Synthesis and Physical Properties of Novel Fluorinated Liquid Crystalline Compounds

The synthetic route and physical properties for three-ring derivatives, trans-2,3,2',3'-tetrafluoro-4-alkyl-4'-(4-alkyl-cyclohexyl)-biphenyl and 4-alkyl-cyclohexane carboxylic acid 2,3,2',3',4'-pentafluoro-biphenyl-4-yl ester are presented. They exhibit broad range nematic phases exceeding 30K and low viscosity of nematic liquid crystal mixtures containing these materials. Their viscosity is compared with that of homologues with a lateral isothiocyanate group and show large negative dielectric anisotropies. The threshold voltage $V_{th}$ was low enough to be operated at a driving voltage of 5V. Our novel LC compounds are suitable materials for the improvement of dielectric anisotropy of vertical align liquid crystal displays (VA-LDCs).