Liquid crystal composition, optically anisotropic film, optical film, polarizing plate, and image display device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing: a liquid crystal composition that is used in the formation of an optically anisotropic film having good alignment properties and durability; an optically anisotropic film; an optical film; a polarizing plate; and an image display device. A liquid crystal composition according to the present invention comprises a polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by formula (1) and an alignment aid, wherein the boiling point of the alignment aid is higher than 250°C but not higher than 350°C, and there is a distance of 4-20 between the Hansen solubility parameter of the alignment aid and the Hansen solubility parameter of at least one of the compounds represented by formulae (T1) and (T2), which correspond to a substructure of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by L1-SP1- and a substructure of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by L2-SP2- in formula (1).

Description

Liquid crystal composition, optically anisotropic film, optical film, polarizing plate and image display device

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid crystal composition, an optically anisotropic film, an optical film, a polarizing plate, and an image display device.

[0002] Polymerizable compounds exhibiting reverse wavelength dispersion have been actively studied because they enable accurate conversion of light wavelengths over a wide wavelength range and have high refractive indices, allowing for the thinning of retardation films. Furthermore, polymerizable compounds exhibiting reverse wavelength dispersion generally employ a T-type molecular design guideline, which requires shortening the wavelength of the molecular long axis and lengthening the wavelength of the molecular central short axis. Therefore, it is known to use a cycloalkylene skeleton with no absorption wavelength to connect the molecular central short axis skeleton (hereinafter also referred to as the "reverse wavelength dispersion producing moiety") to the molecular long axis. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a polymerizable composition containing a polymerizable compound having two or more reverse wavelength dispersion producing moieties and a polymerizable compound having two or more polymerizable groups (e.g., [Claim 1], [Claim 9], etc.).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-011467

[0004] The present inventors have studied the polymerizable composition (liquid crystal composition) described in Patent Document 1 and have found that when an alignment aid is added to lower the alignment temperature, depending on the type of alignment aid, the alignment of the formed optically anisotropic film may be poor or the durability may be deteriorated.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal composition used for forming an optically anisotropic film having both good alignment properties and durability, as well as an optically anisotropic film, an optical film, a polarizing plate and an image display device.

[0006] As a result of intensive research to achieve the above object, the present inventors have found that by using a liquid crystal composition containing an alignment aid having a boiling point of more than 250°C and not more than 350°C, and in which the distance between a predetermined partial structure in the polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the Hansen solubility parameter of the corresponding compound is a predetermined value, both the alignment property and durability of the formed optically anisotropic film can be improved, and have completed the present invention. That is, the present inventors have found that the above object can be achieved by the following configuration.

[0007] [1] A polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by the formula (1) described later and an alignment aid are contained, wherein the boiling point of the alignment aid is more than 250°C and not more than 350°C, and L in the formula (1) described later in the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is １ -SP １ - and a partial structure represented by L ２ -SP ２ A liquid crystal composition, wherein the distance between the Hansen solubility parameter of at least one compound represented by formula (T1) or (T2) described later, which corresponds to the partial structure represented by -, and the Hansen solubility parameter of the alignment aid is 4 to 20. [2] The liquid crystal composition according to [1], wherein the alignment aid has a molecular weight of 500 or less. [3] The liquid crystal composition according to [1] or [2], wherein the alignment aid is a compound represented by formula (2-1) or (2-2) described later. Q represents a substituent. [4] An optically anisotropic film obtained by fixing the alignment state of the liquid crystal composition according to any one of [1] to [3]. [5] The optically anisotropic film according to [4], wherein the content of the alignment aid is 10 mass % or less with respect to the mass of the optically anisotropic film. [6] An optical film having the optically anisotropic film according to [4] or [5]. [7] A polarizing plate having the optical film according to [6] and a polarizer. [8] An image display device comprising the optical film according to [6] or the polarizing plate according to [7], and a display element.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal composition used for forming an optically anisotropic film having both good alignment properties and durability, as well as an optically anisotropic film, an optical film, a polarizing plate, and an image display device.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical film of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical film of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an optical film of the present invention.

[0010] The present invention will be described in detail below. The following description of the constituent elements may be based on a representative embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. In this specification, a numerical range expressed using "to" means a range that includes the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the upper and lower limits. In this specification, the upper or lower limit of a numerical range described in a stepwise manner may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of another stepwise manner. In this specification, the upper or lower limit of a numerical range described in a stepwise manner may be replaced with a value shown in the Examples. In this specification, each component may be a single substance corresponding to the component, or two or more substances may be used in combination. When two or more substances are used in combination for each component, the content of that component refers to the total content of the substances used in combination, unless otherwise specified. In addition, in this specification, "(meth)acrylate" is a notation representing "acrylate" or "methacrylate", "(meth)acrylic" is a notation representing "acrylic" or "methacrylic", and "(meth)acryloyl" is a notation representing "acryloyl" or "methacryloyl". In addition, the bonding direction of the divalent group (e.g., -O-CO-) represented in this specification is not particularly limited, and for example, "L １ -L ２ -L ３ In the bond ２ When is —O—CO—, L １ The position where it is bonded to the side is *1, L ３ If the position bonded to the side is *2, then L ２ may be *1-O-CO-*2 or *1-CO-O-*2.

[0011] 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 the present invention, Re(λ) and Rth(λ) are values ​​measured at a wavelength λ using an AxoScan (manufactured by Axometrics). Specifically, by inputting the average refractive index ((nx+ny+nz) / 3) and the film thickness (d) into the AxoScan, the following slow axis direction (°) is calculated: Re(λ) = R0(λ) Rth(λ) = ((nx+ny) / 2-nz)×d. Although R0(λ) is displayed as a numerical value calculated by the AxoScan, it means Re(λ).

