an incoming radio wave, the patch 9 receives the incoming radio wave, and then the incoming radio wave propagates to the power supply unit 12 via the slot (pair) 8 provided directly below the patch 9.

[0951] Next, another embodiment of the antenna body 10 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. In the embodiment of the antenna body 10 shown in Figures 5 to 7 above, the configuration of the antenna body 10 in which the liquid crystal layer 16 is uniformly provided between the first substrate 13 and the third substrate 15 has been described. On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 10, the configuration of the antenna body 10 in which the liquid crystal layer 16 is filled in the spaces (hereinafter, sealed areas 20) in which the patches 9 and the slots 8 are respectively arranged will be described.

[0952] FIG. 8 is a top view showing an example of an embodiment of an antenna body 10 according to the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 8 shows the antenna body 10 as viewed from the patch array unit 7, with the patches 9, the feeder 12, and the slots 8 projected perpendicularly onto the main surface of the disk body Q. Therefore, as in FIG. 5, the patches 9, the feeder 12, and the slots 8 are indicated by dashed lines. In FIG. 8, a square patch 9 and one rectangular parallelepiped slot 8 are arranged corresponding to each sealed region 20. As shown in FIG. 8, the projection of the patch 9 and the projection of the slot 8 overlap, so that the slot 8 is formed directly below the patch 9. As a result, the embodiment of the antenna body 10 shown in FIG. 8 can feed power from the slot 8 to the patch 9 or propagate incoming radio waves from the patch 9 to the slot 8 using an electromagnetic coupling feeding method. Therefore, an antenna capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio waves can be provided.

[0953] 8, in this embodiment, the patches 9 and slots 8 are concentrically arranged from the center of the disk body Q toward the outer periphery of the disk body Q. Therefore, a conical beam is emitted by coaxial mode feeding, and the electromagnetic fields are aligned in phase in front of the disk body Q and can reinforce each other.

[0954] Next, an embodiment of the antenna body 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 9, which is a cross-sectional view of the antenna body 10 shown in Fig. 8. It goes without saying that Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the antenna.

[0955] 9, the antenna main body 10 includes a disk-shaped second substrate 14, a disk-shaped first substrate 13 having a plurality of slots 8 formed concentrically from the center outward in the radial direction, a buffer layer 22 provided on the surface of the first substrate 13 facing the second substrate 14, a first dielectric layer 17 provided between the buffer layer 22 and the second substrate 14, a feed unit 12 provided at the center of the disk-shaped first substrate 13 and the disk-shaped second substrate 14 and in contact with the first dielectric layer 17, a disk-shaped third substrate 15, patches 9 (radiating elements or incident elements) attached to the third substrate 15, and a liquid crystal layer 16 separated by a sealing wall 24 between the third substrate 15 and the first substrate 13 and filled in a plurality of sealed regions 20 in which the patches 9 are provided so as to be in contact with the patches 9. The feed unit 12 is electrically connected to a transmitter and / or a receiver provided on a control board via a feed line 12a. Each patch 9 corresponds to each slot 8, and each sealing area 20 contains at least one patch 9, at least one slot 8, and a liquid crystal layer 16, and each of the multiple sealing areas 20 is isolated via sealing walls 21, 23, and 24.

[0956] Although not shown in FIG. 9 , a TFT (thin film transistor) for controlling the voltage of the liquid crystal layer 16 may be provided, for example, on the first substrate 13, in each sealed region 20, if necessary. This allows the application of voltage to the liquid crystal layer 16 to be controlled in an active manner. Furthermore, an alignment film may be provided, if necessary, in each sealed region 20 to fix the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules constituting the liquid crystal layer 16. As the alignment film, a homeotropic alignment film that facilitates vertical alignment of the liquid crystal molecules or a homogeneous alignment film that facilitates horizontal alignment of the liquid crystal molecules may be provided between the first substrate 13 and the liquid crystal layer 16. Examples of such an alignment film include a polyimide alignment film and a photo-alignment film.

