The reaction of diaryl ketones such as benzophenone with chiral epoxides in the presence of Yb metal at room temperature has been found to give chiral1,3-diols in high optical yields.
An improved ferroelectric liquid crystal device comprising a pair of substrates each provided with voltage applying means, at least one of the substrates having an orientation control layer, and a ferroelectric liquid crystal layer disposed between the pair of substrates, the ferroelectric liquid crystal layer comprising specific .gamma.-lactone derivatives, which is useful as a liquid crystal shutter, liquid crystal display device or the like.
A ferroelectric liquid crystal device having a pair of substrates each provided with voltage applying means, an orientation control layer formed on at least one of the substrates, and a layer of ferroelectric liquid crystal composition disposed between the pair of substrates, the ferroelectric liquid crystal composition comprising at least one compound (a) having an optically active group of the formula (I): ##STR1## at least one compound (b) which is reverse to the compound (a) in the direction of a helical pitch induced in a nematic phase and at least one liquid crystal compound (c) exhibiting a smectic C phase, the liquid crystal composition exhibiting at least a smectic C phase, smectic A phase and nematic phase.
Optically active α-aryl-γ-alkyl-γ-lactones were synthesized from chiral epichlorohydrin in several steps and found to be good chiral dopants for ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs). Relationship between molecular structures and properties is discussed.