[0012] In this specification, examples of the substituent (monovalent substituent) include the substituents described below in Substituent Group A. In this specification, the phrase "optionally having a substituent" includes not only an embodiment in which no substituent is present, but also an embodiment in which one or more substituents are present. <Substituent Group A> Examples of the substituent include halogen atoms (for example, fluorine atoms, chlorine atoms, and bromine atoms, preferably chlorine atoms and fluorine atoms, and more preferably fluorine atoms); alkyl groups (preferably linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, such as linear alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms (for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, and n-hexyl), branched alkyl groups having 3 to 6 carbon atoms (for example, isopropyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, neopentyl, isohexyl, and 3-methylpentyl), and cyclic alkyl groups having 3 to 12 carbon atoms (for example, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, 1-norbornyl, and 1-adamantyl)); alkenyl groups (preferably alkenyl groups having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 18 carbon atoms, such as vinyl groups, allyl groups, 1-butenyl groups, and 2-butenyl groups); alkynyl groups (preferably alkynyl groups having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms, such as ethynyl groups, 1-propynyl groups, propargyl groups, 1-butynyl groups, and 2-butynyl groups); aryl groups (preferably aryl groups having 6 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, such as phenyl groups, oligoaryl groups (naphthyl groups, anthryl groups), phenanthrenyl groups, fluorenyl groups, pyrenyl groups, triphenylenyl groups, and biphenyl groups); Heteroaryl groups (preferably heterocyclic groups having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 18 carbon atoms, such as a 2-thienyl group, a 4-pyridyl group, a 2-furyl group, a 2-pyrimidinyl group, a 1-pyridyl group, a 2-benzothiazolyl group, a 1-imidazolyl group, a 1-pyrazolyl group, or a benzotriazol-1-yl group);arylalkyl groups (preferably arylalkyl groups having 7 to 15 carbon atoms, for example, benzyl group, phenethyl group, methylbenzyl group, phenylpropyl group, 1-methylphenylethyl group, phenylbutyl group, 2-methylphenylpropyl group, tetrahydronaphthyl group, naphthylmethyl group, naphthylethyl group, indenyl group, fluorenyl group, anthracenylmethyl group (anthrylmethyl group), phenanthrenylmethyl group (phenanthrylmethyl group)); silyl groups (preferably silyl groups having 3 to 38 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 18 carbon atoms, for example, trimethylsilyl group, triethylsilyl group, tributylsilyl group, t-butyldimethylsilyl group, t-hexyldimethylsilyl group); hydroxy groups; cyano groups; nitro groups; morpholino groups; Alkoxy groups (preferably alkoxy groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, 1-butoxy, 2-butoxy, isopropoxy, t-butoxy, dodecyloxy, and cycloalkyloxy groups (for example, cyclopentyloxy and cyclohexyloxy)); aryloxy groups (preferably aryloxy groups having 6 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, phenoxy and 1-naphthoxy); alkenyloxy groups (preferably alkenyloxy groups having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, vinyloxy, 1-propenyloxy, 2-n-propenyloxy (allyloxy), 1-n-butenyloxy, and prenyloxy); heterocyclic oxy groups (preferably heterocyclic oxy groups having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 18 carbon atoms, such as a 1-phenyltetrazole-5-oxy group or a 2-tetrahydropyranyloxy group); silyloxy groups (preferably silyloxy groups having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 18 carbon atoms, such as a trimethylsilyloxy group, a t-butyldimethylsilyloxy group or a diphenylmethylsilyloxy group); acyloxy groups (preferably acyloxy groups having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 24 carbon atoms, such as an acetoxy group, a pivaloyloxy group, a benzoyloxy group, a dodecanoyloxy group, an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group);hydroxyalkyleneoxy groups (preferably hydroxyalkyleneoxy groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, for example, a hydroxyethyleneoxy group); alkoxycarbonyloxy groups (preferably alkoxycarbonyloxy groups having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, an ethoxycarbonyloxy group, a t-butoxycarbonyloxy group, or a cycloalkyloxycarbonyloxy group (for example, a cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy group)); aryloxycarbonyloxy groups (preferably aryloxycarbonyloxy groups having 7 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 7 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a phenoxycarbonyloxy group); carbamoyloxy groups (preferably carbamoyloxy groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, an N,N-dimethylcarbamoyloxy group, an N-butylcarbamoyloxy group, an N-phenylcarbamoyloxy group, or an N-ethyl-N-phenylcarbamoyloxy group); sulfamoyloxy groups (preferably sulfamoyloxy groups having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as an N,N-diethylsulfamoyloxy group or an N-propylsulfamoyloxy group); alkylsulfonyloxy groups (preferably alkylsulfonyloxy groups having 1 to 38 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a methylsulfonyloxy group, a hexadecylsulfonyloxy group or a cyclohexylsulfonyloxy group); arylsulfonyloxy groups (preferably arylsulfonyloxy groups having 6 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a phenylsulfonyloxy group); acyl groups (preferably acyl groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a formyl group, an acetyl group, an acryloyl group, a methacryloyl group, a pivaloyl group, a benzoyl group, a tetradecanoyl group or a cyclohexanoyl group); an alkoxycarbonyl group (preferably an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a methoxycarbonyl group, an ethoxycarbonyl group, an octadecyloxycarbonyl group, a cyclohexyloxycarbonyl group, or a 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylcyclohexyloxycarbonyl group);an aryloxycarbonyl group (preferably an aryloxycarbonyl group having 7 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably an aryloxycarbonyl group having 7 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a phenoxycarbonyl group); a carbamoyl group (preferably a carbamoyl group having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably a carbamoyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a carbamoyl group, N,N-diethylcarbamoyl group, N-ethyl-N-octylcarbamoyl group, N,N-dibutylcarbamoyl group, N-propylcarbamoyl group, N-phenylcarbamoyl group, N-methyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl group, or N,N-dicyclohexylcarbamoyl group); an amino group (preferably an amino group having 32 or less carbon atoms, more preferably an amino group having 24 or less carbon atoms, for example, an amino group, a methylamino group, an N,N-dibutylamino group, a tetradecylamino group, a 2-ethylhexylamino group, or a cyclohexylamino group); anilino group (preferably an anilino group having 6 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, an anilino group, an N-methylanilino group); heterocyclic amino group (preferably a heterocyclic amino group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 18 carbon atoms, for example, a 4-pyridylamino group); carbonamido group (preferably a carbonamido group having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, an acetamido group, a benzamido group, a tetradecanamido group, a pivaloylamido group, a cyclohexanamido group); ureido group (preferably a ureido group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a ureido group, an N,N-dimethylureido group, an N-phenylureido group); imido group (preferably an imido group having 36 or less carbon atoms, more preferably 24 or less carbon atoms, for example, an N-succinimido group, an N-phthalimido group); an alkoxycarbonylamino group (preferably an alkoxycarbonylamino group having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a methoxycarbonylamino group, an ethoxycarbonylamino group, a t-butoxycarbonylamino group, an octadecyloxycarbonylamino group, or a cyclohexyloxycarbonylamino group); an aryloxycarbonylamino group (preferably an aryloxycarbonylamino group having 7 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 7 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a phenoxycarbonylamino group);sulfonamido groups (preferably sulfonamido groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, methanesulfonamido groups, butanesulfonamido groups, benzenesulfonamido groups, hexadecanesulfonamido groups, and cyclohexanesulfonamido groups); sulfamoylamino groups (preferably sulfamoylamino groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, N,N-dipropylsulfamoylamino groups, and N-ethyl-N-dodecylsulfamoylamino groups); azo groups (preferably azo groups having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, phenylazo groups and 3-pyrazolylazo groups); alkylthio groups (preferably alkylthio groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, methylthio groups, ethylthio groups, octylthio groups, and cyclohexylthio groups); an arylthio group (preferably an arylthio group having 6 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably an arylthio group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a phenylthio group); a heterocyclic thio group (preferably a heterocyclic thio group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably a heterocyclic thio group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, for example, a 2-benzothiazolylthio group, a 2-pyridylthio group, or a 1-phenyltetrazolylthio group); an alkylsulfinyl group (preferably an alkylsulfinyl group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkylsulfinyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a dodecanesulfinyl group); an arylsulfinyl group (preferably an arylsulfinyl group having 6 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably an arylsulfinyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a phenylsulfinyl group); alkylsulfonyl groups (preferably alkylsulfonyl groups having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, propylsulfonyl, butylsulfonyl, isopropylsulfonyl, 2-ethylhexylsulfonyl, hexadecylsulfonyl, octylsulfonyl, and cyclohexylsulfonyl groups); arylsulfonyl groups (preferably arylsulfonyl groups having 6 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, phenylsulfonyl, and 1-naphthylsulfonyl groups);sulfamoyl groups (preferably sulfamoyl groups having 32 or less carbon atoms, more preferably 24 or less carbon atoms, for example, a sulfamoyl group, an N,N-dipropylsulfamoyl group, an N-ethyl-N-dodecylsulfamoyl group, an N-ethyl-N-phenylsulfamoyl group, an N-cyclohexylsulfamoyl group, or an N-(2-ethylhexyl)sulfamoyl group); phosphonyl groups (preferably phosphonyl groups having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a phenoxyphosphonyl group, an octyloxyphosphonyl group, or a phenylphosphonyl group); phosphinoylamino groups (preferably phosphinoylamino groups having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a diethoxyphosphinoylamino group, or a dioctyloxyphosphinoylamino group); epoxy groups; —NHCOCH; ３ ;-SO ２ NHC ２ H ４ OCH ３ ;-NHSO ２ CH ３ and the like, and two or more of these may be combined. These substituents may be further substituted with other substituents. When two or more substituents are present, they may be the same or different. If possible, they may be bonded to each other to form a ring.

[0013] [Liquid Crystal Composition] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention is a liquid crystal composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by formula (1) described below (hereinafter also abbreviated as "specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound") and an alignment aid. In addition, in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the boiling point of the alignment aid is higher than 250°C and not higher than 350°C. Furthermore, in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by formula (1) described below, L １ -SP １ - and a partial structure represented by L ２ -SP ２Among the compounds represented by formulae (T1) and (T2) described below (hereinafter also abbreviated as "corresponding compound T") corresponding to the partial structure represented by -, the distance between the Hansen solubility parameters (hereinafter also abbreviated as "HSP") of at least one of the compounds and the Hansen solubility parameter of the alignment aid (hereinafter also abbreviated as "HSP distance between the SPL terminal of the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the alignment aid") is 4 to 20. Note that corresponding compound T is a compound used to calculate the HSP distance with the alignment aid, and is therefore not an essential component contained in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention.

[0014] Here, the Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) is a three-dimensional representation of the solubility of a substance, divided into three components (dispersion term δd, polar term δp, and hydrogen bonding term δh). The dispersion term δd represents the effect of dispersion forces, the polar term δp represents the effect of dipole-dipole forces, and the hydrogen bonding term δh represents the effect of hydrogen bonding forces. In the present invention, the Hansen solubility parameter is calculated by inputting the structural formula of the compound into HSPiP (Ver. 5.1.08). In the present invention, the HSP distance between the SPL terminal of the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the alignment aid can be calculated as Ra by incorporating δd, δp, and δh calculated for each component into the following formula. In the following formula, δd1, δp1, and δh1 are values ​​calculated from the alignment aid, and δd2, δp2, and δh2 are values ​​calculated from the corresponding compound T.

[0015] In the present invention, by using a liquid crystal composition containing a specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound and an alignment aid, in which the boiling point of the alignment aid is greater than 250°C and less than or equal to 350°C, and in which the HSP distance between the SPL terminal of the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the alignment aid is 4 to 20, both the alignment property and durability of the formed optically anisotropic film are improved. The reason for this effect is not clear in detail, but the inventors speculate as follows. First, it is believed that the HSP distance between the SPL terminal of the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the alignment aid is 4 to 20, which facilitates interaction of the alignment aid with the reverse wavelength dispersion-exhibiting moiety and mesogenic moiety of the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound rather than with the terminal structure of the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound, thereby enabling the alignment temperature to be lowered while suppressing a decrease in liquid crystallinity. On the other hand, the inventors speculate that one of the reasons for the poor durability of the formed optically anisotropic film is that the large amount of remaining alignment aid in the optically anisotropic film promotes water penetration into the optically anisotropic film due to the alignment aid and alignment relaxation of the liquid crystal compound over time, resulting in a deterioration in durability. Furthermore, since the boiling point of the alignment aid is greater than 250°C, it is possible to allow sufficient alignment aid to remain in the system when aligning the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound (especially at the initial stage of alignment), thereby improving alignment. Furthermore, since the boiling point of the alignment aid is 350°C or less, after the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound is aligned, the alignment aid volatilizes due to heating during the alignment treatment, reducing its content, which is thought to improve durability.

[0016] In the present invention, the HSP distance between the SPL terminal of the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the alignment aid is preferably 4 to 18, more preferably 4 to 16, and even more preferably 4 to 15, because the alignment property and durability of the formed optically anisotropic film are both improved.

[0017] The specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound, alignment aid, and optional components contained in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0018] [Specific Polymerizable Liquid Crystal Compound] The specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is a compound represented by the following formula (1).

