Compound, composition, cured product, optically anisotropic body, optical element, and optical guide element

Abstract

The present invention provides a compound capable of forming an optically anisotropic layer having a large refractive index anisotropy Δn 550 at a wavelength of 550 nm. The compound of the present invention is represented by formula (I).

Description

Compound, composition, cured product, optical anisotropic body, optical element, light guide element

[0001] The present invention relates to a compound, a composition, a cured product, an optically anisotropic body, an optical element, and a light guide element.

[0002] Polarized light is used in many optical devices and optical systems. Accordingly, development of optical elements that control the direction of light, such as focusing and divergence, by utilizing the reflection, refraction, or diffraction of polarized light is underway. These optical elements are used in various optical devices, such as VR (Virtual Reality) glasses that provide a high level of immersion, AR (Augmented Reality) glasses that display virtual images and various information superimposed on the actual scene, MR (Mixed Reality) glasses, head-mounted displays (HMDs), head-up displays (HUDs), projectors, beam steering, and sensors for detecting objects and measuring the distance to objects. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a compound used in an optical compensation sheet.

[0003] JP 2010-085455 A

[0004] The present inventors have found that the refractive index anisotropy Δn at a wavelength of 550 nm of an optically anisotropic layer obtained using the compound described in Patent Document 1 ５５０ It was found that the difference was small and needed to be improved.

[0005] Therefore, in the present invention, the refractive index anisotropy Δn ５５０ Another object of the present invention is to provide a composition, a cured product, an optically anisotropic body, an optical element, and a light guide element.

[0006] As a result of extensive research into achieving the above object, the present inventors have found that the above object can be achieved by the following configuration.

[0007] [1] A compound represented by formula (I) described later. [2] The compound according to [1], in which B represents an m-valent aromatic ring group optionally having the above-mentioned substituent L. [3] The compound according to [1] or [2], in which B represents a group represented by formula (B1) described later or a group represented by formula (B2) described later. [4] The compound according to any one of [1] to [3], in which n2 represents 1. [5] Y is -O-, -S-, -NH-, -O-CH ２ --, --O-CH ２ CH ２ -, -O-CO-O-, -COO-CH ２ [6] The compound according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein Z represents -, an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a group formed by combining these. １ and Z ３ are each independently —CH ２ CH ２ -or-OCH ２ [7] The compound according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein n1 and n3 represent 0. [8] The compound according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein Sp represents an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -COO-, or a group formed by combining these. [9] A １ ~A ４each independently represent a phenylene group optionally having the substituent L.

[10] The compound according to any one of [1] to [9], which has liquid crystallinity.

[11] The compound according to any one of [1] to

[10] , in which Re0, Re1, Re2, Re3, and Re4 are measured by Method A described below, and the values ​​gradually increase from Re0 to Re4.

[12] A composition comprising the compound according to any one of [1] to

[11] .

[13] A composition comprising the compound according to any one of [1] to

[11] and a liquid crystal compound.

[14] The composition according to

[12] or

[13] , which further comprises a polymerization initiator.

[15] The composition according to any one of

[12] to

[14] , which further comprises a chiral agent.

[16] The composition according to any one of

[12] to

[15] , which has liquid crystallinity.

[17] The composition according to any one of

[12] to

[16] , which is used for forming an optically anisotropic layer.

[18] A cured product obtained by curing the composition according to any one of

[12] to

[17] .

[19] An optically anisotropic body obtained by curing the composition according to any one of

[12] to

[17] .

[20] An optical element having an optically anisotropic layer formed using the composition according to any one of

[12] to

[17] , wherein the optically anisotropic layer has an orientation pattern in which the direction of the optical axis derived from the compound contained in the composition changes while continuously rotating along at least one direction in the plane of the optically anisotropic layer.

[21] A light guide element comprising the optical element according to

[20] and a light guide plate.

[0008] According to the present invention, the refractive index anisotropy Δn at a wavelength of 550 nm ５５０ The present invention also provides a composition, a cured product, an optically anisotropic body, an optical element, and a light guide element.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually showing an example of an optical element of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the optical element shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating another example of the optical element of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of an exposure apparatus that exposes the alignment film of the diffraction element shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually illustrating another example of the optically anisotropic layer of the optical element of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of an exposure apparatus that exposes the alignment film that forms the optically anisotropic layer shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually illustrating AR glass that uses a light-guiding element of the present invention that is equipped with the optical element shown in FIG. 1.

[0010] The present invention will be described in detail below. The following description of the components may be based on representative embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments.

[0011] In this specification, a numerical range expressed using "to" means a range that includes the numerical values ​​written before and after "to" as the lower and upper limits. In this specification, each component may use one substance corresponding to the component alone or two or more substances. When two or more substances are used in combination for each component, the content of the component means the total content of the substances used in combination, unless otherwise specified. In this specification, "(meth)acrylate" means "one or both of acrylate and methacrylate." The bonding direction of a divalent group expressed in this specification is not limited unless otherwise specified. For example, when Y is -COO- in a compound represented by "X-Y-Z," Y may be -CO-O- or -O-CO-. In addition, the above compound may be "X-CO-O-Z" or "X-O-CO-Z."

[0012] In this specification, Re(λ) and Rth(λ) represent the in-plane retardation and the thickness direction retardation, respectively, at a wavelength λ. Unless otherwise specified, the wavelength λ is 550 nm. In this specification, Re(λ) and Rth(λ) are values ​​measured at a wavelength λ using an AxoScan OPMF-1 (manufactured by Optoscience). Specifically, by inputting the average refractive index ((nx + ny + nz) / 3) and film thickness (d (nm)) into the AxoScan OPMF-1, the following slow axis direction (°) is calculated: Re(λ) = R0(λ) Rth(λ) = ((nx + ny) / 2 - nz) × d. Note that R0(λ) is displayed as a numerical value calculated by the AxoScan OPMF-1, but it refers to Re(λ).

[0013] [Compound represented by formula (I)] The compound of the present invention is a compound represented by formula (I) (hereinafter also referred to as "specific compound"). As described above, the specific compound has a refractive index anisotropy Δn at a wavelength of 550 nm. ５５０ (Hereinafter, simply "Δn ５５０ "). The reason for this has not yet been clarified in detail, but the present inventors speculate that it is due to the following reason. That is, the specific compound is a compound having three or four groups with a group represented by B as the central nucleus, and each structural site of the groups is specified. By using such a specific compound, it is possible to form an optically anisotropic layer with a large Δn ５５０ For example, one example of the characteristic features of the specific compound is that at least one of n4 represents 1, and when B represents an m-valent aromatic ring group which may have a substituent L or an m-valent alicyclic group which may have a substituent L, at least one of Y represents A ４ and B represents a group in which the number of atoms on the bond connecting A and B at the shortest distance is odd.

[0014]

[0015] In formula (I), P represents a hydrogen atom, —CN, —NCS, or a polymerizable group. However, multiple Ps may be the same or different. Examples of the polymerizable group include polymerizable groups capable of radical polymerization or cation polymerization. Preferred radical polymerizable groups are acryloyloxy groups or methacryloyloxy groups, and from the viewpoint of improving productivity, acryloyloxy groups are more preferred. Examples of the cationically polymerizable group include alicyclic ether groups, cyclic acetal groups, cyclic lactone groups, cyclic thioether groups, spiro orthoester groups, vinyloxy groups, and groups containing these groups. Preferred are cyclic ether groups or vinyloxy groups, and more preferred are epoxy groups, oxetanyl groups, or vinyloxy groups. Furthermore, preferred polymerizable groups are polymerizable groups represented by any of formulas (P-1) to (P-21). In the following formulae, * represents a bonding position, Me represents a methyl group, and Et represents an ethyl group.

[0016]

[0017] For reasons of improving the durability of the optical element to be produced, it is preferable that at least one of the multiple P's represents a polymerizable group, it is more preferable that at least two of the multiple P's represent polymerizable groups, and it is even more preferable that all of the multiple P's are polymerizable groups.

[0018] In formula (I), Sp represents a single bond or a divalent linking group having neither an aromatic ring nor an alicyclic ring. However, multiple Sp may be the same or different. The divalent linking group having neither an aromatic ring nor an alicyclic ring is a divalent linking group having neither an aromatic ring nor an alicyclic ring. In addition, it is preferable that the divalent linking group does not have a ring structure. The aromatic ring may be either an aromatic hydrocarbon ring or an aromatic heterocyclic ring. In addition, the alicyclic ring may be either an aliphatic hydrocarbon ring or an aliphatic heterocyclic ring. Examples of the aromatic ring and the alicyclic ring include, for example, the rings of A described below. １ ~A ４Examples of the divalent linking group having neither an aromatic ring nor an alicyclic ring include an alkylene group (preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms), an alkenylene group (preferably an alkenylene group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms), —O—, —S—, —NR—, —CO—, —SO—, and —SO ２ -, -COO-, -OCO-, -CO-S-, -O-CO-O-, or a group combining these is preferred. Examples of a group combining these include -S-alkylene group- or -(O-alkylene group) ｑ - is preferred. R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. When there are multiple Rs, the multiple Rs may be the same or different. q represents an integer of 1 to 3. Sp preferably represents an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -COO-, or a group combining these, or a single bond, more preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, -O-, -S-, or a group combining these, or a single bond, and even more preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -O-, -S-, or a group combining these, or a single bond. It is also preferable to represent an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -COO-, or a group combining these. Furthermore, Δn ５５０ At least one of Sp is a divalent linking group having neither an aromatic ring nor an alicyclic ring, has —S—, and —S— is directly linked to A １ or A ２ A divalent linking group bonded to the following is also preferred.

[0019] In formula (I), A １ ~A ４ each independently represents a divalent aromatic ring group which may have a substituent L, or a divalent alicyclic group which may have a substituent L. １ If there are multiple A １ may be the same or different, and a plurality of A ２ may be the same or different, and A ３ If there are multiple A ３ may be the same or different, and A４ If there are multiple A ４ may be the same or different.

[0020] A １ ~A ４ The divalent aromatic ring group represented by the formula (I) and optionally having a substituent L may be either a monocyclic ring or a fused ring. The divalent aromatic ring group optionally having a substituent L does not include a divalent polycyclic group in which aromatic rings are joined together via a single bond or a divalent linking group. For example, a divalent biphenyl ring group optionally having a substituent L is not included in the divalent aromatic ring group optionally having a substituent L. The divalent aromatic ring group optionally having a substituent L may be either a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon ring group optionally having a substituent L or a divalent aromatic heterocyclic group optionally having a substituent L. The number of carbon atoms in the divalent aromatic hydrocarbon ring group optionally having a substituent L is preferably 6 to 20, more preferably 6 to 10. Examples of the divalent aromatic hydrocarbon ring group optionally having a substituent L include a phenylene group, a naphthyl group, and an anthracenyl group optionally having a substituent L. A phenylene group or a naphthyl group optionally having a substituent L is preferred.

[0021] The number of carbon atoms in the divalent aromatic heterocyclic group which may have the substituent L is preferably 3 to 20, and more preferably 3 to 10. The heteroatom contained in the divalent aromatic heterocyclic group which may have the substituent L is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, and a sulfur atom. Examples of the divalent aromatic heterocyclic group optionally having a substituent L include a divalent furan ring group, a divalent pyrrole ring group, a divalent thiophene ring group, a divalent oxadiazole ring group (1,3,4-oxadiazole), a divalent thiadiazole ring group (1,3,4-thiadiazole), a divalent pyridine ring group, a divalent pyrazine ring group (1,4-diazine), a divalent pyrimidine ring group (1,3-diazine), a divalent pyridazine ring group (1,2-diazine), a divalent thiazole ring group, a divalent benzothiazole ring group, and a divalent phenanthroline ring group, each optionally having a substituent L. A divalent pyridine ring group, a divalent pyrazine ring group, a divalent pyrimidine ring group, or a divalent pyridazine ring group is preferred.

[0022] A １ ~A ４The divalent alicyclic group represented by the formula (I) and optionally having a substituent L may be either a monocyclic ring or a fused ring. The divalent alicyclic group optionally having a substituent L does not include a divalent polycyclic group in which alicyclic rings are joined together via a single bond or a divalent linking group. For example, a divalent bicyclohexene ring group optionally having a substituent L is not included in the divalent alicyclic group optionally having a substituent L. The divalent alicyclic group optionally having a substituent L may be either a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon ring group optionally having a substituent L, or a divalent aliphatic heterocyclic group optionally having a substituent L. The divalent alicyclic group optionally having a substituent L preferably has 3 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of the divalent alicyclic group optionally having a substituent L include a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon ring group such as a cycloalkylene group, optionally having a substituent L. A cyclohexylene group, a cyclopentylene group, a cyclooctylene group, or a cyclododexylene group, optionally having a substituent L, is preferred, a 1,4-cyclohexylene group optionally having a substituent L is more preferred, and a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group optionally having a substituent L is even more preferred.

[0023] The substituent L represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkylamino group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkylthio group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkanoyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkanoyloxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkanoylamino group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkanoylthio group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkyloxycarbonyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkylaminocarbonyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkylthiocarbonyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, a hydroxy group, an amino group, a mercapto group, a carboxy group, a sulfo group, an amido group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a halogen atom, an aldehyde group, or a polymerizable group. The preferred range of the polymerizable group is as described above. In the substituent L, when the substituent L is -CH ２ When - is present, -CH ２ -CH contained in the substituent L ２ At least one of the - may be replaced by -O-, -CO-, -CH=CH- or -C≡C-. For example, when the substituent L is -CH ２-CH ３ When the substituent L is —CH ２ - is replaced by -O-, -CO-, -CH=CH- or -C≡C-, and the substituent L is -O-CH ３ , —CO—CH ３ , -CH=CH-CH ３ , and -C≡C-CH ３ In addition, when the substituent L is —CH ２ -CH ２ -CH ３ When one of -CH ２ - is replaced with -O-, and the other -CH ２ - is replaced by -CO-, and the substituent L is -O-CO-CH ３ or -CO-O-CH ３ In addition, when the substituent L has a hydrogen atom, at least one of the hydrogen atoms contained in the substituent L having a hydrogen atom may be replaced with a fluorine atom or a polymerizable group. Examples of the polymerizable group include the polymerizable group represented by P described above. The substituent L is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkanoyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkanoyloxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkyloxycarbonyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, a trifluoromethyl group, a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, a cyano group, a nitro group, or a halogen atom; more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkanoyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkanoyloxy group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkyloxycarbonyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, a trifluoromethyl group, or a halogen atom; and even more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkanoyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkanoyloxy group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkyloxycarbonyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, a trifluoromethyl group, or a fluorine atom.

