DIOXANE DERIVATIVES

Abstract: Dioxane derivatives for use as components in liquid crystal devices (LCDs) of general formula (A), wherein X is CH or B; R1, R2 are each A1, OA1, OCOA2, or COOA2; A1 is a straight or branched chain alkyl group containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and may be substituted with one or more F or CN. A2 is a straight or branched chain alkyl group containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and may be substituted with one or more F or CN and if straight may be unsubstituted. Y1, Y2, Y3 may each be (CH2)p, (CH2)pCOO or OCO(CH2)p; p is from 0 to 10, n is 0 or 1, m is 0 or 1, either or both of Z1 and Z2 are F and, when not F, are H; Y4 is a covalent bond or, when n is 0, may be (a) LCDs, containing the devices exhibit very fast switching speed, bi-stable characteristics, enhanced greyscale and storage capabilities and a wide viewing angle.

Description: DIOXANE DERIVATIVES This invention relates to dioxane derivatives which are useful as components in liquid crystal compositions. Such compositions may be incorporated in liquid crystal devices (LCD) and exhibit useful electro-optical effects. The invention also relates to such compositions and to the LCDs incorporating them. In particular it relates to those compositions which exhibit ferroelectric behaviour and allow the LCDs containing them to have very fast switching speed, bi-stable characteristics, enhanced grayscale and storage capabilities and wide viewing angle. Accordingly we provide a compound of the formula A: Wherein X is CH or B R 1 , R 2 , arc each A 1 , OA 1 , OCOA 2 , or COOA 2 A 1 is a straight or branched chain alkyl group containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and may be substituted with one or more F or CN. A 2 is a straight or branched chain alkyl group containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and may be substituted with one or more F or CN and if straight may be unsubstituted. Y\ Y 2 , Y 3 May each be (CH 2 ) p , (CH^.COO or OCO(CH 2 ) p p is from 0 to 10 n is 0 or 1 m is 0 or 1 either or both of Z, and Z j are F and, when not F, are H Y 4 is a covalent bond or, when n is 0, may be -Y : Particularly useful compounds are those wherein A 1 is a straight chain alkyl group containing from 1 to 15, preferably from 5 to 10 carbon atoms and those wherein A 2 is an optically active branched chain alkyl group containing from 1 to 15, preferably from 5 to 10 carbon atoms and substituted by a single F or CN. Individual compounds which have been found to be particularly useful include the following. 2-(4 " -heptyl-2 " ,3 " -difluoro-biphen-4 -yl)-5-n-octyl- 1,3-dioxane, (compound A), 2-(4 " -hexyl-2 " ,3 " -difluoro-biphen-4 -yl)-5-n-octyl-l,3-dioxane, (compound B), 2-(4 " -heptoxy-2\3 " -difluoro-biphen-4 ' -yl)-5-n-nonyl- 1 ,3-dioxane, (compound C), 2-(4 ' -octoxy-2 " ,3 " -difluoro-biphen-4 ' -yl)-5-n-nonyl- 1 ,3-dioxane, (compound D), 2-(4 " -octoxy-2 " ,3 -difluoro-biphen-4 -yl)-5-n-heptyl- 1 ,3-dioxane, (compound E), 2-(4 " -octoxy-2 ' ,3 ' -difluoro-biphen-4 ' -yl)-5-n-heptyl- 1,3-dioxane, (compound F), 4 " -n-nonyl-2 " ,3 " -difluoro-4-(5 -n-pentyl- ,3 ' -dioxane-2-yl)benzoate, (compound G), 2 " ,3 " -difluoro-4 " -n-nonoxy-4 -biphenyl)-4-n-nonyl-2,6-dioxaborinane (compound H) The compounds of this invention may be synthesised by the following methods. Compounds of the formula 11 i.e. wherein, in general formula A, X is CH; Y 2 , Y 3 are each (CH 2 ) p , wherein p is 0; n is 0; m is 1; These compounds are produced according to the scheme illustrated in Figure 1. In this scheme diethyl malonate (formula 1) is reacted with the compound R'Br in sodium ethoxide/ethanol to give the R 1 - substituted diethyl malonate of formula 2. Reduction of this with lithium aluminium hydride in ether yields the corresponding diol (formula 3) which is then reacted with 4-bromobenzaldehyde and 4-toluene sulphonic acid in dry toluene to give the compound of formula 4. Reaction of 1 ,2-difluorobenzene (formula 5) with the compound R 3 CHO where R 3 is a straight or branched chain alkyl group containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, optionally substituted with one or more F or CN, with n-butyllithium in tetrahydrofuran followed by treatment with phosphorous pentoxide in light petrol and then by reduction over palladium charcoal yields the compound of formula 6. Treatment of this compound with n-butyllithium in tetrahydrofuran followed by triisopropyl borate gives the compound of formula 7. Finally the compounds of formulae 4 and 7 are reacted in the presence of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine) palladium and aqueous sodium carbonate to yield the required compound of formula 11. Compounds of Formula 12 i.e. wherein, in general formula A, X is CH; Y 2 , Y 3 are each (Q j p , wherein p is 0; n is 0; m is 1; Z, is F and Z-is H Referring again to the scheme illustrated in Figure 1, reaction of 2,3-difluorophenol (formula 8) with the compound R 2 Br over potassium carbonate in acetone gives the 2,3- difluorophenyl compound of formula 9 which on reaction with firstly butyl lithium under nitrogen at -78°C and then with tri-isopropyl borate gives the compound of formula 10. The compounds of formulae 4 and 10 are then reacted in the presence of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine) palladium and aqueous sodium carbonate to yield the required compound of formula 12. Compounds of the formula 15 i.e. wherein, in general formula A, X is CH; Y 2 is (CH 2 ) p , wherein p is 0; Y 3 is (CH 2 ) p COO, wherein p is 0; n is 0; m is 1; These compounds are produced according to the scheme illustrated in Figure 2. In this scheme, the compound of formula 4 (see Figure 1 and description above), after reaction with n-butyllithium in THF under nitrogen, is poured onto carbon dioxide granules giving the 4- substituted benzoic acid of formula 13. The compound of formula 7 (see also Figure 1) is converted to the corresponding phenol of formula 14 by reaction with hydrogen peroxide in ether. The compounds of formulae 13 and 14 are then reacted with N,N ' - dicyclophenxylcarbodϋmide and 4-dimethylaminopyridine to yield the required compound of formula 15. Compounds of the formula 19 i.e. wherein, in general formula A, X is B: Y 2 , Y 3 are each (CH 2 ) p , wherein p is 0; n is 0; m is 1; Z, is F and Z^ is H These compounds are produced according to the scheme illustrated in Figure 3. In this scheme, the compound of formula 7 (see Figure 1) is reacted with 4-bromoiodobenzene and tetrakis (triphenylphosphine) palladium to give the product of formula 17 which, on reaction with n-butyllithium under nitrogen at -78°C and then with triisopropyl borate yields the compound of formula 18. Finally, reaction of this with the 2-substituted-l,3-propandiol of formula 3 and 4-toluene sulphonic acid in dry toluene gives the required product of formula 19. Compounds of the formula 24 wherein ' , in the general formula A, X is CH; Y 2 , Y 3 are