Liquid crystal compositions

Abstract

Liquid crystalline compositions having the optical properties of the cholesteric mesophase are disclosed. The compositions comprise at least one nematic liquid crystalline material and at least one potentially cholesteric material which has a molecular structure which is similar to that of a nematic liquid crystal. Uses of the novel compositions are also described.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A liquid crystalline composition having the optical properties of the cholesteric liquid crystalline mesophase consisting essentially of: at least one nematic liquid crystalline material and at least one non-mesomorphic optically active material which is reprsented by the general formula selected from the group consisting of  W--Ar--Z, .Iadd.and .Iaddend.   .[.W--Z, and.].   W--Ar--X = Y--Ar--Z   where X and Y are radicals chosen from the group consisting of   .[.X = CH 2 , Y = NH.].    .[.X = Y = CH 2  .].    X = Y = CH    X = CH, Y = N   X = Y = N    X = N, Y = N → O    X = CH, Y = N → O    .[.(X = Y) = C = C.].   where W and Z can be the same or different and are chosen from the group consisting of NH 2  and alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkyl, ester, carbonate and aldehyde radicals having up to and including nine carbon atoms, and where Ar is chosen from the group consisting of ##SPC2##