[0024] A １ ~A ４As the substituent, a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon ring group optionally having a substituent L or a divalent aromatic heterocyclic group optionally having a substituent L is preferable, a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon ring group optionally having a substituent L is more preferable, and a phenylene group optionally having a substituent L is even more preferable.

[0025] In formula (I), Z １ and Z ３ each independently represents a single bond, —O—, —S—, —NR—, or —CR ２ -, -CHRCHR-, -OCHR-, -NR-CHR-, -SO-, -SO ２ -, -COO-, -CO-S-, -O-CO-O-, -NR-CO-O-, -NR-CO-NR-, -CO-NR-, -SCHR-, -SO-CHR-, -SO ２ -CHR-, -CF ２ O-, -CF ２ S-, -OCHRCHRO-, -SCHRCHRS-, -SO-CHRCHR-SO-, -SO ２ -CHRCHR-SO ２ -, -CH=CH-COO-, -CH=CH-OCO-, -CH=CH-COS-, -CH=CH-SCO-, -CH=CH-CONR-, -CH=CH-NRCO-, -COO-CHRC HR-, -OCO-CHRCHR-, -COS-CHRCHR-, -SCO-CHRCHR-, -CONR-CHRCHR-, -NRCO-CHRCHR-, -COO-CHR-, -OCO- CHR-, -COS-CHR-, -SCO-CHR-, -CONR-CHR-, -NRCO-CHR-, -O-CHRCHR-, -S-CHRCHR-, -NR-CHRCHR-, -CR= CR-, -CR=N-, -N=N-, -CR=N-N=CR-, -CHR-O-CHR-, -CHR-S-CHR-, -CHR-NR-CHR-, -CHR-SO-CHR-, -CHR-SO ２ represents —CHR—, —CF═CF—, or —C≡C—, where R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. １ If there are multiple Z １ may be the same or different, Z ３ If there are multiple Z ３may be the same or different. R is preferably a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a hydrogen atom. Z １ and Z ３ is preferably —CHRCHR—, —OCHR—, —COO—, —CO—NR—, —CR═N— or —N═N—, and —CH ２ CH ２ -or-OCH ２ - is more preferable.

[0026] In formula (I), Y is —O—, —S—, —NR—, or —CR ２ -, -O-CHR-, -NR-CHR-, -SO-, -SO ２ -, -COO-, -CO-S-, -O-CO-O-, -NR-CO-O-, -NR-CO-NR-, -CO-NR-, -SCHR-, -SO-CHR-, -SO ２ -CHR-, -CF ２ O-, -CF ２ S-, -OCHRCHRO-, -SCHRCHRS-, -SO-CHRCHR-SO-, -SO ２ -CHRCHR-SO ２ -, -CH=CH-COO-, -CH=CH-OCO-, -CH=CH-COS-, -CH=CH-SCO-, -CH=CH-CONR-, -CH=CH-NRCO-, -COO-CHRC HR-, -OCO-CHRCHR-, -COS-CHRCHR-, -SCO-CHRCHR-, -CONR-CHRCHR-, -NRCO-CHRCHR-, -COO-CHR-, -OCO- CHR-, -COS-CHR-, -SCO-CHR-, -CONR-CHR-, -NRCO-CHR-, -O-CHRCHR-, -S-CHRCHR-, -NR-CHRCHR-, -CR= CR-, -CR=N-, -N=N-, -CR=N-N=CR-, -CHR-O-CHR-, -CHR-S-CHR-, -CHR-NR-CHR-, -CHR-SO-CHR-, -CHR-SO ２represents -CHR-, -CF=CF-, an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a combination thereof. R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. However, when there are multiple Ys, the multiple Ys may be the same or different.

[0027] R is the above-mentioned Z １ and Z ３ The meaning of R in the above formula (1) is the same as that of R in the above formula (1), and preferred embodiments are also the same. The alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms may be linear, branched, or cyclic, and linear is preferred. As the alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms is preferred, and an alkylene group having 1 or 2 carbon atoms is more preferred. As the group combining these, a group combining at least two groups selected from the group consisting of -O-, -S-, -NH-, -COO-, and alkylene groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms is preferred, and a group combining at least two groups selected from the group consisting of -O-, -COO-, and alkylene groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms is more preferred. Y is -O-, -S-, -NR-, -CR ２ -, -O-CHR-, -O-CHRCHR-, -NR-CHRCHR-, -O-CO-O-, -COO-, -CO-NR-, -CR=N-, -N=N-, -NR-CO-O-, -NR-CO-NR-, -CONR-CHR-, -NRCO-CHR-, -COO-CHR-, an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a group combining these is preferred, and -O-, -S-, -NH-, -O-CH ２ --, --O-CH ２ CH ２ -, -O-CO-O-, -COO-CH ２ -, an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a group combining these is more preferred, and -O-, -S-, -NH-, -COO-CH ２ More preferred are alkylene groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or combinations thereof.

[0028] However, when B represents an m-valent aromatic ring group which may have a substituent L, or an m-valent alicyclic group which may have a substituent L, at least one of Y (preferably 1 to 3 of Y) is A ４and B. In the above case, the Δn ５５０ tends to become large. ４ The number of atoms on the bond connecting A and B at the shortest distance is preferably 1, 3 or 5, and more preferably 1 or 3. ４ An example of the partial structure of "-Y-B" is shown below. ４ The number of atoms on the bond connecting A and B at the shortest distance is the number of atoms on the bond between A and B, which is located at the top of the paper in the following structural formula. ４ and B, it is 2, and A, which is located below the paper in the structural formula ４ and 3 in the case of B. * indicates the bonding position.

[0029]

[0030] In formula (I), B represents an m-valent aromatic ring group which may have a substituent L or an m-valent alicyclic group which may have a substituent L, a group represented by formula (b), -N<, >CR Ｂ - or >C<. Ｂ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkoxyalkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. In other words, B represents a group represented by formula (b), -N<, >CR Ｂ represents - or >C<, or represents an m-valent aromatic ring group which may have a substituent L or an m-valent alicyclic group which may have a substituent L. When m is 3, B represents a trivalent aromatic ring group which may have a substituent L or a trivalent alicyclic group which may have a substituent L, -N<, or >CR Ｂ When m is 4, B represents a tetravalent aromatic ring group which may have a substituent L or a tetravalent alicyclic group which may have a substituent L, a group represented by formula (b), or >C<. B represents a trivalent aromatic ring group which may have a substituent L or a trivalent alicyclic group which may have a substituent L, -N<, or >CR Ｂ - is preferred, and a trivalent aromatic ring group optionally having a substituent L, or >CR Ｂ - is more preferred, and a trivalent aromatic ring group or >CR Ｂ - is more preferable.５５０ is more preferable in that B represents a group represented by formula (B1) to be described later or a group represented by formula (B2) to be described later, n1 and n3 represent 0, and n4 represents 1, or B represents a group represented by formula (b), -N<, >CR Ｂ It is also preferred that the substituent L represents - or >C<. １ ~A ４ The preferred embodiments are also the same as those of the substituent L in the above formula (I). R has the same meaning as that of the substituent L in the above formula (I), and the preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0031] The m-valent aromatic ring group represented by B, which may have a substituent L, may be either a monocyclic ring or a fused ring. The m-valent aromatic ring group, which may have a substituent L, does not include a polycyclic ring in which aromatic rings are connected via a single bond or a divalent linking group. For example, a biphenyl ring group, which may have a substituent L, is not included in the m-valent aromatic ring group, which may have a substituent L. The m-valent aromatic ring group, which may have a substituent L, may be either an m-valent aromatic hydrocarbon ring group, which may have a substituent L, or an m-valent aromatic heterocyclic group, which may have a substituent L. The number of carbon atoms in the m-valent aromatic hydrocarbon ring group, which may have a substituent L, is preferably 6 to 20, and more preferably 6 to 10. Examples of the m-valent aromatic hydrocarbon ring group, which may have a substituent L, include an m-valent benzene ring group, an m-valent naphthalene ring group, and an m-valent anthracene ring group, which may have a substituent L. An m-valent benzene ring group or an m-valent naphthalene ring group, which may have a substituent L, is preferred.

[0032] The number of carbon atoms in the m-valent aromatic heterocyclic group which may have a substituent L is preferably 3 to 20, and more preferably 3 to 10. The heteroatom contained in the m-valent aromatic heterocyclic group which may have a substituent L is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, and a sulfur atom. Examples of the m-valent aromatic heterocyclic group optionally having a substituent L include an m-valent furan ring group, an m-valent pyrrole ring group, an m-valent thiophene ring group, an m-valent oxadiazole ring group (1,3,4-oxadiazole), an m-valent thiadiazole ring group (1,3,4-thiadiazole), an m-valent pyridine ring group, an m-valent pyrazine ring group (1,4-diazine), an m-valent pyrimidine ring group (1,3-diazine), an m-valent pyridazine ring group (1,2-diazine), an m-valent thiazole ring group, an m-valent benzothiazole ring group, and an m-valent phenanthroline ring group, each of which optionally has a substituent L. An m-valent pyridine ring group, an m-valent pyrazine ring group, an m-valent pyrimidine ring group, or an m-valent pyridazine ring group is preferred.

[0033] The m-valent alicyclic group optionally having a substituent L may be either a monocycle or a fused ring. The m-valent alicyclic group optionally having a substituent L does not include a polycycle formed by connecting alicyclic rings via a single bond or a divalent linking group. For example, a bicyclohexene ring group optionally having a substituent L is not included in the m-valent alicyclic group optionally having a substituent L. The m-valent alicyclic group optionally having a substituent L preferably has 3 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of the m-valent aliphatic hydrocarbon ring group optionally having a substituent L include an m-valent cycloalkane ring optionally having a substituent L. An m-valent cyclohexane ring, an m-valent cyclopentane ring, an m-valent cyclooctane ring, or an m-valent cyclododecane ring optionally having a substituent L is preferred, and an m-valent cyclohexane ring group optionally having a substituent L is more preferred. The heteroatom contained in the m-valent aliphatic heterocyclic group optionally having a substituent L is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, and a sulfur atom. Examples of the m-valent aliphatic heterocyclic group optionally having the substituent L include an isocyanurate ring group, a pyrazoline ring group, a piperidine ring group, a morpholine ring group, a piperazine ring group, a tetrahydrofuran ring group, a tetrahydropyran group, and a tetrahydrothiophene ring group, and an isocyanurate ring group is preferred.

[0034]

[0035] In formula (b), * represents a bonding position. Ｂ is -CH ２ - or -O-. Ｂ As the group, —O— is preferred.

[0036] B is preferably an m-valent aromatic ring group which may have a substituent L, and more preferably a group represented by formula (B1) or (B2).

[0037]

[0038] In formula (B1) and formula (B2), *1 represents a bonding position. １ ~W ６ are each independently CR１ or N. １ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent L. １ ~W ３ is preferably N, and W ４ ~W ６ As for CR １ The substituent L is preferably the above-mentioned A １ ~A ４ The meaning and preferred embodiments of the substituent L in the above formula are also the same.

[0039] In formula (I), n1 represents an integer of 0 to 2. However, multiple n1s may be the same or different. n1 is preferably 0 or 1, more preferably 0. n2 represents 1 or 2. However, multiple n2s may be the same or different. n2 is preferably 1 or 2, more preferably 1. n3 represents an integer of 0 to 2. However, multiple n3s may be the same or different. n3 is preferably 0 or 1, more preferably 0. Furthermore, n1 and n3 preferably represent 0. n4 represents 0 or 1. However, at least one of the multiple n4s represents 1, and multiple n4s may be the same or different. It is preferable that at least two of the multiple n4s represent 1, and more preferably at least three (preferably 3 or 4) of the multiple n4s represent 1. m represents 3 or 4. It is preferable that m is 3.

[0040] Specific examples of the specific compounds are shown below.

[0041]

[0042] Specific examples of the specific compound include compounds represented by any one of formulas (M-1) to (M-67), and R １ ~R ４ and R are each independently a group represented by any one of formulas (R-1) to (R-50). Multiple R may be the same or different.

[0043]

[0044]

[0045]

[0046]

[0047]

[0048]

[0049] The specific compound preferably exhibits liquid crystallinity. The liquid crystallinity may be either thermotropic liquid crystal or lyotropic liquid crystal, and the phase ordered structure may be either nematic liquid crystal, smectic liquid crystal, or cholesteric liquid crystal. The liquid crystallinity is preferably thermotropic liquid crystal, and the phase ordered structure is preferably nematic liquid crystal.

[0050] The specific compound is preferably measured for Re0, Re1, Re2, Re3, and Re4 by Method A, and the values ​​gradually increase from Re0 to Re4. Method A: An optically anisotropic layer is formed using a composition containing the specific compound, and measurement light is incident on the optically anisotropic layer from the normal direction to measure the retardation Re0 at a wavelength of 550 nm. Furthermore, while maintaining the incident direction of the measurement light, the optically anisotropic layer is rotated by 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40° in order around the in-plane slow axis of the optically anisotropic layer as the axis of rotation, and the retardations Re1, Re2, Re3, and Re4 at a wavelength of 550 nm at each rotation angle are measured. Specifically, first, an optically anisotropic layer is formed using a composition containing the specific compound. When forming the optically anisotropic layer, it is preferable to use Composition A containing the specific compound. Composition A may also contain various components that may be contained in the compositions described below, and preferably contains additives such as the polymerization initiator and surfactant described below. Examples of methods for forming the optically anisotropic layer include the curing (polymerization curing) method described below. The optically anisotropic layer is preferably a positive A plate. Next, using an Axometrix Axoscan, measuring light is incident from the normal direction of the optically anisotropic layer, and the retardation Re0 (corresponding to in-plane retardation) at a wavelength of 550 nm is measured. Furthermore, while maintaining the incident direction of the measuring light, the optically anisotropic layer is rotated in the order of 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40° with the in-plane slow axis of the optically anisotropic layer as the rotation axis, and the retardations Re1, Re2, Re3, and Re4 at a wavelength of 550 nm are measured at each angle while changing the incident angle of the measuring light. Here, as described above, the incident direction of the measuring light is not changed when measuring Re1, Re2, Re3, and Re4. That is, the normal direction of the optically anisotropic layer at a rotation angle of 0° (before rotation) when Re0 was measured is the incident direction of the measurement light, and the normal directions of each optically anisotropic layer at rotation angles of 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40° are not the incident direction of the measurement light. Then, by comparing the obtained Re0, Re1, Re2, Re3, and Re4, it can be determined whether or not there is a gradual increase. If the value gradually increases from Re0 to Re4, it indicates that the specific compound has rod-like liquid crystallinity, and if the value gradually decreases from Re0 to Re4, it indicates that the specific compound has discotic liquid crystallinity.