[0019] In the above formula (1), D １ , D ２ , D ３ and D ４ each independently represents a single bond, or —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, or —CR １ R ２ -, -CR ３ =CR ４ -, -NR ５ -, or a divalent linking group formed by a combination of two or more thereof, R １ ~R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. １ A Ｇ or SP Ｇ Also, A １ , A ２ and A Ｇ each independently represents an aromatic hydrocarbon ring which may have a substituent, an aromatic heterocycle which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, provided that -CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. １ , SP ２ and SP Ｇ each independently represents a single bond or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, provided that —CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)- or -CO-. Q represents a substituent. １ and L ２ each independently represents a monovalent organic group; １ and L ２ At least one of Ar represents a polymerizable group. １ and Ar ２ When at least one of the following is an aromatic ring represented by the following formula (Ar-4), L １ and L ２ and L in the following formula (Ar-4): ３ and L４ At least one of the groups represented by m represents a polymerizable group. In addition, m represents an integer of 0 to 2. When m is 2, a plurality of G １ may be the same or different, and a plurality of D １ may be the same or different. Furthermore, l and n each independently represent 0 or an integer of 1 or more. When l is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of A １ may be the same or different, and a plurality of D ３ may be the same or different. When n is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of D ４ may be the same or different, and a plurality of A ２ may be the same or different. p represents an integer of 1 to 3. When p is 2 or 3, a plurality of Ar １ may be the same or different, and a plurality of D ２ may be the same or different, and when p is 2 or 3 and m is not 0, a plurality of G １ may be the same or different, and a plurality of D １ may be the same or different.

[0020] In the above formula (1), D １ , D ２ , D ３ and D ４ Examples of the divalent linking group represented by one embodiment of the formula (I) include -CO-, -O-, -CO-O-, -C(=S)O-, and -CR １ R ２ -, -CR １ R ２ -CR １ R ２ -, -O-CR １ R ２ -, -CR １ R ２ -O-CR １ R ２ -, -CO-O-CR １ R ２ -, -O-CO-CR １ R ２ -, -CR １ R ２-O-CO-CR １ R ２ -, -CR １ R ２ -CO-O-CR １ R ２ -, -NR ５ -CR １ R ２ -, and -CO-NR ５ - and so on. １ , R ２ and R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. １ , D ２ , D ３ and D ４ is preferably any one of a single bond, —CO—, —O—, and —CO—O—.

[0021] In the above formula (1), A １ , A ２ and A Ｇ (G １ A as one aspect of Ｇ The same applies hereinafter.) is an aromatic hydrocarbon ring represented by one embodiment thereof, for example, an aromatic hydrocarbon ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and specific examples thereof include a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, an anthracene ring, and a phenanthroline ring. １ , A ２ and A Ｇ Examples of the aromatic heterocycle represented by one embodiment of the formula (1) include aromatic heterocycles having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, and specific examples thereof include a furan ring, a pyrrole ring, a thiophene ring, a pyridine ring, a thiazole ring, and a benzothiazole ring. １ , A ２ and A Ｇ The divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group represented by one embodiment of the formula (I) is preferably a 5-membered or 6-membered ring. The divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated, but is preferably a divalent saturated alicyclic hydrocarbon group. The -CH ２One or more of the - may be substituted with -O-, -S-, or -NH-. Examples of such divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon groups include divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon groups having 5 to 12 carbon atoms, and specific examples include monocyclic hydrocarbon groups and bridged cyclic hydrocarbon groups, and more specific examples include those represented by the following formulas (g-1) to (g-10).

[0022] In addition, in the above formula (1), A １ , A ２ and A Ｇ With regard to the above, examples of the substituent that the aromatic hydrocarbon ring, aromatic heterocycle, or divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group may have include the substituents described in the above-mentioned Substituent group A, and among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0023] In the above formula (1), SP １ , SP ２ and SP Ｇ (G １ SP as one aspect of ＧThe same applies hereinafter.) is a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and is represented by, for example, a linear alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a branched alkylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear alkenylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a branched alkenylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or a linear alkynylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a branched alkynylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms. The linear alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a branched alkylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms is preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and suitable examples thereof include a methylene group, an ethylene group, a propylene group, a butylene group, a pentylene group, and a hexylene group. As the linear alkenylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or the branched alkenylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkenylene group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms is preferred, and an alkenylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferred, and a suitable example thereof is an ethenylene group. As the linear alkenylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or the branched alkenylene group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkynylene group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms is preferred, and an alkynylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferred, and a suitable example thereof is an ethynylene group. In addition, in the case of SP １ , SP ２ and SP Ｇ As described above, represents —CH which constitutes an aliphatic hydrocarbon group. ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)-, or -CO-. Examples of the substituent represented by Q include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0024] In the present invention, from the viewpoint of easily exhibiting liquid crystallinity, G １ However, the above-mentioned A Ｇ or SP Ｇ Among them, A Ｇ In addition, it is preferable that G in the above formula (1) is １represents a cycloalkane ring or a cycloalkene ring. Specific examples of the cycloalkane ring include a cyclohexane ring, a cycloheptane ring, a cyclooctane ring, a cyclododecane ring, and a cyclodocosane ring. Specific examples of the cycloalkene ring include a cyclobutene ring, a cyclopentene ring, a cyclohexene ring, a cycloheptene ring, a cyclooctene ring, a cyclopentadiene ring, and a cyclohexadiene ring.

[0025] In the above formula (1), L １ and L ２ Examples of the monovalent organic group represented by the formula (I) include an alkyl group, an aryl group, a heteroaryl group, an alkoxy group, a cyano group, and a carboxy group. The alkyl group may be linear, branched, or cyclic, with linear being preferred. The alkyl group preferably has 1 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 20, and even more preferably 1 to 10. The aryl group may be monocyclic or polycyclic, with monocyclic being preferred. The aryl group preferably has 6 to 25 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 10. The heteroaryl group may be monocyclic or polycyclic. The number of heteroatoms constituting the heteroaryl group is preferably 1 to 3. The heteroatoms constituting the heteroaryl group are preferably nitrogen atoms, sulfur atoms, or oxygen atoms. The heteroaryl group preferably has 6 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 12. The alkyl group, aryl group, and heteroaryl group may be unsubstituted or may have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferred.

[0026] In the above formula (1), L １ and L ２The polymerizable group represented by at least one of the above is not particularly limited, but a polymerizable group capable of radical polymerization or cation polymerization is preferred. As the radical polymerizable group, known radical polymerizable groups can be used, and preferred examples include an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group. In this case, the polymerization rate of an acryloyloxy group is generally known to be faster, and from the viewpoint of improving productivity, an acryloyloxy group is preferred, but a methacryloyloxy group can also be used as the polymerizable group. As the cationically polymerizable group, known cationically polymerizable groups can be used, and specific examples include an alicyclic ether group, a cyclic acetal group, a cyclic lactone group, a cyclic thioether group, a spiro orthoester group, and a vinyloxy group. Among these, an alicyclic ether group or a vinyloxy group is preferred, and an epoxy group, an oxetanyl group, or a vinyloxy group is particularly preferred. Particularly preferred examples of the polymerizable group include polymerizable groups represented by any of the following formulas (P-1) to (P-20): In the following formulae, Me represents a methyl group, and Et represents an ethyl group.

[0027]

[0028] In the present invention, the durability of the optically anisotropic film to be formed is improved by reducing the L １ and L ２ However, each of them is preferably a polymerizable group, and more preferably an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group.

[0029] In the above formula (1), m represents an integer of 0 to 2, l and n each independently represent an integer of 0 or 1 or more, and p represents an integer of 1 to 3. Here, m is preferably 0 or 1, and from the viewpoint of synthesis, it is more preferably 1. From the viewpoint of solubility and compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, it is preferable that l and n are integers of 0 to 2. p is preferably 1 or 2, and more preferably 1.

[0030] In the present invention, the liquid crystallinity is easily exhibited in a wide temperature range including room temperature, and the birefringence (Δn) is also increased. For this reason, in the above formula (1), both l and n represent 1, and A １ and A ２ Preferably, each of these represents a benzene ring.

[0031] On the other hand, in the above formula (1), Ar １ and Ar ２ Each of the groups independently represents an aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of groups represented by the following formulae (Ar-1) to (Ar-8): ３ or D ４ *2 represents the bonding position with D １ or D ２ When l is 0, D ３ The bonding position with １ When m is 0, *2 represents the bonding position with D ２ When n is 0, D ４ The bonding position with ２ represents the bonding position with

