Optical active compound, process for producing same and liquid crystal composition containing same

Abstract

An optically active functional compound represented by the following formula (1) is disclosed: ##STR1## wherein R denotes an alkyl group having 1-14 carbon atoms; -X- denotes ##STR2## denotes a single bond, ##STR3## n=0, 1 or 2; and C* denotes an asymmetric carbon atom. The compound of the formula (1) may be produced through an optically active compound of the following formula (2) or (3): ##STR4## The compounds of the above formulas (1)-(3) are all characterized by a trifluoromethyl group providing a large spontaneous polarization attached to an asymmetric carbon atom.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.