each (CH 2 ) p , where p is 0; n is 0; m is 1; Z, is H and Z 2 is F. These compounds are produced according to the scheme illustrated in Figure 4. In this scheme, the compound of formula 3 (see Figure 1) is reacted with 2,3-difluorobenzaldehyde (formula 20) and 4-toluene sulphonic acid in dry benzene to give the compound of formula 21 which, when reacted first with n-butyllithium in tetrahydrofuran under nitrogen at -78°C and then with trisopropylborate in the same solvent and under the same conditions followed by warming and treatment with hydrochloric acid yields the compound of formula 22. Reaction of this with the compound of formula 23 wherein Q is bromine or iodine with tetrakis(triphenylphosphine) palladium gives the required compound of formula 24. Compounds of formula 25 i.e. wherein, in general - formαula A, X is CH; n is 0; m is 0; and Y 4 is a covalent bond. Reaction of the compound of formula 21 (see Figure 4) with n-butyllithium in tetrahydrofuran under nitrogen at -78°C with a solution of the iodo compound of formula R 2 I in tetrahydrofuran gives the required compound of formula 25. Compounds of formula 27 To obtain the compounds of formula 27, the compound of formula 22 (see Figures 4 and 5) is reacted first with hydrogen peroxide in ether and sodium carbonate to give the compound of formula 26 which is then reacted with a bromo compound A'Br to give the required compound of formula 27. Compounds of Formula 31 i.e. wherein, in general formula A:- X is CH Y 2 ,Y 3 are each (CH^ and p is 0; n is 0 and m is 1 ; Z, is F and 7^ is H Reaction of compound of formula 4 with 2,3-difluorophenylboronic acid and with tei_rakis( phenylphosphine)palladium yields the compound of formula 29 (see Figure 6) which, on reaction with n-butyllithium and triisopropyl borate followed by hydrogen peroxide gives the compound of formula 30. The required compound of formula 31 is obtained by reaction of the compound of formula 30 with an acid of formula A 2 COOH in the presence of N,N -dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 4-dimethylaminopyridine. Compounds of formula 33 i.e. wherein in general formula A X is CH Y\Y 3 are each (CH 2 ) p and p is O; n is O and m is 1; As illustrated in Figure 7, the compound of formula 29 (see Figure 6) is reacted with n- butyllithium and then poured onto carbon dioxide granules to give the benzoic acid of formula 32. Reaction of this compound with A^H in the presence of N,N - dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 4-dimethylaminopyridine gives the required compound of formula 33. Compositions comprising one or more of the compounds of this invention for use in LCDs have been prepared and incorporated in cells for use in LCD devices and have demonstrated the following propeπies, either alone or in a mixture with other suitable liquid crystal compounds. (a) Temperature Range of Smectic C Phase Com ound Ran e ° (b) Other Properties A blend of equal proportions by weight of each of the following compounds of formula 12 was prepared: - R 1 A 1 and four parts of this blend were mixed with one part of the compound of formula 11 where R 1 is CoH, 9 and A 1 is C 5 H n to give Mixture 1. Mixture 1 had an Smectic C phase range from 20°C to 97°C. Mixmre 1 was then used as an Sc host with a chiral dopant to give the following mixture 2:- Mixture 1 90% by weight chiral S-(-)-l-cyano-2-methylpropyl-4 1 -nonoxybiphenyl-4-carboxylate - 1.5% by weight racemic (±)-S-(-)-l-cyano-2-methylpropyl-4 1 -nonoxybiphenyl-4-carboxylate - 8.5% by weight (see Chan et al, Mol. Cryst. Liq. Cryst, 172, 125 (1989). Mixture 2 had a Smectic C phase range from -20°C to 93°C Spontaneous polarisation Figure 9 shows the variation of spontaneous polarisation of mixture 2 with temperature. The data was obtained using a 6μm thick cell at 50Hz and 30 volts employing a Diamant bridge (see Rev. Sci. Instr., 28, 30 (1957)). (ii) Tilt Angle Measurements Figure 10 shows the variation of tilt angle, θ, with respect to temperature for mixture 2. The tilt angle was measured by applying a square wave of 50Hz at 30 volts to a filled 6μm cell and the maximum and minimum transmission positions, obtained by rotating the sample, were measured using a photomultiplier, the difference between the two values being the cone angle, 2Θ, of the molecules in the Sc phase. (iii) Monopolar Response Time Figure 11 shows the plot of response time against applied voltage. The data was obtained as described in Ferroelectrics, 122, 63 (1991). A monopolar pulse of 1:100 duty cycle and alternating polarity was used to switch the device alternately between its two optical states. The response time is taken as the minimum pulse width at which visibly clear switching occurs in the cell as observed under a crossed polarising microscope. (iv) Multiplexing Characteristic The multiplexing characteristics for mixture 2 under real drive conditions (i.e. with random data voltage patterns) is shown in Figure 12, using the 2-slot multiplexing scheme as described in Ferroelectrics, 122, 63 (1991). Mixmre 2 exhibits a wide operating temperature range and multiplexes at around lOOμs line address time (l.a.t.) at room temperature down to lOμs l.a.t. at 65°C. (v) Birefringence This is illustrated for mixture 2 in Figure 13. The Senamont compensator technique was used as described in the "Nikon Polarising Microscope Instructions Manual", p.34 (1990), Publisher: Nikon Inc., Instrument Group, 623 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530, U.S.A. As shown in Figure 13, mixture 2 exhibited a very low birefringence of _ 0.12. This value is of the same order as the values obtained using previously disclosed two ring liquid crystal systems such as the phenylpyrimidines and the biphenyls. The liquid crystal cell comprising mixture 2, used to obtain the data illustrated in and described with reference to Figures 9 to 13, may also be used in an electro-optical display device. The cell consists of two glass plates, arranged parallel. On the inner surface of each plate is a thin film of a transparent conducting material, e.g. indium tin oxide (ITO), coated with a transparent layer of a polymer such as Nylon 6 to protect the conducting material and to aid surface alignment of a layer of Sc* liquid crystal material sandwiched between the coated plates. The space between the Nylon 6 layers defines the thickness of the layer of the ferroelectric liquid crystals and its edges are sealed with UV curable glue. For the spontaneous polarisation and tilt angle measurements as shown in Figures 9 and 10 respectively, the spacing was 6μm, and for other experiments as shown in figures 11 and 13, the spacing was 1.5μm. The cell is normally positioned between crossed polarisers when being used in the birefringence mode referred to above. The invention is further illustrated by the following examples to which the following general points apply:- General Techniques Employed 1. Chromatography Techniques 1.1 Analytical Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) The TLC plates used were aluminium sheets coated with fluorescence silica gel 60 F254 (Merck 5554, Darmstadt). The detection of spots was achieved by UV fluorescence (254 nm) and / or by contact with iodine vapour. 