[0032] In the above formulas (Ar-1) and (Ar-2), Q １ represents N or CH, and Q ２ is -S-, -O-, or -N(R ６ )-, R ６ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; Y １ represents a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, a monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and -CH ２ One or more of - may be replaced by -O-, -S- or -NH-. ６Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of the formula (1) include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, and an n-hexyl group. １ Examples of the monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of the formula (I) include aryl groups such as a phenyl group, a 2,6-diethylphenyl group, and a naphthyl group. １ Examples of the monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of the formula (1) include heteroaryl groups such as a thienyl group, a thiazolyl group, a furyl group, and a pyridyl group, as well as groups formed by removing one hydrogen atom from an indole ring, a benzofuran ring, a benzothiophene ring, a benzimidazole ring, a benzothiazole ring, and a benzoxazole ring. １ The aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms represented by Y is preferably a group obtained by removing one hydrogen atom from a benzofuran ring or a benzothiazole ring. １ Examples of the monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of the formula (I) include a cyclohexyl group, a cyclopentyl group, a norbornyl group, and an adamantyl group. １ Examples of the substituent that may be possessed by include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0033] In addition, in the above formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-8), Z １ , Z ２ and Z ３ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, -OR ７ , -NR ８ R ９ , -SR １０ , -COOR １１ , or -COR １２represents R ７ ~R １２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; Z １ and Z ２ may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring. As the monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms is preferred, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms is more preferred, specifically, a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropyl group, a tert-pentyl group (1,1-dimethylpropyl group), a tert-butyl group, or a 1,1-dimethyl-3,3-dimethyl-butyl group is further preferred, and a methyl group, an ethyl group, or a tert-butyl group is particularly preferred. Examples of the monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms include monocyclic saturated hydrocarbon groups such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclodecyl, methylcyclohexyl, and ethylcyclohexyl groups; monocyclic unsaturated hydrocarbon groups such as cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, cyclooctenyl, cyclodecenyl, cyclopentadienyl, cyclohexadienyl, cyclooctadienyl, and cyclodecadiene; bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, and tricyclo[5.2.1.0]diene; ２，６ ]decyl group, tricyclo[3.3.1.1 ３，７ ]decyl group, tetracyclo[6.2.1.1 ３，６ .0 ２，７ ] dodecyl group, adamantyl group, and other polycyclic saturated hydrocarbon groups. Specific examples of the monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms include a phenyl group, a 2,6-diethylphenyl group, a naphthyl group, and a biphenyl group, with an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms (particularly a phenyl group) being preferred. Specific examples of the monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms include a 4-pyridyl group, a 2-furyl group, a 2-thienyl group, a 2-pyrimidinyl group, and a 2-benzothiazolyl group. Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom, with a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, and a bromine atom being preferred. On the other hand, R ７~R １２ Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, and an n-hexyl group.

[0034] Z １ and Z ２ As described above, may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring. For example, Z １ and Z ２ Examples of the structure in which the groups bond to each other to form an aromatic ring include a group represented by the following formula (Ar-1a): In the following formula (Ar-1a), *1 represents D in the above formula (1). ３ or D ４ *2 represents the bonding position with D in the above formula (1). １ or D ２ When l is 0, D ３ The bonding position with １ When m is 0, *2 represents the bonding position with D ２ When n is 0, D ４ The bonding position with ２ represents the bonding position with In the above formula (Ar-1a), Q １ , Q ２ and Y １ Examples of the alkyl group include those described above in relation to formula (Ar-1).

[0035] In the present invention, liquid crystallinity is easily exhibited, solubility is improved, and the durability of the optically anisotropic film to be formed is improved. For these reasons, Z １ and Z ２ It is preferable that either one of Z in the above formulae (Ar-1) to (Ar-8) represents a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (particularly a tert-butyl group). １ represents a hydrogen atom, and Z ２It is preferred that represents a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (particularly a tert-butyl group).

[0036] In addition, in the above formulas (Ar-3) and (Ar-4), A ３ and A ４ are each independently —O—, —N(R １３ represents a group selected from the group consisting of —, —S—, and —CO—; R １３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. １３ Examples of the substituent represented by one embodiment of the formula (I) include the substituents described in the above-mentioned Substituent Group A, and among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0037] In the formula (Ar-3), X represents a nonmetallic atom of Groups 14 to 16. However, the nonmetallic atom may have a hydrogen atom or a substituent bonded thereto. Examples of the nonmetallic atom of Groups 14 to 16 represented by X include an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a hydrogen atom, or a nitrogen atom bonded to a substituent [=N-R Ｎ１ , R Ｎ１ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent.], a carbon atom to which a hydrogen atom or a substituent is bonded [═C(R Ｃ１ ) ２ , R Ｃ１ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent.] Examples of the substituent include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among them, preferred examples include an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkyl-substituted alkoxy group, a cyclic alkyl group, an aryl group (for example, a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, etc.), a cyano group, an amino group, a nitro group, an alkylcarbonyl group, a sulfo group, and a hydroxyl group.

[0038] In addition, in the above formula (Ar-4), D ５ and D ６ each independently represents a single bond, or —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, or —CR １ R ２ -, -CR ３ =CR ４ -, -NR ５ -, or a divalent linking group formed by a combination of two or more thereof, R１ ~R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Here, the divalent linking group is D in the above formula (1). １ , D ２ , D ３ and D ４ Examples of the above-described examples are the same as those described above.

[0039] In addition, in the above formula (Ar-4), SP ３ and SP ４ each independently represents a single bond or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, provided that —CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)- or -CO-. Q represents a substituent. Examples of the substituent represented by Q include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among these, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferred. Here, the divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group is a group represented by the formula (1) SP １ , SP ２ and SP Ｇ Examples of the above-described examples are the same as those described above.

[0040] In addition, in the above formula (Ar-4), L ３ and L ４ each independently represents a monovalent organic group; ３ and L ４ and L in the above formula (1) １ and L ２ At least one of the following represents a polymerizable group. Here, the monovalent organic group is L in the above formula (1). １ and L ２ Examples of the polymerizable group include the same as those described above. １ and L ２ Examples of the above-described examples are the same as those described above.

[0041] In the above formulas (Ar-5) to (Ar-8), Ax represents an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon rings and aromatic heterocycles. In the above formulas (Ar-5) to (Ar-8), Ay represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon rings and aromatic heterocycles. Here, the aromatic rings in Ax and Ay may have a substituent, and Ax and Ay may be bonded to form a ring. In addition, Q ３ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent. Examples of Ax and Ay include those described in paragraphs

[0039] to

[0095] of WO 2014 / 010325. ３ Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms represented by include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, and an n-hexyl group. Examples of the substituent include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among these, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferred.

[0042] In the present invention, the Ar in the above formula (1) is preferably 0.01 to 0.01, because the durability of the optically anisotropic film to be formed is improved. １ and Ar ２ preferably represents any one of aromatic rings selected from the group consisting of groups represented by the above formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-4).

[0043] The specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by the formula (1) includes compounds represented by the following formulas (I) to (XII). Specifically, D １ , G １ and D ２ and K includes compounds having the groups shown in Tables 1 to 8 below, and D in the following formulas (VII) to (XII) １ , G １ , G１ and D ２ and K are compounds having the groups shown in Table 9 below. １ The "*" in groups such as these indicates the bonding position. In the following description, a compound represented by the following formula (I) and having the group shown in 1-1 in Table 1 below will be referred to as "compound (I-1-1)," and compounds having other structural formulas and groups will be referred to in the same manner. For example, a compound represented by the following formula (II) and having the group shown in 2-3 in Table 2 below can be referred to as "compound (II-2-3)." In addition, the group adjacent to the acryloyloxy group in compound (I-1-1) and the like represents a propylene group (a group in which a methyl group is substituted with an ethylene group), and represents a mixture of positional isomers in which the position of the methyl group differs.

[0044]

[0045]

[0046]

[0047]

[0048]

[0049]

[0050]

[0051]

[0052]

[0053] <Corresponding Compound T> In the present invention, as described above, the HSP distance between the SPL terminal of the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound described above and the alignment aid described below is 4 to 20. Here, when the liquid crystal composition of the present invention contains two or more specific polymerizable liquid crystal compounds, it is sufficient that the HSP distance between the SPL terminal of any one of the specific polymerizable compounds and the alignment aid described below is 4 to 20. Furthermore, the corresponding compound T used in calculating the HSP distance with the alignment aid described below is L in the above formula (1) in the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound described above. １ -SP １ - and a partial structure represented by L ２ -SP ２ The compounds are represented by the following formulae (T1) and (T2), which correspond to the partial structure represented by -.

[0054] Here, SP in the above formula (T1) １ and L １ and SP in the above formula (T2) ２ and L ２ has the same meaning as that explained in the above formula (1). Therefore, for example, when the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by the above formula (1) is a liquid crystal compound represented by the following formula L-1, the corresponding compound T used in calculating the HSP distance with the alignment aid described later is a compound represented by the following formula T-L1.

[0055] [Alignment Aid] The alignment aid contained in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention has a boiling point of more than 250°C and not more than 350°C. Here, the boiling point of the alignment aid refers to the boiling point at 1 atmosphere. The boiling point of the alignment aid is preferably 260 to 320°C, more preferably 270 to 310°C.

[0056] In the present invention, the alignment aid having a boiling point of more than 250°C and not more than 350°C (hereinafter also referred to as "specific alignment aid") is not particularly limited as long as it is a compound having an HSP distance of 4 to 20 with the corresponding compound T described above, but is preferably a non-liquid crystal compound.

[0057] In the present invention, for the reason that the alignment and durability of the optically anisotropic film to be formed are both better, the molecular weight of the specific alignment aid is preferably 500 or less, more preferably 400 or less, and even more preferably 350 or less. The lower limit of the molecular weight of the specific alignment aid is not particularly limited, but is preferably 100 or more, more preferably 150 or more, and even more preferably 200 or more.

[0058] In the present invention, the specific alignment aid is preferably a compound represented by the following formula (2-1), because this improves the alignment of the optically anisotropic film to be formed.

[0059] In the above formula (2-1), Q ４ represents N or CH. ５ is -S-, -O-, or -N(R ６ )-, R ６ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. ６ Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of the formula (1) include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, and an n-hexyl group.