[0051] [Composition] The composition of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a composition containing a specific compound.

[0052] <Specific Compound> The composition of the present invention contains a specific compound. The specific compound is as described above. The specific compound may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The content of the specific compound is preferably 1 to 50 mass %, more preferably 10 to 30 mass %, based on the total solid content of the composition. In this specification, the term "solid content" refers to the components that form a layer and does not include solvents. The components that form a layer may be components that undergo a reaction (polymerization) during layer formation and change in chemical structure. Furthermore, any component that forms a layer is considered to be a solid content even if it is in a liquid state.

[0053] <Liquid Crystal Compound> The composition of the present invention preferably contains a liquid crystal compound. In this specification, specific compounds are not included in the term "liquid crystal compound." In other words, in this specification, compounds that fall under the category of specific compounds are treated as specific compounds, and compounds that do not fall under the category of specific compounds and exhibit liquid crystallinity are treated as liquid crystal compounds. The liquid crystal compound is preferably a compound other than the specific compounds. By including a liquid crystal compound in the composition, the crystallization temperature of the composition can be significantly reduced. The type of liquid crystal compound is not particularly limited. Generally, liquid crystal compounds can be classified into rod-shaped and discotic types based on their shape. Furthermore, each type can be divided into low-molecular-weight and high-molecular-weight types. The high-molecular-weight type generally refers to a compound with a degree of polymerization of 100 or more (see "Polymer Physics / Phase Transition Dynamics," by Masao Doi, p. 2, Iwanami Shoten, 1992). Furthermore, the liquid crystal compound may have either normal wavelength dispersion or reverse wavelength dispersion.

[0054] The liquid crystal compound is preferably a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound or a discotic liquid crystal compound (discotic liquid crystal compound), more preferably a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound. The liquid crystal compound may be a mixture of two or more rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds, two or more discotic liquid crystal compounds, or a mixture of a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound and a discotic liquid crystal compound.

[0055] The liquid crystal compound is preferably a polymerizable liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group. The polymerizable liquid crystal compound is preferably at least one polymerizable liquid crystal compound selected from the group consisting of polymerizable rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds and polymerizable discotic liquid crystal compounds. When the liquid crystal compound has a polymerizable group, the number of polymerizable groups in the liquid crystal compound is preferably 1 to 6, more preferably 1 to 3. Examples of the polymerizable group include the polymerizable group described above for P. The orientation of the liquid crystal compound can be fixed by polymerizing the liquid crystal compound having the polymerizable group. It is not necessary for the liquid crystal compound to exhibit liquid crystallinity after being fixed by polymerization.

[0056] Examples of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound include rod-shaped nematic liquid crystal compounds, and preferred rod-shaped nematic liquid crystal compounds include azomethines, azoxys, cyanobiphenyls, cyanophenyl esters, benzoates, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid phenyl esters, cyanophenylcyclohexanes, cyano-substituted phenylpyrimidines, alkoxy-substituted phenylpyrimidines, phenyldioxanes, tolanes, and alkenylcyclohexylbenzonitriles.

[0057] Examples of the liquid crystal compound include those described in Makromol. Chem. , Vol. 190, p. 2255 (1989), Advanced Materials Vol. 5, p. 107 (1993), U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,327, U.S. Pat. No. 4,983,479, U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,648, U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,107, International Publication WO95 / 022586, the same 95 / 024455, the same 97 / 000600, the same 98 / 023580, the same 98 / 052905, JP-A-1-272551, the same 6-016616, the same 7-110469, the same 11-080081, and compounds described in JP-A-2001-328973, etc., can be mentioned. As the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, the compounds described in claim 1 of JP-A No. 11-513019 or paragraphs

[0026] to

[0098] of JP-A No. 2005-289980 are preferred. As the discotic liquid crystal compound, the compounds described in paragraphs

[0020] to

[0067] of JP-A No. 2007-108732 or paragraphs

[0013] to

[0108] of JP-A No. 2010-244038 are preferred.

[0058] Δn of the liquid crystal compound ５５０ is preferably high. Specifically, it is preferably 0.15 or more, more preferably 0.18 or more, and even more preferably 0.22 or more. The upper limit is preferably 0.60 or less.

[0059] When the composition contains a liquid crystal compound, the content of the liquid crystal compound is preferably 95% by mass or less, more preferably 1 to 90% by mass, still more preferably 10 to 90% by mass, and particularly preferably 10 to 80% by mass, based on the total solid content of the composition.

[0060] <Polymerization Initiator> The composition of the present invention may contain a polymerization initiator. The polymerization initiator is preferably a photopolymerization initiator capable of initiating a polymerization reaction upon irradiation with ultraviolet light. Examples of photopolymerization initiators include α-carbonyl compounds (described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,367,661 and 2,367,670), acyloin ethers (described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,448,828), α-hydrocarbon-substituted aromatic acyloin compounds (described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,722,512), polynuclear quinone compounds (described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,046,127 and 2,951,758), phenazine compounds, oxadiazole compounds (described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,970), compounds having an oxime ester structure, combinations of triarylimidazole dimers and p-aminophenyl ketones (described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,549,367), acridines, and phenazine compounds (described in JP-A-60-105667 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,850).

[0061] The polymerization initiator may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When the composition contains a polymerization initiator, the content of the polymerization initiator is preferably 0.1 to 20% by mass, more preferably 1 to 8% by mass, based on the total mass of the specific compound. When the composition contains a liquid crystal compound and a polymerization initiator, the content of the polymerization initiator is preferably 0.1 to 20% by mass, more preferably 1 to 8% by mass, based on the total mass of the specific compound and the liquid crystal compound.

[0062] <Surfactant> The liquid crystal composition of the present invention may contain a surfactant (leveling agent). The surfactant is preferably a compound that can function as an alignment control agent that contributes to stable or rapid formation of a liquid crystal phase (e.g., a nematic phase or a cholesteric phase). Examples of surfactants include fluorine-containing (meth)acrylate polymers (polymers described in paragraphs

[0018] to

[0043] of JP 2007-272185 A), compounds represented by general formulas (X1) to (X3) described in WO 2011 / 0162291 A, compounds represented by general formula (I) described in paragraphs

[0082] to

[0090] of JP 2014-119605 A, and compounds described in paragraphs

[0020] to

[0031] of JP 2013-047204 A.

[0063] The surfactant may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When the composition contains a surfactant, the content of the surfactant is preferably 0.001 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 3% by mass, based on the total mass of the specific compound. When the composition contains a liquid crystal compound and a surfactant, the content of the surfactant is preferably 0.001 to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 3% by mass, based on the total mass of the specific compound and the liquid crystal compound.

[0064] <Chiral Agent> The composition of the present invention may contain a chiral agent. The chiral agent has the function of inducing a helical structure in a cholesteric liquid crystal phase. The chiral agent may be selected according to the purpose, since the twist direction or helical pitch of the helix induced varies depending on the compound. The chiral agent is not particularly limited, and known compounds (for example, those described in "Liquid Crystal Device Handbook," Chapter 3, Section 4-3, Chiral Agents for TN (Twisted Nematic) and STN (Super Twisted Nematic)," p. 199, edited by the 142nd Committee of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 1989), isosorbide, and isomannide derivatives can be used. Chiral agents generally contain an asymmetric carbon atom, but axially asymmetric compounds or planar asymmetric compounds that do not contain an asymmetric carbon atom can also be used as chiral agents. Examples of axially asymmetric compounds or planar asymmetric compounds include binaphthyl, helicene, paracyclophane, and derivatives thereof. The chiral agent may have a polymerizable group. The polymerizable group has the same meaning as the polymerizable group in P described above, and the preferred embodiments are also the same. When both the chiral agent and the liquid crystal compound have a polymerizable group, a polymer having a repeating unit derived from the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a repeating unit derived from the chiral agent can be formed by a polymerization reaction between the polymerizable chiral agent and the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. In this embodiment, the polymerizable group of the polymerizable chiral agent is preferably the same type of group as the polymerizable group of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound. Therefore, the polymerizable group of the chiral agent is preferably an unsaturated polymerizable group, an epoxy group, or an aziridinyl group, more preferably an unsaturated polymerizable group, and even more preferably an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group. Furthermore, the chiral agent may be either liquid crystalline or non-liquid crystalline.

[0065] When the chiral agent has a photoisomerizable group, a pattern of a desired reflection wavelength corresponding to the emission wavelength can be formed by irradiating the chiral agent with actinic rays or the like through a photomask after coating and alignment. The photoisomerizable group is preferably an isomerization site of a compound exhibiting photochromic properties, an azo group, an azoxy group, or a cinnamoyl group. Specific compounds that can be used include chiral agents described in JP-A-2002-080478, JP-A-2002-080851, JP-A-2002-179668, JP-A-2002-179669, JP-A-2002-179670, JP-A-2002-179681, JP-A-2002-179682, JP-A-2002-338575, JP-A-2002-338668, JP-A-2003-313189, and JP-A-2003-313292.

[0066] The chiral agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When the composition contains a chiral agent, the content of the chiral agent is preferably 0.1 to 15 mass% and more preferably 1.0 to 10 mass% relative to the total mass of the specific compound. When the composition contains a liquid crystal compound and a chiral agent, the content of the chiral agent is preferably 0.1 to 15 mass% and more preferably 1.0 to 10 mass% relative to the total mass of the specific compound and the liquid crystal compound.

[0067] <Crosslinking Agent> The composition of the present invention may optionally contain a crosslinking agent to improve the strength and durability of the film after curing. Suitable crosslinking agents include those that cure with ultraviolet light, heat, moisture, and the like. The crosslinking agent is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the crosslinking agent include polyfunctional acrylate compounds such as trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate and pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate; epoxy compounds such as glycidyl (meth)acrylate and ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether; aziridine compounds such as 2,2-bishydroxymethylbutanol-tris[3-(1-aziridinyl)propionate] and 4,4-bis(ethyleneiminocarbonylamino)diphenylmethane; isocyanate compounds such as hexamethylene diisocyanate and biuret isocyanate; polyoxazoline compounds having an oxazoline group in the side chain; and alkoxysilane compounds such as vinyltrimethoxysilane and N-(2-aminoethyl)3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. Furthermore, a known catalyst can be used depending on the reactivity of the crosslinking agent, which can improve productivity in addition to improving film strength and durability. The crosslinking agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When the composition contains a crosslinking agent, the content of the crosslinking agent is preferably 3 to 20 mass %, more preferably 5 to 15 mass %, based on the total solid content of the composition. If the content of the crosslinking agent is within the above range, the durability of the optical element produced is improved.

[0068] <Other Additives> The composition of the present invention may contain other additives in addition to the various components described above. Examples of the other additives include organic solvents, polymerization inhibitors, antioxidants, UV absorbers, light stabilizers, colorants, and metal oxide fine particles. The other additives can be added within a range that does not impair optical performance, etc.

[0069] Examples of the organic solvent include chloroform, ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone, alkyl halides, amides, sulfoxides, heterocyclic compounds, hydrocarbons, esters, and ethers, and chloroform or ketones are preferred, and chloroform or methyl ethyl ketone is more preferred.

[0070] The organic solvent may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When the composition contains an organic solvent, the content of the organic solvent is preferably such that the solids concentration of the composition is 0.5 to 35 mass %, more preferably 1 to 25 mass %.

[0071] The composition of the present invention has a Δn ５５０ is preferably 0.20 or more, more preferably 0.25 or more, and even more preferably 0.25 to 0.50. ５５０ The retardation value and film thickness of the liquid crystal fixed layer (cured layer) obtained by applying a composition to a support with an alignment film for retardation measurement, which is prepared separately, and aligning the composition so that the director (optical axis) of the specific compound is horizontal to the surface of the support, and then fixing the layer by irradiating with ultraviolet light, are measured and calculated. Note that the retardation value is divided by the film thickness to obtain Δn ５５０ The retardation value is measured at a wavelength of 550 nm using an Axoscan manufactured by Axometrix, and the film thickness is measured using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

[0072] From the viewpoint of workability in producing optical elements, the composition of the present invention preferably has a phase transition temperature between a liquid crystal phase and an isotropic phase of 50°C or higher, more preferably 70°C or higher, and even more preferably 70 to 400°C.

[0073] The composition of the present invention is preferably used for forming an optically anisotropic layer, specifically, for forming an optically anisotropic layer as described below.

[0074] [Cured Product] The cured product of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a product obtained by curing the composition. The cured product is preferably an optically anisotropic layer as described below. When the specific compound has a polymerizable group, the cured product preferably contains a polymer of the specific compound. When the specific compound does not have a polymerizable group, the cured product preferably contains the specific compound. The method for curing (polymerization curing) the composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, and known methods can be used. For example, an embodiment can include a step of contacting a predetermined substrate with the composition to form a composition layer on the substrate, and a step of subjecting the composition layer to a heat treatment to align the specific compound or liquid crystal compound, followed by a curing treatment.

[0075] [Optical anisotropic body] The optical anisotropic body of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is obtained by curing a composition. The optical anisotropic body is preferably an optically anisotropic layer in which a specific compound or a liquid crystal compound described below is aligned and the alignment state is fixed. Methods for curing (polymerizing and curing) the composition of the present invention include, for example, the curing methods for the cured product described above.

[0076] [Optical element] The optical element of the present invention has an optically anisotropic layer formed using the composition of the present invention described above. The optically anisotropic layer of the optical element of the present invention has an alignment pattern (preferably a liquid crystal alignment pattern) in which the direction of the optical axis derived from the specific compound contained in the composition changes while continuously rotating along at least one direction in the plane of the optically anisotropic layer.