[0957] Next, the sealed area 20 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10, which is a cross-sectional view of the antenna body 10 taken along line BB shown in Fig. 8. It goes without saying that Fig. 10 is a schematic view showing the sealed area 20.

[0958] As shown in Figure 10, the sealed area 20 is a sealed space surrounded on all four sides by a sealing wall 24, a buffer layer 22, a first substrate 13, and a third substrate 15, and inside the sealed area 20, at least one patch 9 and at least one slot 8 are arranged facing each other within the same sealed space, and a liquid crystal layer 16 is filled in.

[0959] In this embodiment, the sealing wall 24 may be made of a known insulator, etc. The buffer layer 22 may be made of a known dielectric material, etc.

[0960] Although not shown in FIG. 10 , TFTs (thin film transistors) for controlling the voltage across the liquid crystal layer 16 may be provided within the sealed region 20, for example, on the first substrate 13. This allows the application of voltage across the liquid crystal layer 16 to be controlled by an active method. More detailed descriptions of the active driving method include a method in which the patch 9 is used as a common electrode and the first substrate 13 is used as a pixel electrode, and the voltage between the patch 9 and the first substrate 13 is controlled by TFTs formed on the first substrate 13 to control the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 16; a method in which the first substrate 13 is used as a pixel electrode, and an electrode layer and TFTs are formed on the first substrate 13 to control the voltage between the patch 9 and the first substrate 13 to control the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 16; or a method in which comb-shaped electrodes and TFTs are provided on the first substrate 13, and the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 16 is controlled by the TFTs. Note that the method for controlling the application of voltage across the liquid crystal layer 16 by an active method is not limited to the above methods.

[0961] In this case, an alignment film may be provided in each sealed region 20 to fix the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules constituting the liquid crystal layer 16. As the alignment film, a homeotropic alignment film that facilitates vertical alignment of the liquid crystal molecules or a homogeneous alignment film that facilitates horizontal alignment of the liquid crystal molecules may be provided between the first substrate 13 and the liquid crystal layer 16.

[0962] To tune the liquid crystal layer 16, the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 16 between the patch 9 and the first substrate 13 may be modulated. For example, as described above, the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 16 can be actively controlled to change the capacitance of the slot 8, thereby controlling the reactance and resonant frequency of the slot 8. The resonant frequency of the slot 8 correlates with the energy radiated from the radio waves propagating through the line. Therefore, by adjusting the resonant frequency of the slot 8, the slot 8 can be prevented from substantially coupling with the cylindrical wave energy from the power supply 12, or can couple with the cylindrical wave energy and radiate it into free space. Such control of the reactance and resonant frequency of the slot 8 can be performed for each of the multiple sealed regions 20. In other words, by controlling the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 16, the power supply to the patch 9 in each sealed region 20 can be controlled by the TFT. Therefore, it is possible to control which patches 9 transmit radio waves and which do not, thereby adjusting the transmission and reception of radio waves radiated through the liquid crystal layer 16. [Example]

[0963] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples in any way.

[0964] The compositions of the following Examples and Comparative Examples contained each compound in the proportions shown in the table, and the contents were expressed as "% by mass."

[0965] The compounds are described using the following abbreviations: Compounds that can take either cis or trans forms are represented as trans forms unless otherwise specified.

[0966] <Ring structure>

[0967] [ka]

[0968] <Terminal structure>

[0969] [Table 1]

[0970] (However, n in the table is a natural number.) <Connection structure>

[0971] [Table 2]