[0060] In the above formula (2-1), Y ２ represents a monovalent chain hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, a monovalent heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, provided that -CH constituting the chain hydrocarbon group and the alicyclic hydrocarbon group ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. ２ Examples of the monovalent chain hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of the formula (I) include an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. ２ Examples of the monovalent heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of the formula (Ar-1) and (Ar-2) include Y １In addition to the monovalent aromatic heterocyclic groups having 3 to 12 carbon atoms (for example, thienyl groups) described above, groups obtained by removing one hydrogen atom from a piperidine ring that does not exhibit aromaticity can also be mentioned. ２ Examples of the monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of the formula (Ar-1) and (Ar-2) include Y １ In addition to the monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon groups having 6 to 20 carbon atoms (for example, cyclohexyl group, etc.) described above, examples thereof include a cyclopropyl group and a cyclobutyl group. ２ In the embodiment where one or more - are replaced by -O-, -S- or -NH-, for example, an alkylthio group can be mentioned, and specific examples thereof include a methylthio group and an ethylthio group. ２ Examples of the substituent that may be possessed by include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0061] In the above formula (2-1), Z ４ , Z ５ , Z ６ and Z ７ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, -OR ７ , -NR ８ R ９ , -SR １０ , -COOR １１ , or -COR １２ represents R ７ ~R １２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; Z ５ and Z ６ may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring. ４ , Z ５ , Z ６ and Z ７As the group, Z in the above formulae (Ar-1) to (Ar-8) １ ~Z ３ Examples of the above-described examples are the same as those described above.

[0062] In the present invention, the specific alignment aid is preferably a compound represented by the following formula (2-2), because this improves the alignment of the optically anisotropic film to be formed.

[0063] In the above formula (2-2), D ７ and D ８ each independently represents a single bond, or —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, or —CR １ R ２ -, -CR ３ =CR ４ -, -NR ５ -, or a divalent linking group formed by a combination of two or more thereof, R １ ~R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. ７ and D ８ As for D in the above formula (1), １ ~D ４ Among them, a single bond, —CO—, —O—, or —CO—O— is preferable.

[0064] In the above formula (2-2), P １ represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)- or -CO-. Q represents a substituent. P １The monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of the formula (I) is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, specifically, a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropyl group, a tert-pentyl group (1,1-dimethylpropyl group), a tert-butyl group, or a 1,1-dimethyl-3,3-dimethylbutyl group is even more preferred, and a methyl group, an ethyl group, or a tert-butyl group is particularly preferred. Furthermore, examples of the substituent represented by Q include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among these, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferred.

[0065] In the above formula (2-2), P ２ represents a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, provided that -CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)- or -CO-. Q represents a substituent. P ２ The monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of the formula (I) is P １ Examples of the monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms include those similar to those represented by one embodiment of the above. ２ Examples of the monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of the formula (1) include aryl groups such as a phenyl group, a 2,6-diethylphenyl group, and a naphthyl group. Examples of the substituent represented by Q include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A, and among these, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferred.

[0066] Among the specific alignment aids, examples of the compound represented by the formula (2-1) include 2-methylthiobenzothiazole represented by the following formula (2-1-1), and compounds represented by the following formulas (2-1-2) to (2-1-12). Furthermore, among the specific alignment aids, examples of the compound represented by the formula (2-2) include diethyl terephthalate represented by the following formula (2-2-1), phenyl benzoate represented by the following formula (2-2-2), 4-ethylbenzoic acid represented by the following formula (2-2-3), 4-butylbenzoic acid represented by the following formula (2-2-4), and compounds represented by the following formulas (2-2-5) to (2-2-8).

[0067] In the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the content of the specific alignment aid is preferably 0.01 to 30% by mass, more preferably 1 to 20% by mass, based on the total mass of the solid content of the liquid crystal composition. The content of the specific alignment aid is also preferably 0.01 to 30 parts by mass, more preferably 1 to 20 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the total of the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound described above and the other polymerizable compounds described below (hereinafter, these are also collectively referred to as "total polymerizable compounds").

[0068] [Other Polymerizable Compounds] In terms of alignment temperature and solubility, the liquid crystal composition of the present invention preferably contains, in addition to the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound described above, another polymerizable compound having one or more polymerizable groups. Here, the polymerizable group possessed by the other polymerizable compound is not particularly limited, and can be represented by L in the above formula (1). １ and L ２ Among them, an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group is preferable. The other polymerizable compound may be a liquid crystal compound.

[0069] The other polymerizable compound is preferably an other polymerizable compound having 2 to 4 polymerizable groups, more preferably an other polymerizable compound having 2 polymerizable groups, because this further improves the durability of the optically anisotropic film that is formed.

[0070] Examples of such other polymerizable compounds include compounds represented by formulae (M1), (M2), and (M3) described in paragraphs

[0030] to

[0033] of JP2014-077068A, and more specifically, specific examples thereof are described in paragraphs

[0046] to

[0055] of the same publication. Further, other polymerizable compounds include compounds represented by the general formula (1) described in JP-A-2010-084032 (particularly, compounds described in paragraphs

[0067] to

[0073] ), compounds represented by the general formula (II) described in JP-A-2016-053709 (particularly, compounds described in paragraphs

[0036] to

[0043] ), and compounds represented by the general formula (1) described in JP-A-2016-081035 (particularly, compounds described in paragraphs

[0043] to

[0055] ), and compounds described in paragraphs

[0025] to

[0056] of WO 2021 / 060427.

[0071] [Polymerization Initiator] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention preferably contains a polymerization initiator. The polymerization initiator used is preferably a photopolymerization initiator capable of initiating a polymerization reaction upon irradiation with ultraviolet light. Examples of photopolymerization initiators include α-carbonyl compounds, acyloin ethers, α-hydrocarbon-substituted aromatic acyloin compounds, polynuclear quinone compounds, combinations of triarylimidazole dimers and p-aminophenyl ketones, acridine and phenazine compounds, oxadiazole compounds, and acylphosphine oxide compounds. In addition, in the present invention, the polymerization initiator is preferably an oxime-type polymerization initiator, and specific examples thereof include the initiators described in paragraphs

[0049] to

[0052] of WO 2017 / 170443.

[0072] [Solvent] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention preferably contains a solvent from the viewpoint of workability in forming an optically anisotropic film. Specific examples of the solvent include ketones (e.g., acetone, 2-butanone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, etc.), ethers (e.g., dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, etc.), aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g., hexane, etc.), alicyclic hydrocarbons (e.g., cyclohexane, etc.), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., toluene, xylene, trimethylbenzene, etc.), halogenated carbons (e.g., dichloromethane, dichloroethane, dichlorobenzene, chlorotoluene, etc.), esters (e.g., methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, etc.), water, alcohols (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, cyclohexanol, etc.), cellosolves (e.g., methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, etc.), cellosolve acetates, sulfoxides (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide, etc.), amides (e.g., dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, etc.), and the like. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0073] [Leveling Agent] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention preferably contains a leveling agent from the viewpoint of maintaining a smooth surface of the cured product of the present invention, which will be described later, and facilitating alignment control. Such a leveling agent is preferably a fluorine-based leveling agent or a silicon-based leveling agent, because they have a high leveling effect relative to the amount added. Specific examples of the leveling agent include compounds described in paragraphs

[0079] to

[0102] of JP-A No. 2007-069471, compounds represented by general formula (I) described in JP-A No. 2013-047204 (particularly compounds described in paragraphs

[0020] to

[0032] ), and compounds represented by general formula (I) described in JP-A No. 2012-211306 (particularly compounds described in paragraphs

[0022] to

[0029] ). Examples of the compound include the compounds described in paragraphs

[0076] to

[0078] and

[0082] to

[0084] ), liquid crystal alignment promoters represented by general formula (I) described in JP-A-2002-129162 (particularly the compounds described in paragraphs

[0076] to

[0078] and

[0082] to

[0084] ), and compounds represented by general formulas (I), (II), and (III) described in JP-A-2005-099248 (particularly the compounds described in paragraphs

[0092] to

[0096] ). The compound may also function as an alignment control agent, which will be described later.

[0074] [Alignment Control Agent] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention may contain an alignment control agent, if necessary. The alignment control agent can form various alignment states such as homogeneous alignment, homeotropic alignment (vertical alignment), tilted alignment, hybrid alignment, and cholesteric alignment, and can also realize a specific alignment state by controlling it more uniformly and more precisely.

[0075] As an alignment control agent that promotes homogeneous alignment, for example, a low molecular weight alignment control agent or a polymer alignment control agent can be used. For low molecular weight alignment control agents, see, for example, paragraphs

[0009] to

[0083] of JP 2002-20363 A, paragraphs

[0111] to

[0120] of JP 2006-106662 A, and paragraphs

[0021] to

[0029] of JP 2012-211306 A, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, for polymer alignment control agents, see, for example, paragraphs

[0021] to

[0057] of JP 2004-198511 A, and paragraphs

[0121] to

[0167] of JP 2006-106662 A, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] Furthermore, examples of alignment control agents that form or promote homeotropic alignment include boronic acid compounds and onium salt compounds. Specifically, the compounds described in JP-A-2008-225281, paragraphs

[0023] to

[0032] , JP-A-2012-208397, paragraphs

[0052] to

[0058] , JP-A-2008-026730, paragraphs

[0024] to

[0055] , and JP-A-2016-193869, paragraphs

[0043] to

[0055] , etc., can be referred to, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0077] On the other hand, cholesteric alignment can be achieved by adding a chiral agent to the polymerizable liquid crystal composition of the present invention, and the rotation direction of the cholesteric alignment can be controlled by the direction of the chirality. The pitch of the cholesteric alignment can be controlled depending on the alignment control force of the chiral agent.

[0078] When an alignment control agent is contained, its content is preferably 0.01 to 10 mass %, more preferably 0.05 to 5 mass %, based on the total mass of solids in the composition. When the content is within this range, a desired alignment state can be achieved, and a uniform, highly transparent cured product can be obtained without precipitation, phase separation, alignment defects, etc.

[0079] [Other Components] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention may contain components other than the above-mentioned components, such as a surfactant, a tilt angle controlling agent, a plasticizer, and a crosslinking agent.