[0077] The optical element of the present invention will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0078] An example of the optical element of the present invention is conceptually shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the optical element 10 has a support 12, a photo-alignment film 14, and a cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16, which is an optically anisotropic layer formed using the composition of the present invention described above. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 is a layer formed by fixing a cholesteric liquid crystal phase.

[0079] Although the illustrated optical element 10 has a support 12, a photo-alignment film 14, and a cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the optical element of the present invention may have only the photo-alignment film 14 and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 (optically anisotropic layer) formed on one surface of the support 12, and then the support 12 is peeled off.

[0080] <Support> In the optical element 10 , the support 12 supports the photo-alignment film 14 and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 .

[0081] The support 12 may be any sheet-like material (film, plate-like material) as long as it can support the photo-alignment film 14 and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16. The support 12 preferably has a transmittance of 50% or more to the corresponding light, more preferably 70% or more, and even more preferably 85% or more.

[0082] There is no limitation on the thickness of the support 12, and it may be set appropriately to a thickness that can support the photo-alignment film 14 and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer depending on the application of the optical element 10 and the material forming the support 12. The thickness of the support 12 is preferably 1 to 1000 μm, more preferably 3 to 250 μm, and even more preferably 5 to 150 μm.

[0083] The support 12 may be a single layer or a multilayer. Examples of the single layer support 12 include support 12 made of glass, triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic, polyolefin, etc. Examples of the multilayer support 12 include one that includes any of the above-mentioned single layer supports as a substrate and has another layer provided on the surface of this substrate.

[0084] <Photo-Alignment Film> In the optical element 10, a photo-alignment film 14 is disposed on the surface of the support 12. The photo-alignment film 14 is an alignment film for aligning the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 into a predetermined alignment pattern when forming the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 of the optical element 10. The rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 may be either the specific compound exhibiting rod-shaped liquid crystallinity described above or the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound described above, and is preferably the specific compound exhibiting rod-shaped liquid crystallinity. As will be described later, in the optical element 10, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16, which is the optically anisotropic layer of the present invention, has an alignment pattern in which the orientation of the optic axis 20A (see FIG. 3 ) derived from the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 changes while continuously rotating along one in-plane direction. Therefore, the photo-alignment film 14 is formed so that the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 can form this alignment pattern. In the following description, "the orientation of the optic axis 20A rotates" may also be simply referred to as "the optic axis 20A rotates."

[0085] The material constituting the photo-alignment film 14 is not particularly limited. For example, a compound (low molecular weight compound, monomer, or polymer) having a cinnamate group can be used. Among these, the photo-alignment film 14 preferably contains a polymer having a cinnamate group, as this further suppresses coloration. Examples of main chains forming a polymer having a cinnamate group include poly(meth)acrylate, polyimide, polyurethane, polyamic acid, polymaleimide, polyether, polyvinyl ether, polyester, polyvinyl ester, polystyrene derivative, polysiloxane, cycloolefin polymer, epoxy polymer, and copolymers thereof. Examples of monomers having a cinnamate group include monomers that provide repeating units constituting the above-mentioned polymers. The polymer having a cinnamate group preferably exhibits liquid crystallinity. Exhibiting liquid crystallinity improves the degree of alignment of the cinnamate group, thereby facilitating alignment of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer. Furthermore, the diffraction efficiency of the optical element is further improved. Examples of polymers that exhibit liquid crystallinity include polymers having a side chain containing a biphenyl group, terphenyl group, naphthalene group, phenylbenzoate group, azobenzene group, or a substituent (mesogenic group) of a derivative thereof, which are commonly used as a mesogenic component in liquid crystal polymers, and a main chain containing a structure such as acrylate, methacrylate, maleimide, N-phenylmaleimide, or siloxane. The side chain containing the mesogenic component and the cinnamate group may be independent side chains or may be contained within the same side chain. Examples of polymers that exhibit liquid crystallinity without containing a mesogenic component include polymers having a carboxyl group at the end of the side chain. This polymer is a material that exhibits a liquid crystal phase by forming a dimer through hydrogen bonding of the carboxyl group at the end of the side chain. The side chain containing the carboxyl group at the end and the cinnamate group may be independent side chains or may be contained within the same side chain, but independent side chains are preferred. The polymer having a cinnamate group may further have a side chain containing a polymerizable group or a crosslinkable group, if necessary. The polymerizable group is preferably a radically polymerizable group or a cationically polymerizable group, and more preferably a (meth)acrylate group, an epoxy group, or an oxetanyl group.The crosslinkable group is a moiety that bonds with a crosslinking agent (described later) by light or heat. Specific functional groups vary depending on the type of crosslinking agent. For example, when an epoxy compound, methylol compound, isocyanate compound, or the like is used as the crosslinking agent, examples of the functional group include a hydroxy group, a carboxy group, a phenolic hydroxy group, a mercapto group, a glycidyl group, and an amide group. Among these, aliphatic hydroxy groups are preferred from the viewpoint of reactivity, and primary hydroxy groups are more preferred. Examples of low molecular weight compounds having a cinnamate group include those having a cinnamate group among the compounds described in paragraphs

[0042] to

[0053] of WO 2016 / 002722 and paragraphs

[0030] to

[0051] of WO 2015 / 056741. Examples of polymers having functional groups capable of reacting with these low molecular weight compounds to form covalent bonds include the polymers described in paragraphs

[0091] to

[0134] of WO 2016 / 002722, the polymers described in paragraphs

[0045] to

[0092] of WO 2015 / 129890, the polymers described in paragraphs

[0057] to

[0087] of WO 2015 / 030000, the polymers described in paragraphs

[0051] to

[0086] of WO 2014 / 171376, and the polymers described in paragraphs

[0042] to

[0058] of WO 2014 / 104320. The photo-alignment film 14 is preferably formed using a photo-alignment film-forming composition containing the above-mentioned material (e.g., a polymer having a cinnamate group).

[0086] The composition for forming a photo-alignment film may contain other components such as a crosslinking agent, a photopolymerization initiator, a surfactant, a solvent, a rheology modifier, a pigment, a dye, a storage stabilizer, an antifoaming agent, and an antioxidant. The crosslinking agent may form a crosslinked structure by reacting with a compound having a cinnamate group or a polymer having a functional group capable of forming a covalent bond with the compound, or may form a separate crosslinked structure without reacting with the compound. Examples of crosslinking agents include (meth)acrylate compounds, epoxy compounds, methylol compounds, and isocyanate compounds. A radical initiator, an acid generator, or a base generator may be used as needed to trigger or accelerate the reaction of these crosslinking agents. As the photopolymerization initiator, any of the commonly known general-purpose photopolymerization initiators that can form a uniform film with a small amount of light irradiation can be used. Specific examples include azonitrile-based photopolymerization initiators, α-aminoketone-based photopolymerization initiators, acetophenone-based photopolymerization initiators, benzoin-based photopolymerization initiators, benzophenone-based photopolymerization initiators, thioxanthone-based photopolymerization initiators, triazine-based photopolymerization initiators, carbazole-based photopolymerization initiators, and imidazole-based photopolymerization initiators. Any of the photopolymerization initiators may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination. As the surfactant, any surfactant commonly used to form a uniform film may be used. Examples of the surfactant include anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants.The solvent is not particularly limited as long as it can dissolve the above-mentioned components, and examples thereof include ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, methyl cellosolve acetate, ethyl cellosolve acetate, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, propylene glycol propyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, propylene glycol dimethyl ether, toluene, xylene, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclopentanone, Examples of suitable alkyl esters include cyclohexanone, 2-butanone, 3-methyl-2-pentanone, 2-pentanone, 2-heptanone, γ-butyrolactone, ethyl 2-hydroxypropionate, ethyl 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropionate, ethyl ethoxyacetate, ethyl hydroxyacetate, methyl 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoate, methyl 3-methoxypropionate, ethyl 3-methoxypropionate, ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate, methyl 3-ethoxypropionate, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, and N-methylpyrrolidone.

[0087] Examples of the photo-alignment material used in the photo-alignment film 14 include those disclosed in JP-A-2006-285197, JP-A-2007-76839, JP-A-2007-138138, JP-A-2007-94071, JP-A-2007-121721, JP-A-2007-140465, JP-A-2007-156439, and JP-A-2007- azo compounds described in JP-A-133184, JP-A-2009-109831, JP-A-3883848 and JP-A-4151746, aromatic ester compounds described in JP-A-2002-229039, maleimides having photo-orientable units described in JP-A-2002-265541 and JP-A-2002-317013, / or alkenyl-substituted nadimide compounds, photocrosslinkable silane derivatives described in Japanese Patent Nos. 4205195 and 4205198, photocrosslinkable polyimides, photocrosslinkable polyamides and photocrosslinkable esters described in JP-T-2003-520878, JP-T-2004-529220 and JP-T-4162850, and photodimerizable compounds described in JP-A-9-118717, JP-A-10-506420, JP-A-2003-505561, WO 2010 / 150748, JP-A-2013-177561 and JP-A-2014-12823, particularly cinnamate compounds, chalcone compounds and coumarin compounds are exemplified as preferred examples. Among these, azo compounds, photocrosslinkable polyimides, photocrosslinkable polyamides, photocrosslinkable esters, cinnamate compounds, and chalcone compounds are preferably used.

[0088] There is no limitation on the thickness of the alignment film, and it is sufficient to set a thickness that provides the necessary alignment function depending on the material from which the alignment film is formed. The thickness of the alignment film is preferably 0.01 to 5 μm, more preferably 0.05 to 2 μm. There is no limitation on the method for forming the alignment film, and various known methods depending on the material from which the alignment film is formed can be used. One example is a method in which an alignment film is applied to the surface of the support 12 and dried, and then the alignment film is exposed to laser light to form an alignment pattern.

[0089] Examples of methods for producing the photo-alignment film 14 include applying a photo-alignment film-forming composition to a substrate, evaporating the solvent to form a film (photo-alignment precursor film), irradiating the film with anisotropic light, and then heating the film to induce liquid crystal alignment. Examples of methods for applying the photo-alignment film-forming composition include spin coating, bar coating, die coating, screen printing, and spray coating. The light to be irradiated is not particularly limited as long as it is radiation capable of inducing a chemical reaction upon irradiation with infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, charged particle beams, etc.; however, the radiation typically has a wavelength of 200 to 500 nm. Heating after light irradiation is preferred because it promotes thermal polymerization and results in a photo-alignment film with higher durability against light, heat, and the like.

[0090] FIG. 6 conceptually shows an example of an exposure device that exposes the photo-alignment precursor film 140 to light to form an alignment pattern.

[0091] The exposure device 60 shown in Figure 6 includes a light source 64 equipped with a laser 62, a λ / 2 plate 65 (not shown) that changes the polarization direction of the laser light M emitted by the laser 62, a polarizing beam splitter 68 that splits the laser light M emitted by the laser 62 into two light rays MA and MB, mirrors 70A and 70B that are arranged on the optical paths of the two split light rays MA and MB, and λ / 4 plates 72A and 72B.

[0092] The light source 64 is a linearly polarized light P ０ The λ / 4 plate 72A emits linearly polarized light P ０ (ray MA) is right circularly polarized P Ｒ The λ / 4 plate 72B is a linearly polarized light P ０ (Light ray MB) is polarized by left-handed circular polarization P Ｌ are converted to , respectively.

[0093] A support 12 having a photo-alignment precursor film 140 before an alignment pattern is formed is placed in an exposure section, and two light beams MA and MB are made to intersect and interfere on the photo-alignment precursor film 140, and the photo-alignment precursor film 140 is exposed to the interference light.

[0094] Due to the interference at this time, the polarization state of the light irradiated onto the photo-alignment precursor film 140 changes periodically in the form of interference fringes, thereby obtaining an alignment pattern in the photo-alignment film 14 in which the alignment state changes periodically.

[0095] In the exposure device 60, the period of the orientation pattern can be adjusted by changing the crossing angle α of the two light beams MA and MB. That is, in the exposure device 60, in the orientation pattern in which the optical axis 20A derived from the rod-like liquid crystal compound 20 continuously rotates along one direction, the length of one period in which the optical axis 20A rotates by 180° in one direction in which the optical axis 20A rotates can be adjusted by adjusting the crossing angle α.

[0096] By forming a cholesteric liquid crystal layer on the photo-alignment film 14 having such an alignment pattern in which the alignment state changes periodically, it is possible to form a cholesteric liquid crystal layer having an alignment pattern in which the optical axis 20A derived from the rod-like liquid crystal compounds 20 continuously rotates along one direction, as will be described later. In addition, by rotating the optical axes of the λ / 4 plates 72A and 72B by 90°, respectively, the rotation direction of the optical axis 20A can be reversed.

[0097] <Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Layer> In the optical element 10, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 is formed on the surface of the photo-alignment film 14. As described above, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 is a layer in which a cholesteric liquid crystal phase is fixed.

[0098] 1, in order to simplify the drawing and clearly show the configuration of the optical element 10, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 conceptually shows only the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 (liquid crystal compound molecules) on the surface of the photo-alignment film 14 and the surface of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16. However, as conceptually shown in FIG. 2, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 has a helical structure in which the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 are stacked in a spiral, similar to a cholesteric liquid crystal layer formed by fixing a normal cholesteric liquid crystal phase, and has a structure in which the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 are stacked in a spiral, with one helical pitch being defined as one helical rotation (360° rotation) of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20. That is, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 shown in FIG. 2 has a region in which the orientation of the optical axis derived from the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 is twisted and rotated in the thickness direction.

[0099] As is well known, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer formed by fixing a cholesteric liquid crystal phase has wavelength-selective reflectivity. As will be described in detail later, the selective reflection wavelength range of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer depends on the length of one helical pitch in the thickness direction (pitch P shown in Figure 2).

[0100] As described above, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 is a cholesteric liquid crystal layer formed by fixing a cholesteric liquid crystal phase, i.e., a layer made of rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 (liquid crystal material) having a cholesteric structure.