[0972] (However, n in the table is a natural number.) <Physical properties> T ni (°C): The temperature at which the liquid crystal composition transitions from a nematic phase to an isotropic phase (upper limit temperature) T →n (°C): The temperature at which the liquid crystal composition transitions from another phase to a nematic phase (lower limit temperature) Δn: refractive index anisotropy of the liquid crystal composition at 25°C and 589 nm Δε: Dielectric anisotropy of the liquid crystal composition at 25°C and 1 kHz Room temperature stability: 0.5 g of the liquid crystal composition was weighed into a 1 mL sample bottle (manufactured by Maruemu Co., Ltd.), and the bottle was capped with the provided lid. This was stored in a temperature-controlled thermostatic chamber (manufactured by Espec Corp., SH-241) at 25°C for 336 hours, and the occurrence of precipitates from the liquid crystal composition was visually confirmed every 24 hours. V th : Threshold voltage of liquid crystal composition measured at 25°C using an 8.3 μm gap TN cell (Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Example 1) Liquid crystal compositions of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Example 1 were prepared and their physical properties were measured. The results are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0973] [Table 3]

[0974] [Table 4]

[0975] From Examples 1 to 9, it can be seen that the liquid crystal composition containing one or more compounds represented by general formula (ii) having an isothiocyanate group (-NCS) has a T ni was 135° C. or higher and Δn was 0.36 or higher, it was found that the liquid crystal phase had a wide temperature range and had a high refractive index anisotropy (Δn).

[0976] The stability at room temperature was also good.

[0977] On the other hand, from Comparative Example 1, the liquid crystal composition that did not use a combination of an indane structure or a tetralin structure and a compound represented by general formula (i) having an isothiocyanate group (-NCS) had good stability at room temperature, but ni The temperature range of the liquid crystal phase and the refractive index anisotropy (Δn) were both poor, since the temperature was less than 135° C. and Δn was less than 0.36.

[0978] (Examples 10 to 11) The liquid crystal compositions of Examples 10 and 11 were prepared and their physical properties were measured, and the same effects were confirmed. The results are shown in Table 5.

[0979] [Table 5] [Industrial Applicability]

[0980] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention can be used in liquid crystal display devices, sensors, liquid crystal lenses, optical communication devices and antennas. [Explanation of symbols]

[0981] 1: Antenna unit 2: Vehicle 3: Case 4: Control panel 5: Upper lid 6: Slot array section 7: Patch array section 8: Slot 9: Patch 10: Antenna body 11: Antenna assembly 12: Power supply unit 12a: Power line 13: First board 14: Second board 15: Third board 16: Liquid crystal layer 17: First dielectric layer 20: Sealed area 21, 23, 24: Seal wall 22: Buffer layer P: conductor Q: Disk

Claims

1. The following general formula (i) 【Chemistry 1】 (In general formula (i), R i1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, A i1 is represented by the following formulae (A i1 -1), (A i1 -SP-1) and (A i1 -SP-2): 【Chemistry 2】 (In the formulae (A i1 -1), (A i1 -SP-1) and (A i1 -SP-2), The white dot represents a bond to Z i1 ; The black dots represent bonds to Z i2 .) represents a group selected from the group consisting of groups represented by A i2 is represented by the following formulas (A i2 -1), (A i2 -SP-1) and (A i2 -SP-2): 【Transformation 3】 (In the formulae (A i2 -1), (A i2 -SP-1) and (A i2 -SP-2), The white dot represents a bond to Z i2 , The black dots represent bonds to the isothiocyanate group (-NCS). represents a group selected from the group consisting of groups represented by Substituent S i1 represents a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, Substituent S i1 When there are a plurality of L, they may be the same or different; i1 and L i2 represents a fluorine atom, Z i1 and Z i2 each independently represents a single bond or —C≡C—; m i1 represents the integer 1, n i1 represents the integer 1.) and one or more compounds represented by the formula: The following general formula (ii): 【Chemistry 4】 (In general formula (ii), R ii1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, A ii1 is represented by the following formulae (A ii1 -1), (A ii1 -2), (A ii1 -SP-1), (A ii1 -SP-2), (A ii1 -SP-3) and (A ii1 -SP-4). 【Transformation 5】 (In the formulae (A ii1 -1), (A ii1 -2), (A ii1 -SP-1), (A ii1 -SP-2), (A ii1 -SP-3) and (A ii1 -SP-4), The white dot represents a bond to R ii1 or Z ii1 ; The black dots represent bonds to Z ii1 .) represents a group selected from the group consisting of groups represented by A ii2 is represented by the following formulae (A ii2 -1), (A ii2 -SP-1) and (A ii1 -SP-5): 【Transformation 6】 (In formulas (A ii2 -1), (A ii2 -SP-1) and (A ii1 -SP-5), The white dot represents a bond to Z ii1 ; The black dots represent bonds to the isothiocyanate group (-NCS). represents a group selected from the group consisting of groups represented by Substituent S ii1 represents a halogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, Substituent S ii1 When there are multiple, they may be the same or different, Z ii1 represents either a single bond or —C≡C—, n ii1 represents an integer of 1 to 2, A ii1 and Z ii1 When there are multiple, they may be the same or different.) and one or more compounds represented by A liquid crystal composition comprising:

2. The compound represented by the general formula (i) is represented by the following general formulas (i-1) to (i-2): 【Transformation 7】 (In general formulas (i-1) to (i-2), R i1 , A i1 , A i2 , Z i1 , L i1 and L i2 represents R in the above general formula (i). i1 , A i1 , A i2 , Z i1 , L i1 and L i2 and have the same meaning.) 2. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the compound is represented by the formula:

3. The compound represented by the general formula (ii) is represented by the following general formulas (ii-1) to (ii-5): 【Transformation 8】 (In general formulas (ii-1) to (ii-5), R ii1 , A ii1 and A ii2 represents R in the above general formula (ii). ii1 , A ii1 and A ii2 and each mean the same thing, In general formulas (ii-3) to (ii-5), A ii1-2 The definition of A in the above general formula (ii) ii1 (This is the same as the definition of 3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the formula:

4. Furthermore, the compound represented by the following general formula (iii): 【Chemistry 9】 (In general formula (iii), R iii1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, One or more —CH 2 - may be independently substituted by -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-; One or more —CH 2 -CH 2 - may be independently replaced by -CH=CH-, -CO-O-, -O-CO- and / or -C≡C-; One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may be independently substituted with a halogen atom, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, A iii1 , A iii2 and A iii3 are each independently the following groups (a), (b), (c), and (d): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (one —CH 2 - or two or more non-adjacent -CH 2 - may be replaced by -O- and / or -S-.) (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (in which one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups may be replaced by —N=). (c) a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups in the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group may be replaced by —N=). (d) a thiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-3,7-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, or a thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,5-diyl group (one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups in this group may be replaced by —N=). represents a group selected from the group consisting of The above A iii1 , A iii2 and A iii3 One or more hydrogen atoms in each independently represent a substituent S iii1 and optionally substituted by Substituent S iii1 represents a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, One or more —CH 2 - may be independently substituted by -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-; One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may be independently substituted with a halogen atom, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, Substituent S iii1 When there are multiple, they may be the same or different, n iii1 represents an integer of 1 to 2, A iii1 When there are multiple, they may be the same or different.) 4. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, comprising one or more compounds represented by the following formula:

5. Furthermore, the compound represented by the following general formula (iv): 【Chemistry 10】 (In general formula (iv), R iv1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, One or more —CH 2 - may be independently substituted by -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-; One or more —CH 2 -CH 2 - may be substituted by -CH=CH-, -CO-O-, -O-CO- and / or -C≡C-; One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may be independently substituted with a halogen atom, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, A iv1 and A iv2 are each independently the following groups (a), (b), (c), and (d): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (one —CH 2 - or two or more non-adjacent -CH 2 - may be replaced by -O- and / or -S-.) (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (in which one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups may be replaced by —N=). (c) a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups in the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group may be replaced by —N=). (d) a thiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-3,7-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, or a thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,5-diyl group (one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups in this group may be replaced by —N=). represents a group selected from the group consisting of A iv1 and A iv2 One or more hydrogen atoms in each independently represent a substituent S iv1 and optionally substituted by Substituent S iv1 represents a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, One or more —CH 2 - may be independently substituted by -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-; One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may be independently substituted with a halogen atom, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, Substituent S iv1 When there are multiple, they may be the same or different, n iv1 represents an integer of 1 to 2, A iv1 When there are multiple, they may be the same or different.) 5. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, comprising one or more compounds represented by the following formula:

6. Furthermore, the following general formula (v) 【Chemistry 11】 (In general formula (v), R v1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, One or more —CH 2 - may be independently substituted by -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-; One or more —CH 2 -CH 2 - may be independently replaced by -CH=CH-, -CO-O-, -O-CO- and / or -C≡C-; One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may be independently substituted with a halogen atom, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, A v1 and A v2 are each independently the following groups (a), (b), (c), and (d): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (one —CH 2 - or two or more non-adjacent -CH 2 - may be replaced by -O- and / or -S-.) (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (in which one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups may be replaced by —N=). (c) a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups in the naphthalene-2,6-diyl group or the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group may be replaced by —N=). (d) a thiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,5-diyl group, a benzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-3,7-diyl group, a dibenzothiophene-2,6-diyl group, or a thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-2,5-diyl group (one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups in this group may be replaced by —N=). represents a group selected from the group consisting of The above A v1 and A v2 One or more hydrogen atoms in each independently represent a substituent S v1 and optionally substituted by Substituent S v1 represents a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; One or more —CH 2 - may be independently substituted by -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-; One or more hydrogen atoms present in the alkyl group may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, Substituent S v1 When there are multiple, they may be the same or different, Z v1 represents a single bond, —C≡C—, —CH═CH—, or —CF═CF—, Z v1 at least one of represents —C≡C—; n v1 represents an integer of 1 to 2, A v1 and Z v1 When there are multiple, they may be the same or different.) 6. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, comprising one or more compounds represented by the following formula:

7. Furthermore, the following general formula (vi) 【Chemistry 12】 (In general formula (vi), R vi1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, One or more —CH 2 - may be independently substituted by -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-; One or more —CH 2 -CH 2 - may be each independently substituted by -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF- and / or -C≡C-, One or more —CH 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 - may each independently be substituted by -O-CO-O-; One or more —CH 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 - may be independently replaced by -CH=CH-CO-O-, -CH=CH-O-CO-, -CO-O-CH=CH- or -O-CO-CH=CH-, One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may be independently substituted with a halogen atom, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, R vi2 represents any one of a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a pentafluorosulfanyl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an isocyano group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, a methylamino group, a dimethylamino group, a diethylamino group, a diisopropylamino group, a trimethylsilyl group, a dimethylsilyl group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, One or more —CH 2 - may be independently substituted by -O-, -S-, -CO- and / or -CS-; One or more —CH 2 -CH 2 - may be each independently substituted by -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH-, -NH-CO-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF- and / or -C≡C-, One or more —CH 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 - may each independently be substituted by -O-CO-O-; One or more —CH 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 - may be independently replaced by -CH=CH-CO-O-, -CH=CH-O-CO-, -CO-O-CH=CH- or -O-CO-CH=CH-, One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may be independently substituted with a halogen atom, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, A vi1 , A vi2 and A vi3 each independently represents a hydrocarbon ring having 3 to 16 carbon atoms or a heterocycle having 3 to 16 carbon atoms; The above A vi1 , A vi2 and A vi3 One or more hydrogen atoms in each independently represent a substituent S vi1 and optionally substituted by Substituent S vi1 represents any one of a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a pentafluorosulfanyl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an isocyano group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, a methylamino group, a dimethylamino group, a diethylamino group, a diisopropylamino group, a trimethylsilyl group, a dimethylsilyl group, a thioisocyano group, and an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; One or more —CH in the alkyl group 2 - may be independently substituted by -O-, -S- and / or -CO-; One or more —CH in the alkyl group 2 -CH 2 - may be each independently substituted by -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -C≡C-, -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CO-S-, -S-CO-, -CO-NH- and / or -NH-CO-; One or more —CH in the alkyl group 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 - may be replaced by -O-CO-O-, One or more —CH in the alkyl group 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 - may be independently replaced by -CH=CH-CO-O-, -CH=CH-O-CO-, -CO-O-CH=CH- and / or -O-CO-CH=CH-; One or more hydrogen atoms in the alkyl group may be independently substituted with a halogen atom, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, Substituent S vi1 When there are multiple, they may be the same or different, Z vi1 each independently represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, One or more —CH 2 - is independently -O-, -CF 2 may be substituted with - and / or -CO-, One or more —CH 2 -CH 2 Each - is independently -CH 2 -CH(CH 3 ) -, -CH(CH 3 )-CH 2 -, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -CH=C(CH 3 ) -, -C(CH 3 )═CH—, —CH═N—, —N═CH—, —N═N—, —C≡C—, —CO—O— and / or —O—CO—, One or more —CH 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 Each - may be independently replaced by -CH=N-N=CH-, Oxygen atoms do not bond directly to each other, n vi1 represents an integer from 1 to 3, A vi1 and Z vi1 When there are multiple, they may be the same or different.) 7. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, comprising one or more compounds represented by the following formula:

8. Furthermore, the following general formula (vii) 【Chemistry 13】 (In the above general formula (vii), R vii1 and R vii2 each independently represents a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, or an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms; One or two or more non-adjacent —CH 2 - may each independently be replaced by -CH=CH-, -C≡C-, -O-, -CO-, -CO-O- or -O-CO-; Also, R vii1 and R vii2 One or more hydrogen atoms present in may be independently substituted with a fluorine atom, R vii1 and R vii2 do not both represent a group selected from a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, and a cyano group, Z vii1 , Z vii2 and Z vii3 are each independently a single bond, —O—CH 2 -, -CH 2 —O—, —CH 2 -CH 2 -, -CH 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 -CH 2 -, -CO-O-, -O-CO-, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -CF 2 —O—, —O—CF 2 -, -CF 2 -CF 2 - or -C≡C-, A vii1 , A vii2 , A vii3 , A vii4 , A vii5 and A vii6 are each independently the following group (a), group (b), and group (c): (a) a 1,4-cyclohexylene group (one —CH 2 - or two or more non-adjacent -CH 2 - may be replaced with -O-.) (b) a 1,4-phenylene group (in which one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups may be replaced by —N=), and (c) a naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, a naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or a decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group (one —CH= or two or more non-adjacent —CH= groups in the naphthalene-1,4-diyl group, naphthalene-2,6-diyl group, or 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl group may be replaced by —N=). represents a group selected from the group consisting of one or more hydrogen atoms in the above groups (a), (b), and (c) may each independently be substituted with a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; m vii1 , m vii2 and m vii3 each independently represents 0 or 1, m vii1 +m vii2 +m vii3 represents 0 or 1.) 8. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, comprising one or more compounds represented by the following formula:

9. 9. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein Δn at 25° C. and 589 nm is 0.36 or more.

10. A liquid crystal display device using the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. 11. The liquid crystal display element according to claim 10, which is driven by an active matrix method or a passive matrix method.

12. 10. A liquid crystal display device in which the dielectric constant is reversibly switched by reversibly changing the alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal composition according to claim 1.

13. A sensor using the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

14. A liquid crystal lens using the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

15. An optical communication device using the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

16. An antenna using the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

17. 17. The antenna of claim 16, a first substrate having a plurality of slots; a second substrate facing the first substrate and provided with a power supply unit; a first dielectric layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate; a plurality of patch electrodes arranged corresponding to the plurality of slots; a third substrate on which the patch electrode is provided; a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the third substrate; An antenna, wherein the liquid crystal layer contains the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Tetrahydronaphthalene derivative

    JP2001010991A

  • Liquid crystal medium and high-frequency component comprising the same

    JP2016037607A

  • Liquid crystal element used for controlling phase of electromagnetic signals

    JP2020177237A