Nematogenic laterally fluorinated biphenyls with polar terminal groups

The physical properties are reported for a series of positive dielectric anisotropy (δε) alkylbiphenyls possessing a halogen-containing terminal group and incorporating varying degrees of lateral fluorination. The nematic range and dielectric and optical anisotropies can be varied by the appropriate choice of terminal group and extent of lateral substitution. These materials possess greater stability than the corresponding cyano compounds and are suitable for use in applications that require high stability.