[0101] (Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Phase) Cholesteric liquid crystal phases are known to exhibit selective reflectivity at specific wavelengths. In a typical cholesteric liquid crystal phase, the central wavelength of selective reflection (selective reflection central wavelength) λ depends on the helical pitch P of the cholesteric liquid crystal phase and follows the relationship λ = n × P with the average refractive index n of the cholesteric liquid crystal phase. Therefore, the selective reflection central wavelength can be adjusted by adjusting this helical pitch. The longer the pitch P, the longer the selective reflection central wavelength of the cholesteric liquid crystal phase. Note that, as described above, the helical pitch P is one pitch (helical period) of the helical structure of the cholesteric liquid crystal phase, in other words, one turn of the helix, i.e., the length of the helical axis direction in which the director (the long axis direction in the case of rod-shaped liquid crystals) of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 constituting the cholesteric liquid crystal phase rotates 360°.

[0102] The helical pitch of the cholesteric liquid crystal phase depends on the type of chiral dopant used together with the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 when forming the cholesteric liquid crystal layer and the concentration of the chiral dopant. Therefore, a desired helical pitch can be obtained by adjusting these factors. Details of pitch adjustment are described in Fujifilm Research Report No. 50 (2005), pp. 60-63. Methods for measuring the helical sense and pitch can be found in "Introduction to Liquid Crystal Chemistry Experiments," edited by the Japanese Liquid Crystal Society, published by Sigma Publishing in 2007, p. 46, and "Liquid Crystal Handbook," published by the Liquid Crystal Handbook Editorial Committee, Maruzen, p. 196.

[0103] Cholesteric liquid crystal phases exhibit selective reflection for either left- or right-handed circularly polarized light at a specific wavelength. Whether the reflected light is right-handed or left-handed circularly polarized light depends on the twist direction (sense) of the helix of the cholesteric liquid crystal phase. When the twist direction of the helix of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is right-handed, the cholesteric liquid crystal phase selectively reflects right-handed circularly polarized light, and when the twist direction of the helix is ​​left-handed, the cholesteric liquid crystal phase reflects left-handed circularly polarized light. The direction of rotation of the cholesteric liquid crystal phase can be adjusted by the type of liquid crystal compound forming the cholesteric liquid crystal layer and / or the type of chiral agent added.

[0104] Furthermore, the half-width Δλ (nm) of the selective reflection wavelength range (circularly polarized light reflection wavelength range) exhibiting selective reflection depends on the Δn of the cholesteric liquid crystal phase and the helical pitch P, and follows the relationship Δλ = Δn × P. Therefore, the width of the selective reflection wavelength range (selective reflection wavelength range) can be controlled by adjusting Δn. Δn can be adjusted by the type and mixing ratio of the liquid crystal compounds forming the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, as well as the temperature during alignment fixation. The half-width of the reflection wavelength range is adjusted depending on the application of the diffraction element, and may be, for example, 10 to 500 nm, preferably 20 to 300 nm, and more preferably 30 to 100 nm.

[0105] (Method of Forming Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Layer) The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 can be formed by fixing a cholesteric liquid crystal phase in a layer using the composition of the present invention described above. The structure in which the cholesteric liquid crystal phase is fixed may be any structure in which the orientation of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 in the cholesteric liquid crystal phase is maintained. Typically, a structure in which the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 having a polymerizable group is oriented in the cholesteric liquid crystal phase, and then polymerized and cured by ultraviolet irradiation, heating, or the like to form a non-fluid layer, and at the same time, the structure is changed to a state in which the orientation does not change due to an external field or external force. Note that in the structure in which the cholesteric liquid crystal phase is fixed, it is sufficient that the optical properties of the cholesteric liquid crystal phase are maintained; in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 does not need to exhibit liquid crystallinity. For example, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound may be polymerized by a curing reaction and lose its liquid crystallinity.

[0106] When forming a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, it is preferable to apply the liquid crystal composition of the present invention described above to the surface on which the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is to be formed, align the liquid crystal compound in a cholesteric liquid crystal phase state, and then harden the liquid crystal compound to form a cholesteric liquid crystal layer. That is, when forming a cholesteric liquid crystal layer on a photo-alignment film 14, it is preferable to apply a liquid crystal composition to the photo-alignment film 14, align the liquid crystal compound in a cholesteric liquid crystal phase state, and then harden the liquid crystal compound to form a cholesteric liquid crystal layer in which the cholesteric liquid crystal phase is fixed. The liquid crystal composition can be applied by any of printing methods such as inkjet printing and scroll printing, as well as any of known methods capable of uniformly applying a liquid to a sheet-like material, such as spin coating, bar coating, and spray coating.

[0107] The applied liquid crystal composition is dried and / or heated as necessary, and then cured to form a cholesteric liquid crystal layer. In this drying and / or heating process, the liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal composition may be oriented in a cholesteric liquid crystal phase. When heating is performed, the heating temperature is preferably 200° C. or less, and more preferably 130° C. or less.

[0108] The aligned liquid crystal compound is further polymerized as needed. The polymerization may be either thermal polymerization or photopolymerization by light irradiation, but photopolymerization is preferred. The light irradiation is preferably performed using ultraviolet light. The irradiation energy is 20 mJ / cm. ２ ~50 J / cm ２ is preferred, and 50 to 1500 mJ / cm ２ In order to promote the photopolymerization reaction, the irradiation may be carried out under heating conditions or in a nitrogen atmosphere. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light to be irradiated is preferably 250 to 430 nm.

[0109] There is no restriction on the thickness of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and the thickness that provides the required light reflectance can be set appropriately depending on the application of the optical element 10, the light reflectance required for the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and the material from which the cholesteric liquid crystal layer is formed, etc.

[0110] (Orientation Pattern of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Layer) In the optical element 10 of the present invention, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16, which is an optically anisotropic layer, has an orientation pattern in which the direction of the optical axis 20A derived from the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 forming the cholesteric liquid crystal phase changes while continuously rotating in one direction within the plane of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer. The optical axis 20A derived from the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 is the axis along which the refractive index of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 is highest. For example, when the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 is a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, the optical axis 20A is aligned with the long axis direction of the rod shape. In the following description, the optical axis 20A derived from the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 is also referred to as the "optical axis 20A of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20" or the "optical axis 20A."

[0111] Fig. 3 conceptually shows a plan view of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16. Note that the plan view is a view of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 when the optical element 10 in Fig. 1 is viewed from above, i.e., when the optical element 10 is viewed from the thickness direction (i.e., the lamination direction of each layer (film)). In Fig. 3, in order to clearly show the configuration of the optical element 10 of the present invention, only the rod-like liquid crystal compounds 20 on the surface of the photo-alignment film 14 are shown, as in Fig. 1.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 3 , the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 constituting the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 have an orientation pattern on the surface of the photo-alignment film 14, in which the orientation of their optical axes 20A changes while continuously rotating along a predetermined direction indicated by arrow X within the plane of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16, in accordance with the orientation pattern formed on the underlying photo-alignment film 14. In the illustrated example, the orientation pattern is such that the optical axes 20A of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 change while continuously rotating clockwise along the direction of arrow X. The rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 constituting the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 are two-dimensionally aligned along arrow X and a direction perpendicular to this direction (the direction of arrow X). In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow X will be referred to as the Y direction for convenience. That is, the Y direction is the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the orientation of the optical axes 20A of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 changes while continuously rotating within the plane of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer. Therefore, in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the Y direction is perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0113] The expression "the orientation of the optical axis 20A of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 changes while continuously rotating in the direction of arrow X (a predetermined direction)" specifically means that the angle formed between the optical axis 20A of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 aligned along the direction of arrow X and the direction of arrow X varies depending on the position in the direction of arrow X, and the angle formed between the optical axis 20A and the direction of arrow X sequentially changes from θ to θ+180° or θ−180° along the direction of arrow X. The difference in angle between the optical axes 20A of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 adjacent to each other in the direction of arrow X is preferably 45° or less, more preferably 15° or less, and even more preferably a smaller angle.

[0114] On the other hand, the rod-like liquid crystal compounds 20 forming the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 have the same orientation of their optical axes 20A in the Y direction perpendicular to the direction of the arrow X, i.e., in the Y direction perpendicular to the direction in which the optical axes 20A continuously rotate. In other words, the rod-like liquid crystal compounds 20 forming the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 have the same angle between the optical axes 20A of the rod-like liquid crystal compounds 20 and the direction of the arrow X in the Y direction.

[0115] In the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16, in such an orientation pattern of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20, the length (distance) over which the optical axis 20A of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 rotates 180° in the direction of arrow X, in which the optical axis 20A continuously rotates and changes in the plane, is defined as the length Λ of one period in the orientation pattern. That is, the distance between the centers of two rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 in the direction of arrow X that are at the same angle with respect to the direction of arrow X is defined as the length Λ of one period. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , the distance between the centers of two rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 in the direction of arrow X whose optical axes 20A coincide with the direction of arrow X is defined as the length Λ of one period. In the following description, this length Λ of one period is also referred to as "one period Λ." In the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16, the orientation pattern of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer repeats this one period Λ in the direction of arrow X, i.e., in one direction in which the orientation of the optical axis 20A continuously rotates and changes.

[0116] A cholesteric liquid crystal layer having a fixed cholesteric liquid crystal phase normally specularly reflects incident light (circularly polarized light). In contrast, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 reflects the incident light at an angle inclined in the direction of arrow X relative to specular reflection. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 has an orientation pattern in which the optical axis 20A changes while continuously rotating in the direction of arrow X (a predetermined direction) within the plane.

[0117] As described above, the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 of the optical element 10 has a liquid crystal orientation pattern in which the optical axes 20A of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 rotate concentrically along one direction within the plane. In this orientation pattern, the length of a 180° rotation of the optical axes 20A is defined as one period Λ (see FIGS. 1 and 3 ). In the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 having this orientation pattern, the shorter the period Λ, the larger the angle of the reflected light relative to the incident light. In other words, the shorter the period Λ, the greater the angle at which the reflected light can be reflected relative to the incident light.

[0118] There are no limitations on the period Λ and it may be set appropriately depending on the application of the optical element. The period Λ of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 is preferably 50.00 μm or less, preferably 25.00 μm or less, preferably 5.00 μm or less, more preferably 2.00 μm or less, more preferably 1.60 μm or less, even more preferably 0.80 μm or less, and even more preferably equal to or less than the wavelength λ of the incident light. The lower limit is not particularly limited, but is often 0.20 μm or more. By setting the period Λ within the above range, the diffraction angle of reflected light by the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 can be sufficiently large. Therefore, for example, when the optical element of the present invention is used as a diffraction element for guiding light to the above-mentioned AR glass light guide plate, light can be incident on the light guide plate at an angle sufficient for propagation by total reflection.

[0119] The period Λ of this alignment pattern is the same in the patterned liquid crystal layer 32 of the optical element 30 according to another embodiment of the present invention, which will be described later.

[0120] The optical element of the present invention may be used by stacking multiple optical elements. When stacking optical elements of the present invention having different selectively reflected wavelength ranges, there is no limitation on the stacking order. When stacking multiple optical elements of the present invention, there is no limitation on the configuration in which optical elements having different selective reflection center wavelengths are stacked. For example, the optical element may have two cholesteric liquid crystal layers having the same selective reflection center wavelength but different rotation directions of the reflected circularly polarized light, i.e., different rotation directions (senses) of the helix in the cholesteric liquid crystal phase. By using such a configuration, both right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized light contained in incident light can be reflected, thereby increasing the amount of reflected light relative to the incident light.

[0121] Although the optical element 10 in the above example uses a cholesteric liquid crystal layer as the optically anisotropic layer, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, in the optical element of the present invention, various optically anisotropic layers can be used as long as the optically anisotropic layer is formed using a composition containing a liquid crystal compound and has an orientation pattern in which the optical axis 20A derived from the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 is continuously rotated along at least one direction in the plane. As an example, the optical element of the present invention can also use an optically anisotropic layer having an orientation pattern in which the liquid crystal compound is continuously rotated along at least one direction in the plane and in which the liquid crystal compound is not twisted helically in the thickness direction.

[0122] An example of such a configuration is conceptually shown in Figure 4. The optical element 30 shown in Figure 4 includes a support 12, a photo-alignment film 14, and a patterned liquid crystal layer 32. In the optical element 30, the patterned liquid crystal layer 32 is an optically anisotropic layer according to the present invention and has the same alignment pattern as the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16 described above. Therefore, as conceptually shown in Figure 5, the patterned liquid crystal layer 32 also has an alignment pattern in which the optical axes 20A of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 continuously rotate clockwise along the direction of arrow X, similar to the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16. Note that, like Figure 3 described above, Figure 5 also shows only the liquid crystal compounds on the surface of the photo-alignment film 14. In the patterned liquid crystal layer 32, the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 forming the diffraction elements (liquid crystal layer) are not twisted or rotated helically in the thickness direction, and the optical axes 20A of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 face the same direction in the thickness direction, i.e., the directions of the optical axes 20A derived from the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 are aligned in the thickness direction, or in the patterned liquid crystal layer 32, the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 forming the diffraction elements (liquid crystal layer) are gently twisted in the thickness direction with a period sufficiently longer than the wavelength of incident light. Such a liquid crystal layer can be formed by not adding a chiral dopant to the liquid crystal composition or by adjusting the amount of chiral dopant added in the formation of the above-mentioned cholesteric liquid crystal layer.

[0123] In the optical element 30, the support 12 and the photo-alignment film 14 are the same as those in the optical element 10 shown in FIG.

[0124] As described above, the patterned liquid crystal layer 32 has an orientation pattern in which the directions of the optical axes 20A derived from the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 change in-plane while continuously rotating along the direction of arrow X, i.e., the direction indicated by arrow X. On the other hand, the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 forming the patterned liquid crystal layer 32 are arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow X, i.e., the Y direction perpendicular to the direction in which the optical axes 20A continuously rotate. In other words, the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 forming the patterned liquid crystal layer 32 arranged in the Y direction have the same angle between the direction of the optical axes 20A and the direction of arrow X.

[0125] In the patterned liquid crystal layer 32, the liquid crystal compounds aligned in the Y direction have the same angle between their optical axes 20A and the direction of arrow X (one direction in which the optical axes of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 rotate). A region in which the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20, each with the same angle between their optical axes 20A and the direction of arrow X, are arranged in the Y direction, is referred to as a region R. In this case, the in-plane retardation (Re) value in each region R is preferably half the wavelength, i.e., λ / 2. These in-plane retardations are calculated by the product of the refractive index difference Δn associated with the refractive index anisotropy of region R and the thickness of the optically anisotropic layer. Here, the refractive index difference associated with the refractive index anisotropy of region R in the optically anisotropic layer is a refractive index difference defined by the difference between the refractive index in the direction of the slow axis in the plane of region R and the refractive index in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the slow axis. That is, the refractive index difference Δn due to the refractive index anisotropy of the region R is equal to the difference between the refractive index of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 in the direction of the optical axis 20A and the refractive index of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis 20A in the plane of the region R. That is, the refractive index difference Δn is equal to the refractive index difference of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20.