[0080] [Optically Anisotropic Film] The optically anisotropic film of the present invention is an optically anisotropic film obtained by fixing the alignment state of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention described above. Examples of methods for forming an optically anisotropic film include a method in which the liquid crystal composition of the present invention described above is used to achieve a desired alignment state, and then the film is fixed by polymerization. While the polymerization conditions are not particularly limited, it is preferable to use ultraviolet light for polymerization by light irradiation. The irradiation dose is 10 mJ / cm. ２ ~50 J / cm ２ and preferably 20 mJ / cm ２ ~5 J / cm ２ More preferably, it is 30 mJ / cm ２ ~3 J / cm ２ More preferably, it is 50 to 1000 mJ / cm ２ It is particularly preferable that the polymerization is carried out under heating conditions in order to promote the polymerization reaction. In the present invention, the optically anisotropic film can be formed on any support of the optical film of the present invention described later, or on a polarizer of the polarizing plate of the present invention described later.

[0081] In the optically anisotropic film of the present invention, the content of the specific alignment aid is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 8% by mass or less, and even more preferably 6% by mass or less, based on the mass of the optically anisotropic film, for the reason that durability is improved. The lower limit of the content of the specific alignment aid is not particularly limited, and may be 0% by mass or may be 1% by mass or more.

[0082] In the present invention, the optically anisotropic film is preferably a film obtained by orienting the liquid crystal composition of the present invention into a smectic phase and then polymerizing (fixing the orientation) the liquid crystal composition to improve the contrast ratio of image display devices, particularly liquid crystal display devices. This is thought to be because the smectic phase has a higher degree of order than the nematic phase, and scattering caused by the orientation disorder of the optically anisotropic film is suppressed. Whether an optically anisotropic film exhibits a smectic phase can be determined by determining whether it has a periodic structure using X-ray diffraction. For example, the presence or absence of a periodic structure can be confirmed by analyzing the diffraction pattern using a thin film X-ray diffractometer ATXG (manufactured by Rigaku Corporation).

[0083] The optically anisotropic film of the present invention is preferably a positive A plate or a positive C plate, and more preferably a positive A plate.

[0084] Here, a positive A plate (positive A plate) and a positive C plate (positive C plate) are defined as follows. When the refractive index in the in-plane slow axis direction of the film (the direction in which the in-plane refractive index is maximum) is nx, the refractive index in the in-plane direction perpendicular to the in-plane slow axis is ny, and the refractive index in the thickness direction is nz, a positive A plate satisfies the relationship of formula (A1), and a positive C plate satisfies the relationship of formula (C1). Note that a positive A plate has a positive Rth, and a positive C plate has a negative Rth. Formula (A1) nx>ny≒nz Formula (C1) nz>nx≒ny Note that the above "≒" encompasses not only the case where both are completely identical, but also the case where both are substantially identical. For a positive A plate, "ny≒nz" ​​includes, for example, when (ny-nz)×d (where d is the film thickness) is -10 to 10 nm, preferably -5 to 5 nm, and "nx≒nz" includes, for example, when (nx-nz)×d is -10 to 10 nm, preferably -5 to 5 nm. For a positive C plate, "nx≒ny" includes, for example, when (nx-ny)×d (where d is the film thickness) is 0 to 10 nm, preferably 0 to 5 nm.

[0085] When the optically anisotropic film of the present invention is a positive A plate, from the viewpoint of functioning as a λ / 4 plate, Re(550) is preferably 100 to 180 nm, more preferably 120 to 160 nm, even more preferably 130 to 150 nm, and particularly preferably 130 to 140 nm. Here, the "λ / 4 plate" is a plate having a λ / 4 function, specifically, a plate having a function of converting linearly polarized light of a certain wavelength into circularly polarized light (or circularly polarized light into linearly polarized light).

[0086] [Optical Film] The optical film of the present invention is an optical film having the optically anisotropic film of the present invention. FIGS. 1 to 3 are each a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the optical film of the present invention. Note that FIGS. 1 to 3 are schematic views, and the thickness and positional relationships of the various layers do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones. The support, alignment film, and hard coat layer shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are all optional components. The optical film 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 has a support 16, an alignment film 14, and an optically anisotropic film 12, in this order. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the optical film 10 may have a hard coat layer 18 on the side of the support 16 opposite to the side on which the alignment film 14 is provided. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the optical film 10 may have a hard coat layer 18 on the side of the optically anisotropic film 12 opposite to the side on which the alignment film 14 is provided. Various components used in the optical film of the present invention are described in detail below.

[0087] [Optically anisotropic film] The optically anisotropic film of the optical film of the present invention is the optically anisotropic film of the present invention described above. In the optical film of the present invention, the thickness of the optically anisotropic film is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.5 to 5 μm.

[0088] [Support] As described above, the optical film of the present invention may have a support as a substrate for forming an optically anisotropic film. Such a support is preferably transparent, and specifically, preferably has a light transmittance of 80% or more.

[0089] Examples of such a support include a glass substrate and a polymer film. Examples of materials for the polymer film include cellulose-based polymers, acrylic polymers having acrylic acid ester polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate and lactone ring-containing polymers, thermoplastic norbornene-based polymers, polycarbonate-based polymers, polyester-based polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate, styrene-based polymers such as polystyrene and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers (AS resins), polyolefin-based polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-propylene copolymers, vinyl chloride-based polymers, amide-based polymers such as nylon and aromatic polyamides, imide-based polymers, sulfone-based polymers, polyethersulfone-based polymers, polyetheretherketone-based polymers, polyphenylene sulfide-based polymers, vinylidene chloride-based polymers, vinyl alcohol-based polymers, vinyl butyral-based polymers, arylate-based polymers, polyoxymethylene-based polymers, epoxy-based polymers, and polymers containing mixtures of these polymers. Furthermore, the polarizer described below may also serve as such a support.

[0090] In the present invention, the thickness of the support is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 60 μm, and more preferably 5 to 30 μm.

[0091] [Alignment Layer] When the optical film of the present invention has any of the above-mentioned supports, it is preferable that an alignment layer be provided between the support and the optically anisotropic film. The support may also serve as the alignment layer.

[0092] Alignment films generally contain a polymer as a main component. Polymer materials for alignment films are described in numerous publications, and many commercially available products are available. The polymer material used in the present invention is preferably polyvinyl alcohol or polyimide, and derivatives thereof. Modified or unmodified polyvinyl alcohol is particularly preferred. Examples of alignment films that can be used in the present invention include those described in International Publication No. 01 / 88574, page 43, line 24 to page 49, line 8; modified polyvinyl alcohols described in paragraphs

[0071] to

[0095] of Japanese Patent No. 3907735; and liquid crystal alignment films formed using liquid crystal aligning agents described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-155308.

[0093] In the present invention, it is also preferable to use a photo-alignment film as the alignment film, because it is possible to prevent deterioration of the surface condition by not contacting the alignment film surface during formation of the alignment film. The photo-alignment film is not particularly limited, but polymer materials such as polyamide compounds and polyimide compounds described in paragraphs

[0024] to

[0043] of WO 2005 / 096041; liquid crystal alignment films formed by liquid crystal aligning agents having photo-alignable groups described in JP 2012-155308 A; product name LPP-JP265CP manufactured by Rolic Technologies, Inc., and the like can be used.

[0094] In the present invention, the thickness of the alignment film is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of reducing surface irregularities that may exist on the support and forming an optically anisotropic film with a uniform thickness, the thickness is preferably 0.01 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.01 to 1 μm, and even more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 μm.

[0095] [Hard Coat Layer] The optical film of the present invention preferably has a hard coat layer to impart physical strength to the film. Specifically, the hard coat layer may be provided on the side of the support opposite to the side on which the alignment film is provided (see FIG. 2), or on the side of the optically anisotropic film opposite to the side on which the alignment film is provided (see FIG. 3). As the hard coat layer, those described in paragraphs

[0190] to

[0196] of JP-A-2009-98658 can be used.

[0096] [Other Optically Anisotropic Films] The optical film of the present invention may contain another optically anisotropic film in addition to the optically anisotropic film of the present invention. That is, the optical film of the present invention may have a laminate structure of the optically anisotropic film of the present invention and another optically anisotropic film. Such another optically anisotropic film is not particularly limited as long as it is an optically anisotropic film obtained using the other polymerizable compound (particularly a liquid crystal compound) described above without incorporating the polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by formula (1) above. Generally, liquid crystal compounds can be classified into rod-shaped and discotic types based on their shape. Each type is further divided into low-molecular-weight and high-molecular-weight types. High-molecular-weight compounds generally refer to compounds with a degree of polymerization of 100 or more (see "Polymer Physics: Phase Transition Dynamics," by Masao Doi, p. 2, Iwanami Shoten, 1992). In the present invention, any liquid crystal compound can be used, but rod-shaped or discotic liquid crystal compounds (discotic liquid crystal compounds) are preferred. 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 may also be used. For the purpose of immobilizing the liquid crystal compound, it is more preferable to form the liquid crystal layer using a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound or a discotic liquid crystal compound having a polymerizable group, and it is even more preferable that the liquid crystal compound has two or more polymerizable groups per molecule. In the case of a mixture of two or more liquid crystal compounds, it is preferable that at least one liquid crystal compound has two or more polymerizable groups per molecule. As the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, for example, those described in claim 1 of JP-A-11-513019 and paragraphs

[0026] to

[0098] of JP-A-2005-289980 can be preferably used. As the discotic liquid crystal compound, for example, those described in paragraphs

[0020] to

[0067] of JP-A-2007-108732 and paragraphs

[0013] to

[0108] can be preferably used, but are not limited to these.

