Novel liquid crystalline compounds having low viscosity, low transition temperatures, positive dielectric anisotropy and extremely low optical birefringence are provided. The compounds are represented by the formula: ##STR1## where R and R.sup.1 can be the same or different straight chain alkyl or alkoxy group and m can be 1 or 2. Guest-host electrooptical displays including a mixture of one or more of the compounds with a suitable pleochroic dye exhibit much improved constrast and low driving voltage while eliminating the need for polarizers and excessive dye additions.