[0126] When circularly polarized light is incident on the patterned liquid crystal layer 32, the light is diffracted and the direction of the circular polarization is changed.

[0127] As with the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16, the patterned liquid crystal layer 32 also changes one period Λ of the formed orientation pattern, thereby changing the transmitted light L ２ and L ５Specifically, in the patterned liquid crystal layer 32, the shorter the period Λ of the orientation pattern, the stronger the interference between the lights passing through the adjacent rod-like liquid crystal compounds 20, and therefore the angle of diffraction of the transmitted light L ２ and L ５ Since one period Λ is set according to the diffraction angle, there is no particular limitation, and it is usually 0.2 μm or more. Note that one period Λ is preferably 1.6 μm or less, more preferably 0.8 μm or less, and even more preferably equal to or less than the wavelength λ of the incident light. Furthermore, in the patterned liquid crystal layer 32, as in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 16, etc., the incident light L １ and L ４ The longer the wavelength of the transmitted light L ２ and L ５ is largely diffracted. Furthermore, by reversing the rotation direction of the optical axis 20A of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20, which rotates along the direction of arrow X, the direction of diffraction of the transmitted light can be reversed. That is, in the examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rotation direction of the optical axis 20A pointing in the direction of arrow X is clockwise, but by changing this rotation direction to counterclockwise, the direction of diffraction of the transmitted light can be reversed.

[0128] In the above examples, in the optically anisotropic layer of the optical element, the direction of the optical axis 20A derived from the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 continuously changes only in the direction of the arrow X. However, the optically anisotropic layer of the optical element of the present invention is not limited to this, and various configurations can be used as long as it is formed using a composition containing a liquid crystal compound and the optical axis 20A of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 continuously rotates along one direction.

[0129] 7 is an example of an optically anisotropic layer 34 having a concentric pattern in which the orientation of the optical axes of the rod-like liquid crystal compounds 20 changes while continuously rotating in one direction, concentrically from the inside to the outside. Alternatively, an orientation pattern in which the orientation of the optical axes of the rod-like liquid crystal compounds 20 changes while continuously rotating in one direction, radially extending from the center of the optically anisotropic layer 34, instead of a concentric pattern, can also be used.

[0130] 7, as in FIGS. 3 and 5, only the rod-like liquid crystal compounds 20 on the surface of the alignment film are shown. However, as described above, in the optically anisotropic layer 34, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the rod-like liquid crystal compounds 20 have a helical structure in which the rod-like liquid crystal compounds 20 are spirally wound and stacked from the rod-like liquid crystal compounds 20 on the surface of the alignment film.

[0131] In the optically anisotropic layer 34 shown in FIG. 7 , the optical axes (not shown) of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20. In the optically anisotropic layer 34, the orientations of the optical axes of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 change while continuously rotating along multiple directions, such as the direction indicated by arrow X1, the direction indicated by arrow X2, the direction indicated by arrow X3, and so on, extending from the center of the optically anisotropic layer 34 to the outside. A preferred embodiment is one in which the optical axes change while rotating in the same direction radially from the center of the optically anisotropic layer 34, as shown in FIG. 7 . The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is a counterclockwise orientation. In each of the arrows X1, X2, and X3 in FIG. 7 , the rotation direction of the optical axis becomes counterclockwise as it extends from the center to the outside. Circularly polarized light incident on the optically anisotropic layer 34 having this orientation pattern undergoes a change in absolute phase in each local region where the orientations of the optical axes of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compounds 20 are different. At this time, the amount of change in each absolute phase differs depending on the direction of the optical axis of the rod-like liquid crystal compound 20 on which the circularly polarized light is incident.

[0132] An optically anisotropic layer 34 having such a concentric orientation pattern, i.e., an orientation pattern in which the optical axes change by continuous radial rotation, can reflect or transmit incident light as divergent or convergent light depending on the direction of rotation of the optical axes of the rod-like liquid crystal compounds 20 and the direction of the reflected circularly polarized light. That is, when the optically anisotropic layer 34 is a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, the optical element of the present invention can function as, for example, a concave mirror or a convex mirror by making the orientation pattern concentric. Furthermore, when the optically anisotropic layer 34 is a patterned liquid crystal layer, the optical element of the present invention can function as a concave lens or a convex lens by making the orientation pattern concentric.

[0133] Here, when the orientation pattern of the optically anisotropic layer is concentric and the optical element functions as a concave mirror or a convex lens, it is preferable to gradually shorten one period Λ, in which the optical axis rotates 180°, from the center of the optically anisotropic layer 34 toward the outside in one direction in which the optical axis continuously rotates. As mentioned above, the shorter the period Λ in the orientation pattern, the larger the reflection angle of light with respect to the incident direction. Therefore, by gradually shortening one period Λ in the orientation pattern from the center of the optically anisotropic layer 34 toward the outside in one direction in which the optical axis continuously rotates, light can be more focused, and the performance as a concave mirror or a convex lens can be improved.

[0134] In the present invention, when the optical element functions as a convex mirror or a concave lens, it is preferable to rotate the continuous rotation of the optical axis in the orientation pattern in the opposite direction from the center of the optically anisotropic layer 34. When the optically anisotropic layer is a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, the rotation direction of the reflected circularly polarized light, i.e., the sense of the helix, may be reversed. Furthermore, by gradually shortening one period Λ of the optical axis rotating 180° from the center of the optically anisotropic layer 34 outward in one direction in which the optical axis continuously rotates, the optically anisotropic layer 34 can diverge light more, thereby improving its performance as a convex mirror or a concave lens.

[0135] In the present invention, depending on the application of the optical element, the period Λ of the concentric circular alignment pattern may be gradually increased from the center of the optically anisotropic layer 34 toward the outside in one direction in which the optical axis continuously rotates. Furthermore, depending on the application of the optical element, for example, when it is desired to provide a light intensity distribution in the reflected light, a configuration may be used in which, rather than gradually changing the period Λ toward the direction in which the optical axis continuously rotates, there are regions in which the period Λ varies partially in the direction in which the optical axis continuously rotates. Furthermore, the optical element of the present invention may have a cholesteric liquid crystal layer whose period Λ is uniform throughout and a cholesteric liquid crystal layer having regions in which the period Λ varies. This point is also applicable to a configuration in which the optical axis continuously rotates in only one direction, as shown in FIG. 1, which will be described later.

[0136] 8 conceptually shows an example of an exposure device for forming such a concentric circular alignment pattern on the photo-alignment film 14 corresponding to the optically anisotropic layer 34. The exposure device 80 includes a light source 84 equipped with a laser 82, a polarizing beam splitter 86 that splits laser light M from the laser 82 into S-polarized light MS and P-polarized light MP, a mirror 90A arranged in the optical path of the P-polarized light MP, a mirror 90B arranged in the optical path of the S-polarized light MS, a lens 92 arranged in the optical path of the S-polarized light MS, a polarizing beam splitter 94, and a λ / 4 plate 96.

[0137] The P-polarized light MP split by the polarizing beam splitter 86 is reflected by a mirror 90A and enters a polarizing beam splitter 94. On the other hand, the S-polarized light MS split by the polarizing beam splitter 86 is reflected by a mirror 90B, collected by a lens 92, and enters the polarizing beam splitter 94. The P-polarized light MP and the S-polarized light MS are combined by the polarizing beam splitter 94 and converted into right- and left-circularly polarized light according to the polarization direction by a λ / 4 plate 96, and then enter the photo-alignment precursor film 140 on the support 12. Here, due to interference between the right- and left-circularly polarized light, the polarization state of the light irradiated onto the photo-alignment precursor film 140 changes periodically in the form of interference fringes. Because the crossing angle between the left- and right-circularly polarized light changes from the inside to the outside of the concentric circles, an exposure pattern whose pitch changes from the inside to the outside is obtained. This results in a concentric alignment pattern in the photo-alignment film 14, in which the alignment state changes periodically.

[0138] In this exposure device 80, the length Λ of one period of the alignment pattern in which the optical axis of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 continuously rotates 180° can be controlled by changing the refractive power of the lens 92 (the F-number of the lens 92), the focal length of the lens 92, and the distance between the lens 92 and the photo-alignment film 14. Furthermore, by adjusting the refractive power of the lens 92 (the F-number of the lens 92), the length Λ of one period of the alignment pattern can be changed in one direction in which the optical axis continuously rotates. Specifically, the length Λ of one period of the alignment pattern can be changed in one direction in which the optical axis continuously rotates by adjusting the spread angle of the light expanded by the lens 92, which interferes with the parallel light. More specifically, when the refractive power of the lens 92 is weakened, the light approaches parallel light, so that the length Λ of one period of the alignment pattern gradually shortens from the inside to the outside, and the F-number increases. Conversely, when the refractive power of the lens 92 is increased, the length Λ of one period of the alignment pattern becomes suddenly shorter from the inside to the outside, and the F-number becomes smaller.

[0139] In this way, the configuration in which the period Λ, in which the optical axis rotates 180°, is changed in one direction in which the optical axis continuously rotates, can also be used in the configuration in which the optical axis 20A of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 20 continuously rotates and changes only in one direction, the direction of arrow X, shown in Figures 1 to 9. For example, by gradually shortening the period Λ of the alignment pattern in the direction of arrow X, an optical element that reflects or transmits light in a condensed manner can be obtained. Furthermore, depending on the application of the optical element, for example, when it is desired to provide a light intensity distribution in reflected light and transmitted light, a configuration in which the period Λ is partially different in the direction of arrow X rather than gradually changing the period Λ in the direction of arrow X can also be used. For example, as a method for partially changing the period Λ, a method of patterning a photo-alignment film by scan exposure while arbitrarily changing the polarization direction of condensed laser light can be used.

[0140] Although the optical element of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples, and various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0141] [Light Guide Element] The light guide element of the present invention is a light guide element including the above-described optical element of the present invention and a light guide plate. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the light guide element has a light guide plate 42 and an optical element (laminated optical element) 10, and has a configuration in which the optical element 10 is bonded to one end of the main surface of the light guide plate 42 and the optical element 10 is bonded to the other end. In such a light guide element, the optical element 10 is used as an incident diffraction element that reflects incident light at an angle that causes total reflection within the light guide plate 42, causing the light to enter the light guide plate 42, and is also used as an exit diffraction element that reflects light that is totally reflected and guided within the light guide plate 42 at an angle that does not satisfy the total reflection condition, causing the light to exit the light guide plate 42.

[0142] The features of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to examples and comparative examples. The materials, reagents, amounts used, amounts of substances, ratios, treatment details, treatment procedures, etc. shown in the following examples can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the specific examples shown below.

[0143] [Evaluation Compounds] As evaluation compounds, compounds A-1 to A-6 were synthesized as specific compounds, and B-1 to B-3 were synthesized as comparative compounds.

[0144] Synthesis examples and structural formulae of compounds A-1 to A-6 are shown below.

[0145]

[0146] Synthesis Example 1 Synthesis of Compound A-1 Compound A-1 was synthesized according to the following scheme: Compound 2 was synthesized according to WO 2019 / 182129.

[0147]

[0148] (1) Synthesis of Compound 3 Compound 2 (8.66 g, 28.8 mmol) and 4-iodoaniline (6.00 g, 27.4 mmol) were dissolved in DMF (dimethylformamide, 30 mL) under a nitrogen atmosphere, and triethylamine (27.72 g, 273.9 mmol) was added. After bubbling nitrogen through the resulting solution for 1 hour, Pd(PPh ３ ) ２ Cl２ (961 mg, 1.37 mmol), CuI (522 mg, 2.73 mmol), and PPh ３ (719 mg, 2.73 mmol) was added and stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The resulting solution was cooled in an ice-water bath, and ethyl acetate (100 mL) and 1 mmol / L hydrochloric acid (100 mL) were added, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The resulting organic layer was washed with brine and then dried over magnesium sulfate. After filtering the organic phase, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, and the resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography to give compound 3 (8.01 g). The yield was 83.2%.

[0149] (2) Synthesis of Compound 4 Cyanuric chloride (0.50 g, 2.7 mmol) was dissolved in MEK (methyl ethyl ketone, 3 mL). The resulting solution was cooled to 10°C, and compound 3 (3.41 g, 9.49 mmol) was added. Sodium hydroxide (0.16 g, 4.1 mmol) and water (0.80 g, 44 mmol) were added at the same temperature, and the mixture was stirred at 60°C for 9 hours. The resulting solution was cooled in an ice-water bath, and water (50 mL), ethyl acetate (50 mL), and THF (tetrahydrofuran, 50 mL) were added. The mixture was then extracted with ethyl acetate. The resulting organic phase was washed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate, and filtered. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, and the resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography to obtain compound 4 (0.77 g). The yield was 26.8%.

[0150] (4) Synthesis of Compound 5 Compound 4 (0.46 g, 0.45 mmol) was dissolved in THF (5 mL). The resulting solution was cooled in an ice-water bath, and a THF solution of tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) (1 mol / L, 0.95 mL, 0.95 mmol) was added, followed by stirring at room temperature for 2 hours. The resulting solution was cooled in an ice-water bath, and ethyl acetate (10 mL) and 1 mol / L hydrochloric acid (10 mL) were added, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The resulting organic phase was washed with brine. The resulting organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate and filtered. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give compound 5 (0.36 g). The yield was 100%.

[0151] (5) Synthesis of Compound A-1 Compound 5 (0.36 g, 0.46 mmol) was dissolved in DMAc (dimethylacetamide, 5 mL). The resulting solution was cooled in an ice-water bath, and acryloyl chloride (0.13 g, 1.4 mmol) was added, followed by stirring at room temperature for 4 hours. Methanol (30 mL) was added to the resulting solution, and the precipitate was filtered. The resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography to obtain Compound A-1 (0.24 g). The yield was 56%. The synthesis of Compound A-1 is shown below. １ H-NMR data is shown. １ H-NMR (DMSO-d ６ ): δ=2.98 (t, 6H), 4.34 (t, 6H), 5.93 (dd, 3H), 6.14 (dd, 3H), 6.32 (dd, 3H), 7,32 (d, 6H), 7.49 (m, 12H), 7.92 (m, 6H), 9.66 (s, 3H).