[0097] [Polarizing Plate] The polarizing plate of the present invention comprises the optical film of the present invention described above and a polarizer. Furthermore, when the optically anisotropic film of the present invention described above is a λ / 4 plate (positive A plate), the polarizing plate of the present invention can be used as a circular polarizing plate. Furthermore, when the optically anisotropic film of the present invention described above is a λ / 4 plate (positive A plate), the angle between the slow axis of the λ / 4 plate and the absorption axis of the polarizer described below is preferably 30 to 60°, more preferably 40 to 50°, even more preferably 42 to 48°, and particularly preferably 45°. Here, the "slow axis" of the λ / 4 plate refers to the direction in which the refractive index is maximized in the plane of the λ / 4 plate, and the "absorption axis" of the polarizer refers to the direction in which the absorbance is highest.

[0098] [Polarizer] The polarizer of the polarizing plate of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of converting light into specific linearly polarized light, and conventionally known absorptive polarizers and reflective polarizers can be used. Examples of absorptive polarizers include iodine-based polarizers, dye-based polarizers using dichroic dyes, and polyene-based polarizers. Iodine-based polarizers and dye-based polarizers include coated polarizers and stretched polarizers, and either type can be used. However, polarizers produced by adsorbing iodine or a dichroic dye onto polyvinyl alcohol and stretching the resulting film are preferred. Furthermore, methods for obtaining polarizers by stretching and dyeing a laminated film having a polyvinyl alcohol layer formed on a substrate are described in Japanese Patent Nos. 5,048,120, 5,143,918, 4,691,205, 4,751,481, and 4,751,486. These known techniques related to polarizers can also be preferably used. As the reflective polarizer, a polarizer in which thin films with different birefringence are laminated, a wire grid polarizer, a polarizer in which a cholesteric liquid crystal having a selective reflection region is combined with a quarter-wave plate, etc. are used. Among them, a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin (-CH ２A polymer containing —CHOH— as a repeating unit, particularly at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, is preferred.

[0099] In the present invention, the thickness of the polarizer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 3 μm to 60 μm, more preferably 5 μm to 30 μm, and even more preferably 5 μm to 15 μm.

[0100] [Adhesive Layer] The polarizing plate of the present invention may have an adhesive layer disposed between the optically anisotropic film and the polarizer in the optical film of the present invention. The adhesive layer used for laminating the optically anisotropic film and the polarizer refers to, for example, a substance having a ratio of storage modulus G' to loss modulus G" (tan δ = G" / G') measured with a dynamic viscoelasticity measuring device of 0.001 to 1.5, and includes so-called pressure-sensitive adhesives and substances that tend to creep. Adhesives that can be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol-based pressure-sensitive adhesives.

[0101] [Image Display Device] The image display device of the present invention is an image display device having the optical film of the present invention. The display element used in the image display device of the present invention is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a liquid crystal cell, an organic electroluminescence (hereinafter abbreviated as "EL") display panel, a plasma display panel, and the like. Among these, a liquid crystal cell or an organic EL display panel is preferred, and a liquid crystal cell is more preferred. That is, the image display device of the present invention is preferably a liquid crystal display device using a liquid crystal cell as the display element, or an organic EL display device using an organic EL display panel as the display element, and more preferably a liquid crystal display device.

[0102] [Liquid Crystal Display Device] A liquid crystal display device, which is an example of the image display device of the present invention, is a liquid crystal display device having the above-mentioned polarizing plate of the present invention and a liquid crystal cell. In the present invention, of the polarizing plates provided on both sides of the liquid crystal cell, it is preferable to use the polarizing plate of the present invention as the front-side polarizing plate, and it is more preferable to use the polarizing plate of the present invention as the front-side and rear-side polarizing plates. The liquid crystal cell constituting the liquid crystal display device will be described in detail below.

[0103] <Liquid Crystal Cell> The liquid crystal cell used in the liquid crystal display device is preferably, but not limited to, a VA (Vertical Alignment) mode, an OCB (Opticaly Compensated Bend) mode, an IPS (In-Plane-Switching) mode, or a TN (Twisted Nematic) mode. In a TN mode liquid crystal cell, rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are aligned substantially horizontally when no voltage is applied, and are further aligned with a twist angle of 60 to 120 degrees. TN mode liquid crystal cells are most commonly used in color TFT liquid crystal display devices, and are described in many literature. In a VA mode liquid crystal cell, rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are aligned substantially vertically when no voltage is applied. VA mode liquid crystal cells include (1) narrowly defined VA mode liquid crystal cells (described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-176625) in which rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are aligned substantially vertically when no voltage is applied and substantially horizontally when voltage is applied, as well as (2) multi-domain VA mode liquid crystal cells (described in SID97, Digest of Tech. Papers (Proceedings) 28 (1997) 845) in which VA mode is modified to widen the viewing angle, (3) n-ASM mode liquid crystal cells in which rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are aligned substantially vertically when no voltage is applied and are aligned in a twisted multi-domain manner when voltage is applied (described in Proceedings of the Japan Liquid Crystal Symposium 58-59 (1998)), and (4) SURVIVAL mode liquid crystal cells (announced at LCD International 98). The liquid crystal cell may be any of a PVA (Patterned Vertical Alignment) type, an optical alignment type, and a PSA (Polymer-Sustained Alignment) type. Details of these modes are described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-215326 and Japanese National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2008-538819. In an IPS mode liquid crystal cell, rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are aligned substantially parallel to the substrates, and the liquid crystal molecules respond in a planar manner when an electric field parallel to the substrate surface is applied. In the IPS mode, a black display is achieved when no electric field is applied, and the absorption axes of a pair of upper and lower polarizing plates are perpendicular to each other.Methods of using an optical compensation sheet to reduce light leakage in oblique directions during black display and improve the viewing angle are disclosed in JP-A Nos. 10-54982, 11-202323, 9-292522, 11-133408, 11-305217, and 10-307291.

[0104] [Organic EL Display Device] An organic EL display device, which is one example of the image display device of the present invention, preferably has, from the viewing side, a polarizer, a λ / 4 plate (positive A plate) made of the optically anisotropic film of the present invention, and an organic EL display panel, in this order. The organic EL display panel is a display panel constructed using an organic EL element in which an organic light-emitting layer (organic electroluminescence layer) is sandwiched between electrodes (between a cathode and an anode). The configuration of the organic EL display panel is not particularly limited, and a known configuration may be used.

[0105] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. The materials, amounts used, ratios, treatment contents, treatment procedures, etc. shown in the following examples can be changed as appropriate 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 examples shown below.

[0106] [Example 1] [Preparation of Optically Anisotropic Film A1] <Preparation of Support> The components described in the following cellulose acylate dope composition were placed in a mixing tank, stirred, and further heated at 90°C for 10 minutes. Thereafter, the obtained composition was filtered through a filter paper with an average pore size of 34 μm and a sintered metal filter with an average pore size of 10 μm to prepare a cellulose acylate dope. The solid content concentration of the cellulose acylate dope was 23.5 mass%, the amount of plasticizer added was the ratio relative to the cellulose acylate, and the solvent for the dope was methylene chloride / methanol / butanol = 81 / 18 / 1 (mass ratio).

[0107] ------------------------------------------------ Composition for cellulose acylate dope------------------------------------------------ Cellulose acylate (degree of acetyl substitution: 2.86, viscosity average degree of polymerization: 310) 100 parts by mass Sugar ester compound 1 (formula (S4) below) 3.0 parts by mass Sugar ester compound 2 (formula (S5) below) 1.0 part by mass Silica particle dispersion (AEROSIL R972, manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd.) 0.1 part by mass Solvent (methylene chloride / methanol / butanol) 351.9 parts by mass------------------------------------------------

[0108]

[0109]

[0110] The cellulose acylate dope prepared above was cast using a drum film-forming machine. The dope was cast from a die onto a metal support cooled to 0°C, and then the resulting web (film) was peeled off from the drum. The drum was made of SUS (stainless steel).

[0111] The web (film) obtained by casting was peeled from the drum and then dried for 20 minutes in a tenter apparatus, in which both ends of the web were clipped with clips while the film was being transported at 30 to 40°C. Subsequently, the web was post-dried by zone heating while being transported with rolls. The obtained web was knurled and then wound up to obtain cellulose acylate film 1. The obtained cellulose acylate film 1 had a thickness of 40 μm, an in-plane retardation Re(550) of 1 nm at a wavelength of 550 nm, and a thickness direction retardation Rth(550) of 23 nm at a wavelength of 550 nm.

[0112] <Preparation of Photo-Alignment Film 1> A coating solution E1 for forming a photo-alignment film having the following composition was continuously coated on the above-mentioned cellulose acylate film 1 using a wire bar. The support on which the coating film was formed was dried with hot air at 134°C for 75 seconds, and then the coating film was irradiated with polarized ultraviolet light (8 mJ / cm２ , using an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp) to form a photo-alignment film 1. The film thickness of the photo-alignment film 1 was 0.5 μm.