1.2 Column Chromatography Column chromatographic separations were carried out using either flash column chromatography over silica gel C60-H (May & Baker, 40-60 mm) or standard gravity column chromatography over silica gel (Fisons, 60-120 mesh). 1.3 Gas-Liquid Chromatography (GLQ The progress of many reactions and the purity of a number of products was checked using a Perkin-Elmer 8320 capillary gas chromatograph equiped with a BP1 capillary column. 1.4 High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) The purity of all final compounds and a number of intermediates was checked by HPLC. The system consisted of the following modules: (i) a Kontron 420 Pump; (ii) a Must Multi-port Stream Switch; (iii) a Perkin-Elmer ISS-100 Auto Sampler; (iv) a Dynamax Microsorb C18 Reverse Phase Column (25cm); (v) a Spectroflow 757 Absorbance Detector; (vi) a Chessell Chan Recorder (BD 40 04); (vii) a Perkin-Elmer 3600 Data Station. Some products were purified by preparative HPLC. The system consisted of the following modules: (i) a Kontron 420 Pump (for eluent); (ii) a Gilson 303 Pump (for injection); (iii) a Gilson 201-202 Controller, (iv) a Gilson Holochrome UV Detector; (v) a Chessell Chart Recorder ( BD 40 04); (vi) a Gilson 201 Fraction Collector. The solvent system used was methanol unless otherwise stated. Assessment of Materials 2.1 Spectroscopy (a) Infra-Red (IR) Spectroscopy IR was carried out using a Perkin-Elmer 783 infra-red spectrophotometer. (b) Mass Spectrornetry (MS) MS was carried out using a Finnigan-MAT 1020 automated GC / MS. (c) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spetroscopy NMR was carried out using a JEOL JNM-GX270 FT nuclear magnetic resonance spetrometer (270 MHz). 2.2 Transition Temperatures (a) Thermal Optical Microscopy The transition temperatures of all mesogens were determined using an Olympus BH-2 or a Zeiss Universal polarising light microscope in conjunction with a Mettler FP52 heating stage fitted with a Mettler FP5 control unit. The heating and cooling rate used was 1° min '1 , except for around clearing transitions where the rate used was 0.2° min '1 . (b) Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) All liquid-crystalline transitions were verified by thermal analysis using a Perkin-Elmer DSC7 differential scanning calorimeter fitted with a TAC 7/PC instrument controller, an IBM PC/2 personal computer and a Perkin- Elmer Controlled Cooling Accessory. A static nitrogen atmosphere was used in the furnace and the reference material was aluminium oxide (Al 2 O 3 ). Indium metal was used as the standard for callibration purpose. Drying and Purification of Solvents (i) Benzene, diethyl ether and toluene were dried over sodium wire, (ii) Dichloromethane was distilled over phosphorous pentoxide prior to use. (iii) Tetrahydrofuran was distilled over sodium and benzophenone prior to use. (iv) Pyridine was dried over anhydrous potassium hydroxide, (v) Super-dry ethanol was distilled over magnesium turnings and iodine prior to use. 4. Abbreviations (a) In the reporting of proton NMR data, the following abbreviations have been used: s ~ single, d ~ doublet, t — triplet, q ~ quartet, qn — quintet, sex — sextet, m ~ multiplet. (b) When describing mesomorphic behaviour or physical properties: m.p. - melting point, b.p. ~ boiling point, K - crystalline solid, Iso — isotropic liquid phase. N - nematic phase, Sm — smectic mesophases. (c) The solvents used: DCC - N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, DEAD - diethyl azodicarboxylate, DMAP ~ 4-dimethylaminopyridine, DME - dimethoxy ethane, DMF ~ dimethyl formamide, THF — tetrahydrofuran, TsOH ~ p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate. 5 Nomenclature The RJPAC system of nomenclature has been used throughout. Example 1 Diethyl (2-n-pentylpropanedicarboxylate) (Formula 2) Alcoholic sodium ethoxide, prepared from sodium (7.8g, 0.34mol) in super-dry ethanol (200cm 3 ) was cooled to ca. 50°C and diethyl malonate (55g, 0.34mol) added slowly with vigorous stirring. 1-Bromopentane (49.5g, O.33mol) was added gradually and the mixture refluxed until neutral to moist litmus (ca. 2h). The solvent was removed in vacuo and water (200cm 3 ) added. The aqueous layer was extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 100cm 3 ) and the combined ethereal layers were dried (Na 2 SO 4 ). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the pure product isolated by distillation under reduced pressure. Yield = 71g (78%); b.p. = 82-87°C / 0.2 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.88 (3H, t), 1.28 (12H, m), 1.88 (2H, q), 3.31 (IH, t), 4.20 (4H, q); IR: 2968, 2935, 2870, 1735, 1468, 1372, 1156, 1120, 1035cm 1 ; MS: 230 [M]\ 185, 173, 160, 143. Example 2 Diethyl (2-n-hexylpropanedicarboxylate) Quantities: sodium (8.1g, 0.35mol), diethyl malonate (57.5g, 0.36mol) and 1-bromohexane (59.5g, 0.36mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 1. Yield = 72.2g (84%); b.p. = 106-110°C / 0.9 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 1.28 (14H, m), 1.89 (2H, q), 3.31 (IH, t), 4.20 (4H, q); IR: 2968, 2940, 2870, 1740, 1470, 1372, 1156, 1120, 1037cm 1 ; MS: 244 [M]\ 199, 173. Example 3 Diethyl(2-n-heptylpropanedicarboxylate) Quantities: sodium (11.5g, 0.5mol), diethyl malonate (82.9g, 0.52mol) and 1-bromoheptane (90g, 0.5mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 1. Yield = 105g (82%); b.p. = 103-109°C / 0.3 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.28 (16H, t), 1.89 (2H, q), 3.32 (IH, t), 4.20 (4H, q); IR: 2970, 2940, 2872, 1740, 1470, 1373, 1156, 1123, 1035cm '1 ; MS: 258 [M] + , 213, 173, 160. Example 4 Diethyl(2-n-octylpropanedicarboxylate) Quantities: sodium (8.5g, 0.37mol), diethyl malonate (60g, 0.37mol) and 1-bromooctane (71.5g, 0.37mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 1. Yield = 79.5g (79%); b.p. = 112-113°C / 0.3 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.88 (3H, t), 1.27 (18H, t), 1.88 (2H, q), 3.31 (IH, t), 4.20 (4H, q); IR: 2960, 2930, 2860, 1733, 1470, 1370, 1156, 1120, 1034cm 1 ; MS: 237, 228 [M-44 ( CH 2 =CHOH)] + , 173, 160. Example 5 Diethyl(2-n-nonylpropanedicarboxylate) Quantities: sodium (11.4g, 0.5mol), diethylmalonate (80.5g, 0.5mol) and 1-bromononane (102g, 0.49mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 1. Yield = 114g (81%); b.p. = 130-138°C / 1.3 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.30 (20H, m), 1.90 (2H, q), 3.32 (IH, t), 4.20 (4H, q); IR: 2965, 2935, 2865, 1740, 1472, 1374, 1156, 1035cm '1 ; MS: 287 [M+l] + , 241, 173, 160. Example 6 2-n-Pentylpropan-l,3-diol (Formula 3) A solution of compound from Example 1 (59.2g, 257mmol) in sodium- dried diethyl ether (50cm3) was added dropwise to a mixture of lithium aluminum hydride (19.5g, 