[0152] Synthesis Example 2: Synthesis of Compound A-2 Compound A-2 was synthesized according to the same procedure as in Synthesis Example 1, except that 4-iodophenol was used instead of 4-iodoaniline.

[0153] Synthesis Example 3 Synthesis of Compound A-3 Compound A-3 was synthesized in the same manner as in Synthesis Example 1, except that compound 8 synthesized according to the following scheme was used instead of compound 5.

[0154]

[0155] (1) Synthesis of Compound 6 Cyanuric chloride (10.00 g, 54.23 mmol) was dissolved in MEK (150 mL). The resulting solution was cooled in an ice-water bath, and 4-aminophenol (17.75 g, 162.7 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 1 hour. To the resulting solution, an aqueous solution of sodium acetate (13.35 g, 162.7 mmol) dissolved in water (80 mL) was added at the same temperature. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour, and then stirred under reflux for 6 hours. The resulting solution was cooled to room temperature and added to water (1400 mL). The precipitate was filtered and washed successively with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water to obtain Compound 6 (21.82 g, 54.23 mmol). The yield was 100%.

[0156] (2) Synthesis of Compound 7 Compound 6 (2.50 g, 6.21 mmol) was dissolved in DMAc (25 mL), and 4-iodobenzyl bromide (5.81 g, 19.6 mmol), potassium carbonate (2.96 g, 21.4 mmol), and potassium iodide (0.10 g, 0.6 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 55°C for 5 hours. 4-iodobenzyl bromide (0.92 g, 3.1 mmol) and potassium carbonate (0.43 g, 3.1 mmol) were added to the resulting solution, followed by stirring for 4 hours. The resulting solution was cooled to room temperature, and methanol (100 mL) and water (15 mL) were added. The precipitate was filtered, yielding compound 7 (6.25 g, 5.95 mmol). The yield was 95.7%.

[0157] (3) Synthesis of Compound 8 Compound 7 (3.00 g, 2.86 mmol) and Compound 1 (1.48 g, 9.00 mmol) were dissolved in DMF (15 mL) under a nitrogen atmosphere, and triethylamine (2.89 g, 28.6 mmol) was added. After bubbling nitrogen through the resulting solution for 1 hour, Pd(PPh ３ ) ２ Cl ２ (20 mg, 29 μmol), CuI (11 mg, 58 μmol), and triphenylphosphine (15 mg, 57 μmol) were added and stirred at 60° C. for 2 hours. The resulting mixture was cooled to room temperature, methanol (40 mL) was added, and the precipitate was filtered to obtain compound 8 (2.62 g, 2.37 mmol). The yield was 82.9%.

[0158] Synthesis Example 4 Synthesis of Compound A-4 Compound A-4 was synthesized according to the following scheme: Compound 9 was synthesized according to WO 2019 / 182129.

[0159]

[0160] (1) Synthesis of Compound 10 Compound 9 (4.99 g, 10.1 mmol) was dissolved in a mixture of THF (40 mL) and water (40 mL). The resulting solution was cooled under ice-cooling, and lithium hydroxide monohydrate (1.27 g, 30.3 mmol) and tetrabutylammonium bromide (30 mg, 95 μmol) were added. The mixture was then stirred under reflux for 8 hours. The resulting solution was cooled to room temperature, and ethyl acetate (100 mL) and 1 mol / L hydrochloric acid (50 mL) were added. The mixture was then extracted with ethyl acetate. The resulting organic phase was washed sequentially with water, sodium bicarbonate solution, and brine. The resulting organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate and filtered. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, and the resulting residue was reslurried in hexane to obtain Compound 10 (3.35 g, 6.98 mmol). The yield was 87.1%.

[0161] (2) Synthesis of Compound 12 Compound 10 (3.35 g, 6.98 mmol) was suspended in toluene (30 mL). DMF (30 μL) and thionyl chloride (1.00 g, 8.41 mmol) were added to the resulting suspension, and the mixture was stirred at 80°C for 4 hours. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, and the resulting residue was dissolved in THF (30 mL). The resulting solution was cooled under ice-cooling, and 4-iodobenzyl alcohol (1.47 g, 6.28 mmol) and triethylamine (0.71 g, 7.02 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at room temperature for 4 hours. Ethyl acetate (50 mL) and 1 mol / L hydrochloric acid (50 mL) were added to the resulting solution. The resulting organic phase was then washed with acetic acid, water, sodium bicarbonate solution, and brine, successively. The resulting organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate and filtered. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography to obtain Compound 12 (3.72 g, 5.34 mmol) in a yield of 85.0%.

[0162] (3) Synthesis of Compound 13 Compound 12 (3.70 g, 5.72 mmol) and Compound 1 (2.76 g, 18.9 mmol) were dissolved in DMF (20 mL) under a nitrogen atmosphere, and triethylamine (5.79 g, 57.2 mmol) was added. Nitrogen was bubbled through the resulting solution for 1 hour, and then Pd(PPh ３ ) ２ Cl ２(7.7 mg, 11 μmol), CuI (20.9 mg, 110 μmol), and triphenylphosphine (2.9 mg, 11 μmol) were added and stirred at 60° C. for 5 hours. The resulting mixture was cooled to room temperature, methanol (100 mL) was added, and the precipitate was filtered to obtain compound 13 (4.03 g, 5.37 mmol). The yield was 94%.

[0163] (4) Synthesis of Compound A-4 Compound 13 (4.00 g, 5.33 mmol) was dissolved in DMAc (40 mL). The resulting solution was cooled in an ice-water bath, and acryloyl chloride (1.45 g, 16.0 mmol) was added, followed by stirring at room temperature for 4 hours. Methanol (80 mL) was added to the resulting solution, and the precipitate was filtered to obtain Compound A-4 (4.62 g, 5.06 mmol). The yield was 95%. The synthesis of Compound A-4 is shown below. １ H-NMR data is shown. １ H-NMR (CDCl ３ ): δ = 2.99 (t, 6H), 4.38 (t, 6H), 5.20 (s, 2H), 5.36 (s, 2H), 5.83 (dd, 3H), 6.10 (ddd, 3H), 6.39 (dt, 3 H), 6.99 (d, 1H), 7.20 (dt, 6H), 7.37-7.49 (m, 10H), 7.49-7.55 (m, 4H), 7.59 (dd, 1H), 8.03 (d, 1H).

[0164] Synthesis Example 5: Synthesis of Compound A-5 Compound A-5 was synthesized according to the procedure described in Synthesis Example 4: Synthesis of Compound A-4 above, except that compound 17, synthesized according to the following scheme, was used instead of compound 1. Compound 14 was synthesized according to WO 2011 / 050276.

[0165]

[0166] (1) Synthesis of Compound 15 4-Bromothiophenol (28.0 g, 0.148 mol) and compound 14 (36.5 g, 0.148 mmol) were dissolved in acetonitrile (500 mL), potassium carbonate (40.9 g, 0.296 mol) was added, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 2 hours. The resulting solution was cooled in an ice-water bath, and ethyl acetate (500 mL) and water (400 mL) were added. The mixture was then extracted with ethyl acetate. The resulting organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, and the resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography to obtain compound 15 (52.2 g, 0.150 mol). The yield was 62.4%.

[0167] (2) Synthesis of Compound 16: Under a nitrogen atmosphere, compound 15 (32.0 g, 92.1 mmol) was dissolved in THF (320 mL), and triethylamine (92.8 g, 0.917 mol) was added. After bubbling nitrogen through the resulting solution for 1 hour, trimethylsilylacetylene (10.9 g, 0.110 mol), Pd(PPh ３ ) ４ (2.12 g, 1.83 mmol) and CuI (0.35 g, 1.8 mmol) were added and stirred under reflux for 4 hours. The resulting solution was filtered and washed successively with water, 1N hydrochloric acid, sodium bicarbonate solution, and brine. The resulting organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, and the resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography to obtain compound 16 (28.4 g, 77.9 mmol). The yield was 84.9%.

[0168] (3) Synthesis of Compound 17 Compound 16 (10.00 g, 42.17 mmol) was dissolved in THF (50 mL). The resulting solution was cooled in an ice-water bath, and acetic acid (2.79 g, 46.4 mmmol) and a THF solution of tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) (1 mol / L, 46.4 mL, 46.4 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at room temperature for 3 hours. The resulting solution was cooled in an ice-water bath, and ethyl acetate (100 mL) and 1 mol / L hydrochloric acid (100 mL) were added, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The resulting organic phase was washed sequentially with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and brine. The resulting organic phase was dried over sodium sulfate and filtered. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, and the resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography to obtain compound 17 (5.42 g, 33.8 mmol). The yield was 89.1%.

[0169] Synthesis Example 6: Synthesis of compound A-6 Compound A-6 was synthesized according to the following scheme.

[0170]

[0171] (1) Synthesis of Compound 18 4-Iodobenzyl alcohol (10.00 g, 72.43 mmol) was dissolved in DMAc (50 mL), and 4-iodobenzyl bromide (22.50 g, 76.05 mmol), potassium carbonate (11.51 g, 83.29 mmol), and potassium iodide (0.60 g, 3.6 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 55°C for 4 hours. The resulting solution was cooled to room temperature, water (100 mL) was added, and the precipitate was filtered to obtain Compound 18 (23.09 g, 65.19 mmol). The yield was 90.0%.

[0172] (2) Synthesis of Compound 19 Succinic anhydride (3.26 g, 32.6 mmol) was dissolved in toluene (60 mL), and N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (38 mg, 0.31 mmol) and compound 18 (11.00 g, 31.06 mmol) were added, followed by stirring at 60°C for 4 hours. Ethyl acetate (600 mL) and water (300 mL) were added to the resulting solution, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The resulting organic phase was washed sequentially with brine and then dried over sodium sulfate. The organic phase was filtered, and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was suspended in ethyl acetate (60 mL), stirred at 50°C for 1 hour, cooled to room temperature, and the precipitate was filtered to obtain compound 19 (11.87 g, 26.2 mmol). The yield was 84.1%.

[0173] (3) Synthesis of Compound 20 Compound 19 (5.00 g, 11.0 mmol) was dissolved in acetonitrile (25 mL). DMF (43 μL) and thionyl chloride (1.57 g, 13.2 mmol) were added to the resulting solution, followed by stirring at 60°C for 1 hour. The resulting solution was cooled to 40°C, and glycerin (0.34 g, 3.7 mmol) and pyridine (8.71 g, 110 mmol) were added. The resulting solution was stirred at the same temperature for 5 hours. The resulting solution was cooled to room temperature, and ethyl acetate (100 mL) and 1 mol / L hydrochloric acid (50 mL) were added. The resulting organic phase was then washed with water, sodium bicarbonate water, and brine, followed by drying over sodium sulfate and filtration. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure, and the resulting mixture was purified by flash column chromatography to obtain compound 20 (3.34 g, 2.38 mmol). The yield was 65%.

[0174] (4) Synthesis of Compound 21 Compound 20 (2.50 g, 1.79 mmol) and Compound 1 (0.93 g, 5.6 mmol) were dissolved in DMF (15 mL) under a nitrogen atmosphere, and triethylamine (1.81 g, 17.8 mmol) was added. After bubbling nitrogen through the resulting solution for 1 hour, Pd(PPh ３ ) ２ Cl ２(63 mg, 89 μmol), CuI (34 mg, 180 μmol), and triphenylphosphine (47 mg, 180 μmol) were added and stirred at 60° C. for 5 hours. The resulting mixture was cooled to room temperature, and methanol (10 mL) and water (10 mL) were added. The precipitate was filtered to obtain compound 21 (1.94 g, 1.33 mmol). The yield was 75%.

[0175] (5) Synthesis of Compound A-6 Compound 21 (1.90 g, 1.31 mmol) was dissolved in DMAc (10 mL). The resulting solution was cooled in an ice-water bath, and acryloyl chloride (0.37 g, 4.1 mmol) was added, followed by stirring at room temperature for 4 hours. Water (12 mL) and methanol (10 mL) were added to the resulting solution, and the precipitate was filtered. The resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography to obtain Compound A-6 (0.88 g, 5.4 mmol). The yield was 42%. The synthesis of Compound A-6 is shown below. １ H-NMR data is shown. １ H-NMR (CDCl ３ ): δ = 2.62 (m, 12H), 2.86 (t, 6H), 2.99 (t, 6H), 4.16-4.32 (m, 10H), 4.38 (t, 6H), 5.04 (s, 6H), 5.27 (m, 1H), 5.82 (d , 3H), 6,10 (dd, 3H), 6.39 (d, 3H), 6.90 (d, 6H), 7.12 (d, 6H), 7,21 (d, 6H), 7.40 (d, 6H), 7.47 (d, 6H), 7.52 (d, 6H).

[0176] <Synthesis of Compound B-1> Compound B-1 was synthesized as a comparative compound according to WO 2019 / 182129.

[0177] Compound B-1

[0178]

[0179] <Synthesis of Compound B-2> Compound B-2 was synthesized as a comparative compound according to JP 2010-085455 A.

[0180] Compound B-2

[0181]

[0182] <Synthesis of Compound B-3> Compound B-3 was synthesized as a comparative compound according to US 2004-0142116.

[0183] Compound B-3

[0184]

[0185] [Examples 1 to 6, Comparative Examples 1 to 3] The following evaluations were carried out using compounds A-1 to A-6 in Examples 1 to 6. The following evaluations were carried out using compounds B-1 to B-3 in Comparative Examples 1 to 3.

[0186] <Δn ５５０ The Δn values ​​of the optically anisotropic layers F prepared using compositions F containing compounds A-1 to A-6 and compounds B-1 to B-3, respectively, were calculated as follows: ５５０ was evaluated.

[0187] (Preparation of Optically Anisotropic Layer F) Composition F having the following composition was prepared and spin-coated onto a rubbed glass sheet with an alignment film. Each composition F was applied to a hot plate heated to a temperature at which it exhibited a nematic phase, and then to a light source of 300 mJ / cm through a filter that cuts off light with a wavelength of 350 nm or less. ２ The film was then irradiated with ultraviolet light for 100 seconds to prepare an optically anisotropic layer F.