[0113] -------------------------------------------------- Coating liquid E1 for forming photoalignment film -------------------------------------------------- Polymer PA-1 (shown below) 100.00 parts by mass Acid generator PAG-1 (shown below) 6.00 parts by mass DIPEA 0.60 parts by mass Butyl acetate 625.4 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone 156.3 parts by mass --------------------------------------------------

[0114] Polymer PA-1 (In the following formula, the numerical value for each repeating unit represents the content (% by mass) of each repeating unit relative to all repeating units; weight average molecular weight: 45,000)

[0115] Acid generator PAG-1

[0116] DIPEA

[0117] <Preparation of Optically Anisotropic Film A1> The following liquid crystal composition F1 was applied onto the above-mentioned photo-alignment film 1 using a bar coater. Then, the coating film formed on the photo-alignment film 1 was heated to 125°C with hot air and then cooled to 60°C. Next, a high-pressure mercury lamp was used in a nitrogen atmosphere to irradiate the film with 80 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 365 nm. ２ After irradiating the coating film with ultraviolet light of 200 mJ / cm while heating to 120°C, ２ The coating film was irradiated with ultraviolet light of 1000 nm, thereby fixing the alignment of the liquid crystal compound, and an optically anisotropic film A1, which is a positive A plate, was produced. The optically anisotropic film A1 produced had an in-plane retardation Re(550) of 140 nm at a wavelength of 550 nm. The film thickness was 3 μm.

[0118] Liquid crystal composition F1 ------------------------------------------------ 8.50 parts by mass of specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound L-1 described below 8.50 parts by mass of specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound L-2 described below 45.00 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound L-3 described below 32.00 parts by mass of polymerizable liquid crystal compound L-4 described below 6.00 parts by mass of polymerizable compound N-1 described below 12.00 parts by mass of methylthiobenzothiazole (alignment aid) 0.50 parts by mass of polymerization initiator PI-1 described below 0.09 parts by mass of leveling agent T-1 described below 233.24 parts by mass of tetrahydrofuran 58.31 parts by mass of cyclopentanone ------------------------------------------------

[0119] Specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound L-1

[0120] Specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound L-2

[0121] Polymerizable liquid crystal compound L-3

[0122] Polymerizable liquid crystal compound L-4

[0123] Polymerizable compound N-1

[0124] Polymerization initiator PI-1

[0125] Leveling agent T-1 (in the formula below, the numerical value for each repeating unit represents the content (mass %) of each repeating unit relative to all repeating units; weight average molecular weight: 25,000)

[0126] [Examples 2 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7] Optically anisotropic films were prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that instead of methylthiobenzothiazole, an alignment aid shown in Table 10 below was used and the amount added was changed to the value shown in Table 10 below.

[0127] [Evaluation] (1) Orientation The prepared optically anisotropic film was placed on a polarizing microscope, the polarizers were arranged in a crossed Nicol position, and the angle of the optically anisotropic film was adjusted to set it at the extinction position. In this state, the degree of light leakage was observed, and the orientation was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 10 below. A: No light leakage. B: Slight light leakage was observed. C: Significant light leakage.

[0128] (2) Durability The optically anisotropic film thus prepared was kept in an environment of 100°C and 95% relative humidity for 150 hours, and then the in-plane retardation was measured using an AxoScan. Durability was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 10 below. A: The amount of retardation change after the test was less than 10% of the value before the test. B: The amount of retardation change after the test was 10% or more but less than 20% of the value before the test. C: The amount of retardation change after the test was 20% or more of the value before the test.

[0129]

[0130] The results shown in Table 10 indicate that when the boiling point of the alignment aid incorporated into the liquid crystal composition is 250°C or lower, the alignment of the formed optically anisotropic film is poor (Comparative Examples 2 to 4). Furthermore, when the boiling point of the alignment aid incorporated into the liquid crystal composition is higher than 350°C, the durability of the formed optically anisotropic film is poor (Comparative Example 7). Furthermore, even when the boiling point of the alignment aid incorporated into the liquid crystal composition is higher than 250°C and lower than 350°C, the alignment of the formed optically anisotropic film is poor if the HSP distance between the SPL terminal of the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the alignment aid is less than 4 (Comparative Examples 5 and 6). In contrast, when the boiling point of the alignment aid incorporated into the liquid crystal composition is higher than 250°C and lower than 350°C, and the HSP distance between the SPL terminal of the specific polymerizable liquid crystal compound and the alignment aid is 4 to 20, both the alignment and durability of the formed optically anisotropic film are good (Examples 1 to 6). Furthermore, a comparison between Examples 1 to 4 and Example 5 revealed that the durability of the optically anisotropic film formed was better when the content of the specific alignment assistant was 10 mass% or less relative to the mass of the optically anisotropic film. Furthermore, a comparison between Examples 1 to 4 and Example 6 revealed that the alignment of the optically anisotropic film formed was better when the specific alignment assistant was a compound represented by the above formula (2-1) or (2-2).

[0131] 10 Optical film 12 Optically anisotropic film 14 Alignment film 16 Support 18 Hard coat layer

Claims

1. A polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by the following formula (1) and an alignment aid, wherein the boiling point of the alignment aid is higher than 250°C and not higher than 350°C, and L in the following formula (1) in the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is １ -SP １ - and a partial structure represented by L ２ -SP ２ A liquid crystal composition, wherein the distance between the Hansen solubility parameter of at least one of the compounds represented by the following formulas (T1) and (T2), which correspond to the partial structure represented by -, and the Hansen solubility parameter of the alignment aid is 4 to 20. In the formulas (1), (T1) and (T2), D １ , D ２ , D ３ and D ４ each independently represents a single bond, or —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, or —CR １ R ２ -, -CR ３ =CR ４ -, -NR ５ -, or a divalent linking group formed by a combination of two or more thereof, R １ ~R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. １ A Ｇ or SP Ｇ Represents. A １ , A ２ and A Ｇ each independently represents an aromatic hydrocarbon ring which may have a substituent, an aromatic heterocycle which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, provided that -CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. １ , SP ２ and SP Ｇ each independently represents a single bond or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, provided that the —CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)- or -CO-. Q represents a substituent. L １ and L ２ each independently represents a monovalent organic group; １ and L ２ At least one of Ar represents a polymerizable group. １ and Ar ２ When at least one of the following is an aromatic ring represented by the following formula (Ar-4), L １ and L ２ and L in the following formula (Ar-4): ３ and L ４ At least one of the groups represented by m represents a polymerizable group. m represents an integer of 0 to 2. When m is 2, a plurality of G １ may be the same or different, and a plurality of D １ may be the same or different. l and n each independently represent 0 or an integer of 1 or more. When l is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of A １ may be the same or different, and a plurality of D ３ may be the same or different. When n is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of D ４ may be the same or different, and a plurality of A ２ may be the same or different. p represents an integer of 1 to 3. When p is 2 or 3, a plurality of Ar １ may be the same or different, and a plurality of D ２ may be the same or different, and when p is 2 or 3 and m is not 0, a plurality of G １ may be the same or different, and a plurality of D １ may be the same or different. １ and Ar ２ each independently represents an aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of groups represented by the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-8): In the formulae (Ar-1) to (Ar-8), *1 represents D ３ or D ４ *2 represents the bonding position with D １ or D ２ When l is 0, D ３ The bonding position with １ When m is 0, *2 represents the bonding position with D ２ When n is 0, D ４ The bonding position with ２ represents the bonding position with Q. １ represents N or CH. ２ is -S-, -O-, or -N(R ６ )-, R ６ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. １ represents a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, a monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, provided that -CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. １ , Z ２ and Z ３ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, -OR ７ , -NR ８ R ９ , -SR １０ , -COOR １１ , or -COR １２ represents R ７ ~R １２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; Z １ and Z ２ may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring. ３ and A ４ are each independently —O—, —N(R １３ represents a group selected from the group consisting of —, —S—, and —CO—; R １３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. X represents a non-metallic atom of Groups 14 to 16. However, the non-metallic atom may be bonded to a hydrogen atom or a substituent. D ５ and D ６ each independently represents a single bond, or —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, or —CR １ R ２ -, -CR ３ =CR ４ -, -NR ５ -, or a divalent linking group formed by a combination of two or more thereof, R １ ~R ５ SP each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. ３ and SP ４ each independently represents a single bond or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, provided that the —CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)- or -CO-. Q represents a substituent. L ３ and L ４ each independently represents a monovalent organic group; ３ and L ４ and L in the formula (1). １ and L ２ At least one of the above represents a polymerizable group. Ax represents an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon rings and aromatic heterocycles. Ay represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydrocarbon rings and aromatic heterocycles. The aromatic rings in Ax and Ay may have a substituent, and Ax and Ay may be bonded to form a ring. Q ３ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent.

2. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the molecular weight of the alignment aid is 500 or less.

3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the alignment aid is a compound represented by the following formula (2-1) or (2-2): Here, in the formula (2-1), Q ４ represents N or CH. ５ is -S-, -O-, or -N(R ６ )-, R ６ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. ２ represents a monovalent chain hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, a monovalent heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, provided that -CH constituting the chain hydrocarbon group and the alicyclic hydrocarbon group ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. ４ , Z ５ , Z ６ and Z ７ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, -OR ７ , -NR ８ R ９ , -SR １０ , -COOR １１ , or -COR １２ represents R ７ ~R １２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; Z ５ and Z ６ may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring. ７ and D ８ each independently represents a single bond, or —CO—, —O—, —S—, —C(═S)—, or —CR １ R ２ -, -CR ３ =CR ４ -, -NR ５ -, or a divalent linking group formed by a combination of two or more thereof, R １ ~R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. １ represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, provided that the —CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)- or -CO-. Q represents a substituent. P ２ represents a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, provided that the —CH ２ One or more of - may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)- or -CO-. Q represents a substituent.

4. An optically anisotropic film obtained by fixing the alignment state of the liquid crystal composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The optically anisotropic film according to claim 4, wherein the content of the alignment aid is 10% by mass or less based on the mass of the optically anisotropic film.

6. An optical film having the optically anisotropic film according to claim 4.

7. A polarizing plate comprising the optical film according to claim 6 and a polarizer.

8. An image display device comprising the optical film according to claim 6 and a display element.

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