514mmol) in dry diehtyl ether (450cm 3 ) with vigorous stirring and heated under gentle reflux. During this period, four 50cm 3 portions of dry diethyl ether were added. After further heating (1 h), water (75cm 3 ) was carefully added to decompose excess lithium aluminum hydride, followed by sulphuric acid (20%, 350cm 3 ). The aqueous layer was extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 100cm 3 ), the combined ethereal layers washed with water (2 x 100cm 3 ) and dried (MgSO 4 ). The solvent was removed in vacuo to give the product as a colourless oil. Yield = 31g (83%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.30 (8H, m), 1.77 (IH, m), 2.74 (2H, s), 3.64 (2H, q), 3.82 (2H, q); IR: 3700-3040, 2962, 2930, 2866, 1470, 1035cm "1 ; MS: 128 Example 7 2-n-Hexylpropan- 1 ,3-diol Quantities: compound from Example 2 (72.2g, 0.3mol) and lithium aluminum hydride (20g, 0.53mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 6. The pure product isolated by distillation under reduced pressure. Yield = 44g (92%); b.p. = 108-110°C / 0.2 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.30 (10H, m), 1.77 (IH, m), 2.74 (2H, s), 3.65 (2H, q), 3.82 (2H, q); IR: 3700-3050, 2960, 2932, 2838, 1470, 1032cm 1 ; MS: 160 [M]\ 124, 112. Example 8 2-n-Heptylpropan- 1 ,3-diol Quantities: compound from Example 3 (72.2g, 0.3mol) and lithium aluminum hydride (20g, 0.53mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 6. The pure product was recrystallised from light petrol / ethyl acetate: (49:1). Yield = 54.5g (77%); m.p. = 32-33°C ; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.30 (12H, m), 1.77 (IH, m), 2.55 (2H, s), 3.67 (2H, q), 3.82 (2H, q); IR: 3700-3050, 2962, 2932, 2864, 1473, 1040cm 1 ; MS: 138 [M-(H 2 O)J + , 126. Example 9 2-n-Octylpropan- 1 ,3-diol Quantities: compound from Example 4 (76.5g, 0.28mol) and lithium aluminum hydride (23g, O.όmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 6. The product was obtained as a colourless solid. Yield = 48.3g (92%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.88 (3H, t), 1.27 (14H, m), 1.78 (IH, m), 2.60 (2H, s), 3.66 (2H, q), 3.83 (2H, q); IR: 3640-3060, 2920, 2850, 1463, 1037cm 1 ; MS: 188 [M] + , 171, 143. Example 10 2-n-Nonylpropan- 1 ,3-diol Quantities: compound from Example 5 (76.5g, 0.28mol) and lithium aluminum hydride (23g, O.όmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 6. Yield = 79g (98%); m.p. = 50.0-50.5°C ; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.30 (16H, m), 1.78 (IH, m), 2.15 (2H, s), 3.67 (2H, q), 3.83 (2H, q); IR: 3600-3030, 2930, 2864, 1473, 1383, 1040cm '1 ; MS: 203 [M+l]% 202 [M] * . Example 1 1 2-(4 ' Bromophenyl)-5-n-pentyl-l,3-dioxane (Formula 4) A mixture of compound from Example 6 (31g, 0.21 mol), 4-bromobenzaldehyde (38.8g, 0.21mol) and 4-toluenesulphonic acid (l lOmg) in dry toluene (200cm 3 ) was heated under reflux (3h) using a Dean and Stark apparatus. On cooling to room temperature, the mixture was poured into aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (5%, 70cm 3 ) and the separated organic layer washed with aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (5%, 2 x 60cm 3 ), water (2 x 60cm 3 ) and dried (MgSO 4 ). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by crystalliation from methanol to remove the cis-isomer. Yield = 33.1g (50%); m.p. = 76.5-77.0°C; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 1.09 (2H, q), 1.29 (6H, m), 2.11 (IH, m), 3.52 (2H, t), 4.22 (2H, q), 5.36 (IH, s), 7.35 (2H, m), 7.49 (2H, m); IR: 2964, 2936, 2868, 1600, 1490, 1470, 1387, 1168, 1132, 1088, 1073, 1026, 1014, 982, 805cm 1 ; MS: 314 [M] + , 312 [M]\ 185, 183, 157, 155. Example 12 2-(4 ' Bromophenyl)-5-n-hexyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 7 (44g, 0.27mol), 4-bromobenzaldehyde (49g, 0.27mol) and 4-toluenesulphonic acid (150mg). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 11. Yield = 43.3g (49%); m.p. = 58.0-58.5°C; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.88 (3H, t), 1.09 (2H, q), 1.28 (8H, m), 2.11 (IH, m), 3.52 (2H, t), 4.22 (2H, q), 5.36 (IH, s), 7.36 (2H, m), 7.49 (2H, m); IR: 2964, 2922, 2852, 1597, 1490, 1468, 1410, 1384, 1168, 1132, 1083, 1010, 813cm '1 ; MS: 328 [M] + , 326 [M] * , 185, 183, 157, 155. Example 13 2-(4 " Bromophenyl)-5-n-heptyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 8 (44g, 0.25mol), 4-bromobenzaldehyde (42.8g, 0.23mol) and 4-toluenesulphonic acid (150mg). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 11. Yield = 38.8g (49%); m.p. = 59.0-59.5°C; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.09 (2H, q), 1.30 ( 10H, m), 2.12 (IH, m), 3.52 (2H, t), 4.23 (2H, q), 5.38 (IH, s), 7.30 (2H, m), 7.49 (2H, m); IR: 2962, 2934, 2864, 1600, 1492, 1474, 1389, 1168, 1132, 1087, 1030, 1010, 808cm '1 ; MS: 342 [M]\ 340 [M]\ 185, 183. Example 14 2-(4 Bromophenyl)-5-n-octyl- 1 ,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 9 (48.3g, 0.26mol), 4-bromobenzaldehyde (46.5g, 0.25mol) and 4-toluenesulphonic acid (150mg). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 11. Yield = 57g (64%); m.p. = 50.5-51.0°C; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 1.09 (2H, q), 1.27 (12H, m), 2.12 (IH, m), 3.51 (2H, t), 4.22 (2H, q), 5.36 (IH, s), 7.36 (2H, m), 7.49 (2H, m); IR: 2958, 2922, 2854, 1600, 1468, 1418, 1387, 1150, 1127, 1081, 1013, 822cm '1 ; MS: 356 [M] + , 354 [M]\ 185. 183. Example 15 2-(4 ' Bromophenyl)-5-n-nonyl- 1 ,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 10 (40.5g, 0.2mol), 4-bromobenzaldehyde (37g, 0.2mol) and 4-toluenesulphonic acid (150mg). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 11. Yield = 33g (45%); m.p. = 53.0-54.0°C; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.10 (2H, q), 1.30 (14H, m), 2.10 (IH, m), 3.52 (2H, m), 4.23 (2H, m), 5.36 (IH, s), 7.36 (2H, m), 7.50 (2H, m); IR: 2962, 2930, 2860, 1602, 1500, 1468, 1407, 1388, 1172, 1133, 1089, 1016, 812cm '1 ; MS: 370 [M] + , 368 [M]% 185, 183. Example 16 l-(2,3-Difluorophenyl)pentan-l-ol n-Butyllithium (50cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 0.5mol) was added dropwise to a stirred, cooled (-78°C) solutionn of 1,2- difiuorobenzene (57g, 0.5mol) in dry THF (600cm 3 ) under an atmosphere of dry nitrogen. The mixture was maintained under these conditions (3 h) then a solutionn of pentanal (43. lg, 0.5mol), in dry THF (50cm 3 ) added dropwise at -78o C. The temperature of the reaction mixmre was allowed to reach room temperature overnight. An aqueous solution of ammonium chloride (27g in 160cm 3 water) was added and the product extracted into diethyl ether (2 x 150cm 3 ), the combined extracts washed with water (2 x 150cm 3 ) and dried (MgSO 4 ). The solvent was removed in vacuo to give the product as a colourless oil which was purified by distillation under reduced pressure. Yield = 55.5g (55%); b.p. = 94-98°C / 1.0 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.35 (4H, m), 1.77 (2H, m), 1.92 (IH, s), 5.03 (IH, t), 7.07 (2H, m), 7.22 (IH, m); IR: 3600-3100, 