[0188] -------------------------------------------------- Composition of composition F -------------------------------------------------- Compounds of the Examples and Comparative Examples shown in Table 1 below: 20 parts by mass Compound B-1: 80 parts by mass Polymerization initiator (Irgacure (registered trademark) 907, manufactured by BASF): 2 parts by mass Leveling agent T-1 (described below): 0.1 parts by mass Chloroform: 1,940 parts by mass

[0189] Leveling agent T-1

[0190]

[0191] (Δn ５５０ Evaluation) Δn ５５０ was determined by measuring the retardation value and film thickness of the prepared optically anisotropic layer F. The retardation value was divided by the film thickness to obtain Δn ５５０ The retardation value was measured at a wavelength of 550 nm using an Axometrix Axoscan, and the film thickness was measured using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results are shown in Table 1 below. "A": 0.27≦Δn ５５０ "B": 0.25≦Δn ５５０ <0.27 “C”: 0.24≦Δn ５５０ <0.25 "D": Δn ５５０ <0.24

[0192] <Liquid Crystallinity of Evaluated Compounds> The compounds of each Example and Comparative Example were heated on a hot stage, observed under a polarizing microscope, and the phase transition temperature was measured. The presence or absence of liquid crystallinity was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria: "A": Liquid crystallinity present "B": No liquid crystallinity

[0193] <Rod-like liquid crystallinity of evaluated compounds> As shown below, compounds A-1 to A-6 and compounds B-1 to B-2 were used to prepare optically anisotropic layers E, which exhibited liquid crystallinity (the liquid crystallinity of the above-mentioned compounds was rated "A"), and the rod-like liquid crystallinity was evaluated. Note that, as shown in the table below, compound B-3 did not exhibit liquid crystallinity (the liquid crystallinity of the above-mentioned compound was rated "B"), and therefore rod-like liquid crystallinity was not evaluated.

[0194] (Preparation of Optically Anisotropic Layer E) Composition E having the following composition was prepared and spin-coated onto a rubbed glass with an alignment film. Each composition E was applied to a hot plate heated to a temperature at which it exhibited a liquid crystal phase, and then irradiated with 300 mJ / cm through a filter that cuts off light with a wavelength of 350 nm or less. ２ The optically anisotropic layer E was a positive A plate.

[0195] -------------------------------------------------- Composition of composition E -------------------------------------------------- Compounds of the examples and comparative examples shown in Table 1 below: 100 parts by mass Polymerization initiator (Irgacure (registered trademark) 907, manufactured by BASF) 2 parts by mass Leveling agent T-1 described above 0.1 part by mass Chloroform 1,940 parts by mass

[0196] (Evaluation of Rod-Like Liquid Crystallinity) The presence or absence of rod-like liquid crystallinity of the evaluation compound was determined by the change in retardation value measured by the following method for the prepared optically anisotropic layer E. First, a measurement light was incident from the normal direction of the optically anisotropic layer E, and the retardation Re0 at a wavelength of 550 nm was measured. Next, while maintaining the incident direction of the measurement light, the optically anisotropic layer E was rotated by 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40° around the in-plane slow axis of the optically anisotropic layer E as the axis of rotation, and the retardations Re1, Re2, Re3, and Re4 at a wavelength of 550 nm were measured at each angle of incidence of the measurement light. The obtained Re0, Re1, Re2, Re3, and Re4 were compared to evaluate the presence or absence of rod-like liquid crystallinity. Each retardation was measured at a wavelength of 550 nm using an Axometrix Axoscan. The rod-like liquid crystallinity was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. A gradual increase in retardation value from Re0 to Re4 indicates that the evaluation compound has rod-like liquid crystallinity, while a gradual decrease in retardation value from Re0 to Re4 indicates that the evaluation compound has discotic liquid crystallinity. More specifically, when the optically anisotropic layer E is a positive A plate and the evaluation compound has rod-like liquid crystallinity, even when rotated at each of the angles, the apparent change in the orientation of the evaluation compound is small (in other words, Δn at each retardation is unlikely to change), while the apparent film thickness increases (d at each retardation increases). As a result, the retardation value obtained by the above measurement is presumed to gradually increase. When the evaluation compound has discotic liquid crystallinity, the apparent orientation of the evaluation compound approaches discotic liquid crystal alignment from rod-like liquid crystal alignment when rotated at each of the angles, and the retardation value obtained by the above measurement is presumed to gradually decrease. "A": Rod-like liquid crystallinity "B": Discotic liquid crystallinity

[0197] <Solubility of Evaluated Compounds> The solubility of the compounds of each Example and Comparative Example (compounds A-1 to A-6, compounds B-1 to B-3) in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) was evaluated. Specifically, a measurement solution was prepared by dissolving each compound in MEK to a concentration of 15% by mass using ultrasonic treatment or heat treatment. The measurement solution was then left to stand at room temperature (25°C) for 30 minutes, and the presence or absence of precipitation of the compound in the measurement solution was observed. "A": No precipitation of the compound. "B": Compound precipitation occurred, or a measurement solution could not be prepared (the compound did not dissolve in MEK at a concentration of 15% by mass even after ultrasonic treatment or heat treatment).

[0198]

[0199] From the evaluation results shown in the table, the compounds of the present invention have a refractive index anisotropy Δn ５５０ From a comparison between Example 5 and other Examples, it was confirmed that in formula (I), at least one of Sp is a divalent linking group having neither an aromatic ring nor an aliphatic hydrocarbon ring, has -S-, and -S- is not directly connected to A １ or A ２ When it is a divalent linking group bonded to Δn ５５０ Comparison of Examples 1, 2 and 6 with Examples 3 and 4 has confirmed that when B represents a group represented by the above formula (B1) or a group represented by the above formula (B2), n1 and n3 represent 0, and n4 represents 1, or when B represents a group represented by formula (b), -N<, >CR Ｂ -, or when >C< is represented, Δn ５５０ was confirmed to be superior.

[0200] 10, 30 Optical element 12 Support 14 Alignment film 16 Cholesteric liquid crystal layer 20 Rod-like liquid crystal compound 20A Optical axis 32 Patterned liquid crystal layer 34 Optically anisotropic layer 40 Display 42 Light guide plate 60, 80 Exposure device 62, 82 Laser 64, 84 Light source 68, 86, 94 Polarizing beam splitter 70A, 70B, 90A, 90B Mirror 72A, 72B, 96 λ / 4 plate 92 Lens 140 Photo-alignment precursor film M Laser light MA, MB Light beam MP P-polarized light MS S-polarized light P Ｏ Linear polarized light P Ｒ Right circular polarization P Ｌ Left circular polarization

Claims

1. A compound represented by formula (I). In formula (I), P represents a hydrogen atom, -CN, -NCS, or a polymerizable group. However, multiple Ps may be the same or different. Sp represents a single bond or a divalent linking group having neither an aromatic ring nor an alicyclic ring. However, multiple Sps may be the same or different. A １ ~A ４ each independently represents a divalent aromatic ring group which may have a substituent L, or a divalent alicyclic group which may have a substituent L. １ If there are multiple A １ may be the same or different, and a plurality of A ２ may be the same or different, and A ３ If there are multiple A ３ may be the same or different, and A ４ If there are multiple A ４ may be the same or different. The substituent L represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkylamino group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkylthio group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkanoyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkanoyloxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkanoylamino group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkanoylthio group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkyloxycarbonyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkylaminocarbonyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkylthiocarbonyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, a hydroxy group, an amino group, a mercapto group, a carboxy group, a sulfo group, an amido group, a cyano group, a nitro group, a halogen atom, an aldehyde group, or a polymerizable group. However, when the substituent L is -CH ２ When - is present, -CH ２ -CH contained in the substituent L ２ At least one of - may be replaced by -O-, -CO-, -CH=CH- or -C≡C-. When the substituent L has a hydrogen atom, at least one of the hydrogen atoms contained in the substituent L having a hydrogen atom may be replaced by a fluorine atom or a polymerizable group. Z １ and Z ３ each independently represents a single bond, —O—, —S—, —NR—, or —CR ２ -, -CHRCHR-, -OCHR-, -NR-CHR-, -SO-, -SO ２ -, -COO-, -CO-S-, -O-CO-O-, -NR-CO-O-, -NR-CO-NR-, -CO-NR-, -SCHR-, -SO-CHR-, -SO ２ -CHR-, -CF ２ O-, -CF ２ S-, -OCHRCHRO-, -SCHRCHRS-, -SO-CHRCHR-SO-, -SO ２ -CHRCHR-SO ２ -, -CH=CH-COO-, -CH=CH-OCO-, -CH=CH-COS-, -CH=CH-SCO-, -CH=CH-CONR-, -CH=CH-NRCO-, -COO-CHRC HR-, -OCO-CHRCHR-, -COS-CHRCHR-, -SCO-CHRCHR-, -CONR-CHRCHR-, -NRCO-CHRCHR-, -COO-CHR-, -OCO- CHR-, -COS-CHR-, -SCO-CHR-, -CONR-CHR-, -NRCO-CHR-, -O-CHRCHR-, -S-CHRCHR-, -NR-CHRCHR-, -CR= CR-, -CR=N-, -N=N-, -CR=N-N=CR-, -CHR-O-CHR-, -CHR-S-CHR-, -CHR-NR-CHR-, -CHR-SO-CHR-, -CHR-SO ２ represents —CHR—, —CF═CF—, or —C≡C—, where R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. １ If there are multiple Z １ may be the same or different, Z ３ If there are multiple Z ３ may be the same or different. Y is —O—, —S—, —NR—, —CR ２ -, -O-CHR-, -NR-CHR-, -SO-, -SO ２ -, -COO-, -CO-S-, -O-CO-O-, -NR-CO-O-, -NR-CO-NR-, -CO-NR-, -SCHR-, -SO-CHR-, -SO ２ -CHR-, -CF ２ O-, -CF ２ S-, -OCHRCHRO-, -SCHRCHRS-, -SO-CHRCHR-SO-, -SO ２ -CHRCHR-SO ２ -, -CH=CH-COO-, -CH=CH-OCO-, -CH=CH-COS-, -CH=CH-SCO-, -CH=CH-CONR-, -CH=CH-NRCO-, -COO-CHRC HR-, -OCO-CHRCHR-, -COS-CHRCHR-, -SCO-CHRCHR-, -CONR-CHRCHR-, -NRCO-CHRCHR-, -COO-CHR-, -OCO- CHR-, -COS-CHR-, -SCO-CHR-, -CONR-CHR-, -NRCO-CHR-, -O-CHRCHR-, -S-CHRCHR-, -NR-CHRCHR-, -CR= CR-, -CR=N-, -N=N-, -CR=N-N=CR-, -CHR-O-CHR-, -CHR-S-CHR-, -CHR-NR-CHR-, -CHR-SO-CHR-, -CHR-SO ２ represents -CHR-, -CF=CF-, an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a combination thereof. R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. However, when B represents an m-valent aromatic ring group which may have a substituent L, or an m-valent alicyclic group which may have a substituent L, at least one of Y's is A ４ and B. When there are a plurality of Ys, the plurality of Ys may be the same or different. B represents an m-valent aromatic ring group which may have the substituent L or an m-valent alicyclic group which may have the substituent L, a group represented by formula (b), -N<, >CR Ｂ - or >C<. Ｂ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alkoxyalkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. n1 represents an integer of 0 to 2. However, multiple n1s may be the same or different. n2 represents 1 or 2. However, multiple n2s may be the same or different. n3 represents an integer of 0 to 2. However, multiple n3s may be the same or different. n4 represents 0 or 1. However, at least one of the multiple n4s represents 1, and multiple n4s may be the same or different. m represents 3 or 4. In formula (b), * represents a bonding position. Ｂ is -CH ２ - or -O-.

2. The compound according to claim 1, wherein B represents an m-valent aromatic ring group which may have the substituent L.

3. The compound according to claim 1 or 2, wherein B represents a group represented by formula (B1) or a group represented by formula (B2). In formula (B1) and formula (B2), *1 represents a bonding position. １ ~W ６ are each independently CR １ or N. １ represents a hydrogen atom or the substituent L.

4. A compound according to claim 1 or 2, wherein n2 represents 1.

5. Y is -O-, -S-, -NH-, -O-CH ２ --, --O-CH ２ CH ２ -, -O-CO-O-, -COO-CH ２ 3. The compound according to claim 1, wherein the aryl group represents -, an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a combination thereof.

6. Z １ and Z ３ are each independently —CH ２ CH ２ -or-OCH ２ 3. The compound according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 7. A compound according to claim 1 or 2, wherein n1 and n3 represent 0.

8. The compound according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Sp represents an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, -O-, -S-, -CO-, -COO-, or a combination thereof.

9. A １ ~A ４ and each independently represent a phenylene group optionally having the substituent L. The compound according to claim 1 or 2, 10. The compound according to claim 1 or 2, which has liquid crystal properties.

11. The compound according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Re0, Re1, Re2, Re3, and Re4 are measured by Method A, and the values ​​gradually increase from Re0 to Re4. Method A: An optically anisotropic layer is formed using a composition containing the compound, a measuring light is incident on the optically anisotropic layer from the normal direction, and the retardation Re0 at a wavelength of 550 nm is measured, and further, while maintaining the incident direction of the measuring light, the optically anisotropic layer is rotated by 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40° in sequence around the in-plane slow axis of the optically anisotropic layer as the axis of rotation, and the retardations Re1, Re2, Re3, and Re4 at a wavelength of 550 nm are measured at each rotation angle.

12. A composition comprising a compound according to claim 1 or 2.

13. A composition comprising the compound according to claim 1 or 2 and a liquid crystal compound.

14. The composition of claim 12, further comprising a polymerization initiator.

15. The composition of claim 12, further comprising a chiral agent.

16. The composition according to claim 12, which has liquid crystal properties.

17. The composition according to claim 12, which is used to form an optically anisotropic layer.

18. A cured product obtained by curing the composition according to claim 12.

19. An optically anisotropic body obtained by curing the composition according to claim 12.

20. An optical element having an optically anisotropic layer formed using the composition according to claim 12, wherein the optically anisotropic layer has an orientation pattern in which the direction of the optical axis derived from the compound contained in the composition changes while rotating continuously along at least one direction within the plane of the optically anisotropic layer.

21. A light guide element comprising the optical element according to claim 20 and a light guide plate.

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