Liquid crystal compositions for multiplexed displays

A liquid crystal composition for multiplexed twisted neumatic display which exists in a nematic mesophase from at least about -20.degree. to 50.degree. C., comprising:

• (a) From three to five cyanobiphenyl compounds represented by the formula:
• ##STR33## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of straight chain alkyl groups having two to ten carbon atoms, the propoxy radical ranging from about 5 to 12% by weight of the total composition, and the substituent ##STR34## ranging from about 5 to 12% by weight of the total composition wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of straight chain alkyl groups having three to five carbon atoms, and wherein the saturated ring has a trans conformation, at least one of said compounds having R as an alkyl group with two to five carbon atoms and wherein the sum of compounds having R as an alkyl group with two to four carbon atoms ranges from about 3 to 10% by weight of the total composition and at least one of said compounds having R as an alkyl group with seven to ten carbon atoms and wherein the sum thereof ranges from about 20 to 50% by weight of the total composition;
• (b) at least one cyclohexane carboxylate ester compound represented by the formula:
• ##STR35## wherein R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of straight chain alkyl groups having two to three carbon atoms, wherein R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of straight chain alkoxy groups having three to six carbon atoms, and wherein the saturated ring has a trans conformation;
• and
• (c) at least one para-substituted phenyl benzoate ester represented by the formula:
• ##STR36## wherein R.sup.3 is selected from the group consisting of straight chain alkyl groups having three to seven carbon atoms, and wherein R.sup.4 is selected from the group consisting of straight chain alkyl groups having five to nine carbon atoms,
• subject to the proviso that the cyanobiphenyls range from about 67% to about 78% by weight of the composition, the cyclohexane carboxylate esters range from about 14% to about 21% by weight of the composition, and the phenyl benzoate esters range from about 8% to about 12% by weight of the composition, and subject to the further proviso that the cyanobiphenyl compounds include an embodiment having the above described saturated ring which constitutes from about 5% to about 12% by weight of the entire composition.