2964, 2938, 2870, 1631, 1601, 1487, 1278, 1205, 1060, 826, 787, 730cm 1 ; MS: 200 [M]\ 142. Example 17 (2,3-Difluorophenyl)hexan- 1 -ol Quantities: n-butyllithium (31cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 0.31mol), hexanal (31.5g, 0.31mol) and 1 ,2-difluorobenzene (35.5g, 0.31mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 16. Yield = 52.6g (79%); b.p. = 98-102°C / 0.5 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.88 (3H, t), 1.30 (6H, m), 1.77 (2H, q), 1.98 (IH, s), 5.02 (IH, t), 7.07 (2H, m), 7.22 (IH, m); IR: 3600- 3100, 2968, 2940, 2872, 1630, 1600, 1487, 1277, 1207, 1060, 923, 826, 790, 730cm 1 ; MS: Example 18 l-(2,3-Difluorophenyl)heptan- l-ol Quantities: n-butyllithium (50cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 0.5mol), heptanal (57g, 0.5mol) and 1,2- difluorobenzene (57g, 0.5mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 16. Yield = 93.2g (82%); b.p. = 100-104°C / 0.2 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.31 (8H, m), 1.78 (2H, q), 2.08 (IH, s), 5.01 (IH, t), 7.07 (2H, m), 7.21 (IH, m); IR: 3600-3100, 2960, 2932, 2860, 1628, 1600, 1489, 1280, 1205, 1065, 926, 825, 787, 728cm 1 ; MS: 228 Example 19 l-(2,3-Difluorophenyl)octan-l-ol Quantities: n-butyllithium (30cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 0.3mol), octanal (38.5g, 0.3mol) and 1,2-difluorobenzene (34.5g, 0.3mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 16. Yield = 53.3g (73%); b.p. = 108-110°C / 0.15 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.87 (3H, t),0- 1.27 (10H, m), 1.77 (2H,18q), 1.87 (IH, s), 5.03 (IH, t), 7.07 (2H, m), 7.22 (IH, m); IR: 3600-3100, 2964, 2938, 2864, 1630, 1602, 1490, 1280, 1208, 1067, 827, 790, 730cm '1 ; MS: 242 [M]\ 224, 142. Example 20 1 -(2,3-Difluorophenyl)nonan- 1 -ol Quantities: n-butyllithium (50cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 0.5mol), nonanal (71. Ig, 0.5mol) and 1 ,2-difluorobenzene (57g, 0.5mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 16. Yield = 86.7g (68%); b.p. = 128-130°C / 0.6 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.30 (12H, m), 1.76 (2H, q), 1.98 (IH, s), 5.02 (IH, t), 7.06 (2H, m), 7.25 (IH, m); IR: 3600-3100, 2930, 2860, 1630, 1600, 1487, 1275, 1205, 1063, 825, 790, 727cm 1 ; MS: 256 [M] + , 238, 143. Example 21 (2,3-Difluorophenyl)decan-l-ol Quantities: n-butyllithium (30cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 0.3mol), decanal (47g, 0.3mol) and 1 ,2-difluorobenzene (34.5g, 0.3mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 16. Yield = 56.4g (70%); b.p. = 1 18-123°C / 0.15 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.88 (3H, t), 1.27 (14H. m), 1.77 (2H, q), 1.87 (IH, s), 5.03 (IH, t), 7.06 (2H, m), 7.22 (IH, ); IR: 3600-3100, 2934, 2864, 1632, 1602, 1488, 1280, 1207, 1065, 827, 790, 730cm 1 ; MS: 270 [M] + , 252, 142. Example 22 2,3-Difluoro- 1 -pentylbenzene A solution of compound from Example 16 (55.5g, 0.28mol) in light petrol (100cm 3 ) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of phosphorus pentoxide (127g, 0.9mol) in light petrol (300cm 3 ). The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature (GLC analysis revealed reaction to be complete) and then filtered. 5% Palladium-on-charcoal (7g) was added to the filtrate and the mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen (12 h) at room temperature and pressure (GLC analysis revealed reaction to be complete). The palladium-on-charcoal was filtered off and the solvent was removed in vacuo to give the product as a colourless oil which was purified by distillation under reduced pressure. Yield = 29.2g (57%); b.p. = 50-52°C / 0.85 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.35 (4H, m), 1.62 (2H, q), 2.67 (2H, t), 6.96 (3H, m); IR: 2964, 2938, 2868, 1630, 1600, 1489, 1286, 1210, 1109,1058, 827, 782, 728cm '1 ; MS: 184 [M]*, 127. Example 23 2,3-Difluoro- 1 -hexylbenzene Quantities: compound from Example 17 (52.6g, 0.25mol), phosphorus pentoxide (105g, 0.74mol) and 5% palladium-on- charcoal (5.8g). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 22. Yield = 27.2g (56%); b.p. = 48-56°C / 0.2 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.88 (3H, t), 1.31 (6H, m), 1.60 (2H, q), 2.66 (2H, sex), 6.96 (3H, m); IR: 2970, 2940, 2870, 1630, 1600, 1490, 1286, 1212, 830, 782, 730cm 1 ; MS: 198 [M]% 169, 155, 141, 127. Example 24 2,3-Difluoro- 1 -heptylbenzene Quantities: compound from Example 18 (93.2g, 0.41mol), phosphorus pentoxide (174g, 1.2mol) and 5% palladium-on-charcoal (4.6g). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 22. Yield = 30. Ig (35%); b.p. = 73-75°C / 0.6 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.33 (8H, m), 1.62 (2H, q), 2.67 (2H, t), 6.97 (3H, m); IR: 3001, 2972, 2902, 1647, 1614, 1509, 1303, 1228, 841, 798, 746cm '1 ; MS: 212 [M]% 169, 140, 127. Example 25 2,3-Difluoro- 1 -octylbenzene Quantities: compound from Example 19 (53.3g, 0.22mol), phosphorus pentoxide (95g, 0.67mol) and 5% palladium-on-charcoal (5.5g). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 22. Yield = 31g (62%); b.p. = 72-79°C / 0.15 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.30 (10H, m), 1.60 (2H, q), 2.65 (2H, t), 6.96 (3H, m); IR: 2968, 2934, 2864, 1633, 1600, 1488, 1285, 1213, 830, 782, 728cm 1 ; MS: 226 [M] + , 183, 169, 155, 141, 128. Example 26 2,3-Difluoro- 1-nonylbenzene Quantities: compound from Example 20 (84.6g, 0.33mol), phosphorus pentoxide (142g, lmol) and 5% palladium-on-charcoal (7g). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 22. Yield = 59.1g (75%); b.p. = 100-105°C / 0.4 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.88 (3H, t), 1.26 (12H, m), 1.60 (2H, q), 2.65 (2H, sex), 6.95 (3H, m): IR: 2972, 2942, 2872, 1636, 1605, 1495, 1288, 1217, 830, 785, 733cm 1 ; MS: 240 [M] + , 128. Example 27 2,3-Difluoro- 1 -decylbenzene Quantities: compound from Example 21 (56.4g, 0.21mol), phosphorus pentoxide (74.5g, 0.53mol) and 5% palladium-on-charcoal (4.5g). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 22. Yield = 26.6g (50%); b.p. = 105-112°C / 0.6 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1,): δ 0.88 (3H, t), 1.26 (14H, m), 1.60 (2H, q), 2.65 (2H, sex), 6.96 (3H, m); IR: 2966, 2930, 2864, 1630, 1600, 1490, 1287, 1213, 830, 782, 730cm 1 ; MS: 254 [M] + , 218, 199, 168, 140, 128, 126. Example 28 4-n-Pentyl-2,3-difluorophenyl boronic acid n-Butyllithium (10cm 3 , 10 M in hexanes, O.lmol) was added dropwise to a stirred, cooled (-78°C) solutionn of the compound from Example 22 (17.3g, 94m mol) in dry THF (250cm 3 ) under an atmosphere of dry nitrogen. The reaction mixture was stirred (2.5 h) then a previously cooled (-78°C) solution of triisopropyl borate (35.7g, 0.19mol) in dry THF (70cm 3 ) added dropwise at -78°C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight then stirred (lh) with hydrochloric acid (10%, 100cm 3 ). The product was extracted ito diethyl ether (2 x 100cm 3 ), and the combined extracts washed with water and dried (MgSO 4 ). The solvent was removed in vacuo to yield colourless crystals. Yield = 21 g (98%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.33 (4H, m), 1.62 (2H, q), 2.68 (2H, t), 4.97 (2H, band), 7.00 (IH, m). 7.46 (IH, m); IR: 3600-3000, 2962, 2940, 2870, 1636, 1497, 1455, 1355, 1220, 1133, 1056, 996, 905, 815cm 1 ; MS: 630 [M] + (rimer), 574, 505, 448, 391, 378, 322, 228 [M] + (monomer). Example 29 4-n-Hexyl-2,3-difluorophenyl boronic acid Quantities: compound from Example 23 (21. Ig, 0.14mol), n- butyllithium (14cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 0.14mol) and triisopropyl borate (52.7g, 0.28mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 28. Yield = 33.8g (100%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.30 (6H, m), 1.62 (2H, q), 2.70 (2H, t), 3.77 (2H, t), 7.00 (IH, m), 7.45 (IH, m); IR: 3700-3000, 2968, 2932, 2860, 1635, 1497, 1455, 1385, 1354, 1220, 1208, 1131, 903, 835cm '1 ; MS: 242 [M]\ 214, 198, 172. Example 30 4-n-Heptyl-2,3-difluorophenyl boronic acid Quantities: compound from Example 24 (31.4g, 0.15mol), n- butyllithium (15cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 0.15mol) and triisopropyl borate (56.4g, 0.3mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 28. Yield = 38g (99%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, m), 1.30 (8H, m), 1.63 (2H, m), 2.67 (2H, t), 4.08 (2H, band), 7.00 (IH, m), 7.45 (IH, m); IR: 3600-3000, 2960, 2930, 2864, 1637, 1455, 1205, 1133, 957, 902cm 1 ; MS: 256[M] 228, 205, 170. Example 31 4-n-Octyl-2,3-difluorophenyl boronic acid Quantities: compound from Example 25 (31g, 0.14mol), n-butyllithium (14cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 0.14mol) and triisopropyl borate (52.7g, 0.28mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 28. Yield = 37.5g (99%); IH NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.32 (10H, m), 1.63 (2H, q), 2.67 (2H, sex), 5.13 (2H, band), 7.00 (IH, m), 7.46 (IH, m); IR: 3700-3000, 2958, 2920, 2852, 1640, 1452, 1223, 1192, 1158, 1020, 955, 901, 832cm '1 ; MS: 270 [M]+, 242, 226, 172. Example 32 4-n-Nonyl-2,3-difluorophenyl boronic acid Quantities: compound from Example 26 (35.5g, 0.15mol), n- butyllithium (15cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 0.15mol) and triisopropyl borate (56.4g, 0.3mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 28. Yield = 42.6g (100%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.27 (12H, m), 1.62 (2H, q), 2.67 (2H, sex), 4.05 (2H, band), 7.00 (IH, m), 7.46 (IH, m); IR: 3700-3000, 2960, 2930, 2858, 1636, 1500, 1456, 1360, 1220, 1200, 905cm 1 ; MS: 284 [M] * , 240, 127. Example 33 4-n-Decyl-2,3-difluorophenyl boronic acid Quantities: compound from Example 27 (26.7g, 105mmol), n- butyllithium (11cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, O.l lmol) and triisopropyl borate (39.5g, 0.21mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 28. Yield = 31g (99%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.88 (3H, t), 1.26 (14H, m), 1.61 (2H, q), 2.68 (2H, sex), 4.95 (2H, m), 7.00 (IH, m), 7.45 (IH, m); IR: 3600-3100, 2960, 2920, 2854, 1642, 1452, 1392, 1355, 1225, 1158, 1120, 1023, 954, 901, 830cm 1 ; MS: 298 [M] + , 254, 171, 127. Example 34 2,3-Difluoro-l -(2 " methyl hexoxy) benzene In the absence of moisture and under an atmosphere of dry nitrogen, diethyl azodicarboxylate (20.4g, 0.12mol) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of triphenylphosphine (31.5g, 0.12mol), 2 methyl-hexanol (13.9g, 0.12mol) and 2,3-difluorophenol (13g, O.lmol) in dry THF (220cm 3 ) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature until GLC and TLC analysis revealed complete reaction. The solvent was removed in vacuo and diethyl ether (200cm 3 ) added. The precipitate was filtered out and the solvent removed from the filtrate in vacuo. Flash column chromatography (light petrol/ethyl acetate: 49:1) give the product as a colourless oil. Yield = 22.4g (98%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.93 (3H, m), 1.04 (3H, d), 1.33 (4H, m), 1.51 (2H, m), 1.97 (IH, sex), 3.79 (IH, q), 3.89 (IH, q), 6.74 (2H, m), 6.95 (IH, m); IR: 2954. 2920, 2866, 1619, 1509, 1479, 1314, 1250, 1170, 762, 704cm 1 ; MS: 228 [M]% 129, 56. Example 35 (2-Methylhexoxy)-2,3-difluorophenylboronic acid Quantities: compound from Example 34 (11.4g, 50mmol), n- butyllithium (5cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 50mmol) and triisopropyl borate (18.8g, O.lmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 28. Yield = 13.6g (100%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.92 (3H, sex), 1.04 (3H, d), 1.34 (4H, m), 1.52 (2H, m), 1.98 (IH, sex), 3.83 (IH, q), 3.93 (IH, q), 6.76 (IH, m), 7.46 (IH, m); IR: 3700-3100, 2978, 2880, 1636, 1527, 1477, 1363, 1308, 1233, 1089, 1038, 910, 824cm '1 ; MS: 468, 286, 130. Example 36 2,3-Difluorophenylboronic acid n-Butyllitium (30cm 3 , 10 M in hexanes, 0.3mol) was added dropwise to a stirred, cooled (-78°C) solution of 1,2-difluorobenzene (34.5g, 0.3mol) in dry THF (350cm 3 ) under a atmosphere of dry nitrogen. The reaction mixture was stirred (2.5 h) then a previously cooled (-78°C) solution of triisopropyl borate (113g, O.όmol) in dry THF (200cm 3 ) added dropwise at -78°C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temerature overnight then stirred (lh) with hydrochloric acid (10%, 300cm 3 ). The product was extracted into diethyl ether (2 x 300cm 3 ), and the combined extracts washed with water and dried (MgSO 4 ). The solvent was removed in vacuo to yield colourless crystals. Yield = 47g (100%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 5.10 (2H, d), 7.16 (IH, m), 7.28 (IH, m), 7.57 (IH, m); IR: 3700-3000, 1628, 1472, 1360, 1270, 1048, 908cm "1 ; MS: 158 [M]\ 140, 114. Example 37 2,3-Difluorophenol Hydrogen peroxide (10%, 340cm 3 , lmol) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of compound from Example 36 (47g, 0.3mol) in diethyl ether (350cm 3 ) heated under reflux. The stirred mixmre was heated under reflux for a further 2.5 h then cooled. The ethereal layer was separated and the aqueous layer extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 200cm 3 ). The combined ethereal layers were washed with sodium hydroxide (10%, 4 x 100 cm 3 ) and the separated aqueous layers acidified with 36% hydrochloric acid. The product was extracted into diethyl ether (3 x 100cm 3 ), and the combined ethereal extracts washed with water and dried (MgSO 4 ). The solvent was removed in vacuo to give an off white solid. Yield = 39g (100%); m.p. = 30-32°C; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 5.15 (IH, d), 6.67-6.82 (2H, m), 6.90-7.00 (IH, m); IR: 3700-3000, 1630, 1535, 1513, 1492, 1482, 1360, 1310, 1255, 1182, 1025, 910, 736cm '1 ; MS: 130 [M]\ 121. Example 38 2,3-Difluoro- 1 -n-petoxybenzene A solution of 1-bromopentane (30.5 g, 0.2mol) in acetone (50cm 3 ) was added dropwise to a stirred mixmre of compound from Example 37 (26g, 0.2mol) and potassium carbonate (55.5g, 0.4mol) in acetone (200cm 3 ) at room temperature. The stirred mixture was heated under reflux (43h) (i.e. until glc analysis revealed a complete reaction), the solution poured into water (600cm 3 ), and the crude product extracted into diethyl ether (2 x 200cm 3 ) and dried (Na 2 SO 4 ). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the pure product obtained by distillation under reduced pressure as a colourless liquid. Yield = 37g (92%); b.p. = 75-78°C / 0.6 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.93 (3H, t), 1.43 (4H, m), 1.83 (2H, q), 4.03 (2H, t), 6.74 (2H, m), 6.96 (IH, m); IR: 2968, 2942, 2882, 1624, 1517, 1487, 1473, 1322, 1294, 1257, 1076, 768, 710cm 1 ; MS: 200 [M] + , 130. Example 39 2,3-Difluoro- 1 -n-hexoxybenzene Quantities: 1-bromohexane (50g, 0.3mol), potassium carbonate (83g, O.όmol) and compound from Example 37 (39g, 0.3mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 38. Yield = 52.3g (81%); b.p. = 94 -98°C / 0.7 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 1.33 (4H, m), 1.45 (2H, q), 1.83 (2H, q), 4.03 (2H, t), 6.74 (2H, m), 6.96 (IH, m); IR: 2960, 2916, 2888, 1624, 1513, 1484, 1470, 1319, 1292, 1254, 1080, 766, 708cm "1 ; MS: 214 [M] + , 130. Example 40 2,3-Difluoro- 1 -n-heptoxybenzene Quantities: 1-bromoheptane (46.6g, 0.26mol), potassium carbonate (70g, 0.5mol) and compound from Example 37 (31.2g, 0.24mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 38. Yield = 48.5g (89%); b.p. = 119 -120°C / 1 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.30 (6H, m), 1.45 (2H, q), 1.80 (2H, q), 4.00 (2H, t), 6.74 (2H, m), 6.95 (IH, m); IR: 2960, 2940, 2880, 2860, 1625, 1520, 1485, 1472, 1320, 1295, 1255, 1080, 770, 710cm 1 ; MS: 228 [M]\ 130. Example 41 2,3-Difluoro- 1-n-octoxybenzene Quantities: 1-bromooctane (34.9g, 0.18mol), potassium carbonate (50g, 0.36mol) and compound from Example 37 (21.7g, 0.17mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 38. Yield = 33.7g (83%); b.p. = 94-99°C / 0.25 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 1.30 (8H, m), 1.45 (2H, q), 1.82 (2H, q), 4.02 (2H, t), 6.74 (2H, m), 6.96 (IH, m); IR: 2940, 2864, 1622, 1518, 1485, 1472, 1322, 1295, 1257, 1080, 769, 710cm 1 ; MS: 242 [M] + , 130. Example 42 2,3-Difluoro- 1-n-nonoxybenzene Quantities: 1-bromnononae (55.2g, 0.27mol), potassium carbonate (70g, 0.5mol) and compound from Example 37 (31.2g, 0.24mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 38. Yield = 55.6g (90%); b.p. = 100 -105°C / 0.05 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.30 (10H, m), 1.45 (2H, q), 1.80 (2H, q), 4.00 (2H, t), 6.74 (2H, m), 6.95 (IH, m); IR: 2935, 2860, 1625, 1520, 1485, 1472, 1322, 1295, 1257, 1080, 770, 710cm 1 ; MS: 256 [M] + , 130. Example 43 2,3-Difluoro-4-n-pentoxyphenylboronic acid Quantities: n-butyllithium (20cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 0.2mol), compound from Example 38 (37g, 0.19mol) and triisopropyl borate (70g, 0.38mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 28. Yield = 45g (100%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.94 (3H, t), 1.42 (4H, m), 1.84 (2H, q), 3.15 (2H, band), 4.07 (2H, t), 6.77 (IH, m), 7.44 (IH, m); IR: 3700-3000, 2960, 2940, 2870, 1630, 1520, 1470, 1365, 1306, 1222, 1084, 1030, 908, 820, 790, 747cm 1 ; MS: (180°C); 678 [Mr (trimer), 468, (120°C); 244 [M] + (monomer), 174, 130. Example 44 2,3-Difluoro-4-n-hexoxyphenylboronic acid Quantities: n-butyllithium (15cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 0.15mol), compound in Example 39 (31g, 0.15mol) and triisopropyl borate (56g, 0.3mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 28. Yield = 39g (100%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.91 (3H, t), 1.35 (4H, m), 1.47 (2H, m), 1.82 (2H, q), 4.06 (2H, t), 6.77 (IH, m), 7.44 (IH, m), no obvious OH absorption; IR: 3700-3000, 2964, 2940, 2868, 1630, 1522, 1472, 1365, 1308, 1225, 1082, 1033, 821, 790, cm "1 ; MS: 720 [M] + (trimer), 636, 552, 468. Example 45 2,3-Difluoro-4-n-heptoxyphenylboronic acid Quantities: n-butyllithium (20cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 0.2mol), compound from Example 40 (45.5g, 0.2mol) and triisopropyl borate (74.4g, 0.4mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 28. Yield = 54g (100%); > H NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.30 (6H, m), 1.45 (2H, q), 1.80 (2H, q), 4.05 (2H, t), 4,85 (2H, d), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.48 (IH, m); IR: 3600-3000, 2960, 2930, 2860, 1628, 1520, 1462, 1360, 1304, 1222, 1085, 1035, 820cm 1 ; MS: 272 [M] + , 174, 146. Example 46 2,3-Difluoro-4-n-octoxyphenylboronic acid Quantities: n-butyllithium (10cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, O.lmol), compound from Example 41 (23.4g, O.lmol) and triisopropyl borate (37.6g, 0.2mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 28. Yield = 29g (100%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.30 (8H, m), 1.45 (2H, q), 1.83 (2H, q), 4.07 (2H, t), 4.90 (IH, band), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.48 (IH, m); IR: 3700-3000, 2970, 2940, 2868, 1631, 1523, 1471, 1365, 1310, 1227, 1090, 1035, 908, 820, 788, 749cm 1 ; MS: 636, 468, 286 [M] + , 268, 242. Example 47 2,3-Difluoro-4-n-nonoxyphenylboronic acid Quantities: n-butyllithium (20cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 0.2mol), compound from Example 42 (51.6g, 0.2 mol) and triisopropyl borate (74.4g, 0.2mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 28. Yield = 60g (100%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.88 (3H, t), 1.29 (10H, m), 1.45 (2H, q), 1.82 (2H, q), 2.18 (2H, s), 4.07 (2H, t), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.48 (IH, m); IR: 3700-3000, 2960, 2922, 2852, 1633, 1522, 1470, 1367, 1306, 1215, 1083, 820cm "1 ; MS: 300 [M] + , 271, 256. Example 48 2-(4 ' Pentoxy-2 ,3 difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-pentyl- 1 ,3-dioxane (Formula 8) A solution of compound from Example 43 (1.34g, 5.5mmol) in ethanol (10cm 3 ) was added to a vigorously stirred mixmre of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine) palladium(O) (173mg, 0.15mmol), aqueous sodium carbonate (5ml, 2 M) and compound from Example 11 (1.57g, 5mmol) in benzene (15cm 3 ). The reaction mixture was heated under reflux (23 h) then cooled to room temperature. Excess boronic acid was oxidized using 27% hydrogen peroxide (0.5cm 3 ) over a period of lh. The mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 50cm 3 ), and the ethereal extracts washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride (2 x 50cm 3 ) and dried (Na^O . The solvent was removed in vacuo and the product purified by flash column chromatography (dichloromethane/light petrol: 1:1) and recrystallisation from methanol/light petrol (1:1). Yield = 1.6g (74%); Purity (HPLC): 99.84%; Mesomorphism (T °C): K 64.5 SmC 81.4 N 140.4 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 0.95 (3H, t), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.29 (8H, m), 1.45 (2H, m), 1.85 (2H, q), 2.14 (IH, m), 3.55 (2H, m), 4.07 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2966, 2932, 2864, 1630, 1510, 1472, 1388, 1320, 1303, 1294, 1128, 1081, 1021, 800cm 1 ; MS: 432 [M]\ 361, 234. Example 49 2-(4 Ηexoxy-2 ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4-yl)-5-n-pentyl- 1 ,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 11 (1.57g, 5mmol), compound from Example 44 (1.35g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.4g (63%); Purity (HPLC): 99.29%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 62.0 SmC 81.1 N 139.9 Iso; 'H NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.93 (6H, q), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.31 (8H, m), 1.36 (2H, m), 1.49 (2H, q), 1.85 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.08 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.79 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.54 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2936, 2860, 1630, 1510, 1474, 1412, 1388, 1320, 1302, 1293, 1228, 1210, 1181, 1023, 800cm 1 ; MS: 446 [MJ\ 361, 234. Example 50 2-(4 Heptoxy-2 " ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-pentyl- 1,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 11 (1.57g, 5mmol), compound from Example 45 (1.54g, 5.7mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.3g (56%); Purity (HPLC): 99.93%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 62.5 SmC 85.1 N 134.6 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, t), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.31 (12H, m), 1.46 (2H, m), 1.84 (2H, q), 2.14 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.07 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2932, 2860, 1630, 1509, 1473, 1388, 1321, 1293, 1128, 1079, 1022, 801cm 1 ; MS: 460 [M] + , 361, 234. Example 51 2-(4 " Octoxy-2 " ,3 "' difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-pnetyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 11 (1.57g, 5mmol), compound from Example 46 (1.57g, 5.5mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.4g (59%); Purity (HPLC): 99.94%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 62.0 SmC 85.8 N 133.9 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, sex), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.30 (14H, m), 1.48 (2H, q), 1.84 (2H, q), 2.14 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.07 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H,q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2926, 2856, 1630, 1510, 1470, 1413, 1388, 1320, 1292, 1229, 1080, 1024, 800cm 1 ; MS: 474 [M]\ 361, 234. Example 52 2-(4 Nonoxy-2 ,3 difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-pentyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 11 (1.57g, 5mmol), compound from Example 47 (1.65g, 5.5mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = l.Og (41%); Purity (HPLC): 99.67%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 62.5 SmC 86.9 N 129.3 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, sex), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.30 (16H, m), 1.46 (2H, q), 1.84 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.09 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.48 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.54 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2928, 2856, 1628, 1527, 1509, 1469, 1391, 1312, 1302, 1290, 1190, 1130, 1105, 1076, 1019, 805cm 1 ; MS: 488 [M] + , 361, 234. Example 53 2-(4 "" Pentyl-2 " ,3 "' difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-pentyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 11 (1.57g, 5mmol), compound from Example 28 (1.2g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.5g (72%); Purity (HPLC): 100.00%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 64.5 119.6 Iso N 119.4 43.1 SmC; » H NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.93 (6H, q), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.31 (10H, m), 1.65 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.27 (2H, q), 5.48 (IH, s), 6.98 (IH, m), 7.09 (IH, m), 7.58 (4H, m); IR: 2968, 2930, 2860, 1493, 1466, 1405, 1385, 1127, 1085, 1023, 813cm 1 ; MS: 416 [M]\ 288, 231. Example 54 2-(4 Ηexyl-2 ,3 difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-pentyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 11 (1.57g, 5mmol), compound from Example 29 (1.33g, 5.5mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.5g (70%); Purity (HPLC): 99.95%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 63.1 SmC 74.9 N 114.8 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, q), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.31 (12H, m), 1.63 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H,t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2932, 2856, 1498, 1471, 1464, 1410, 1388, 1128, 1081, 1024, 812cm 1 ; MS: 430 [M]\ 359, 346, 231. Example 55 2-(4 Heptyl-2 ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-pentyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 11 (1.57g, 5mmol), compound from Example 30 (1.34g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.5g (68%); Purity (HPLC): 99.74%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 67.5 SmC 71.8 N 111.5 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, q), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (14H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.98 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.56 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2930, 2860,1496, 1471, 1408, 1388, 1128, 1081, 1027, 812cm 1 ; MS: 444 [M]% 359, 345, 316, 231. Example 56 2-(4 *' -Octyl-2 " ,3 "' difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-pentyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 11 (1.57g, 5mmol), compound from Example 31 (1.49g, 5.5mmol), tetrakis (triphenylphosphine )palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.3g (57%); Purity (HPLC): 100.0%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 68.0 SmC 73.5 N 110.1 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, q), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.28 (16H, m), 1.63 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.48 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2926, 2856, 1500, 1473, 1467, 1411, 1389, 1128, 1082, 1027, 812cm '1 ; MS: 458 [M] + , 359, 330, 233. Example 57 2-(4 ' " Nonyl-2 " ,3 ' " difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-penryl- 1 ,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 1 1 (1.57g, 5mmol), compound from Example 32 ( 1.56g, 5.5mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.5g (64%); Purity (HPLC): 100.0%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 75.0 N 110.1 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, m), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.27 (18H, m), 1.63 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2924, 2856, 1498, 1472, 1387, 1130, 1081, 1026, 812cm 1 ; MS: 472 [M]\ 359, 344, 231. Example 58 2-(4 "' Decyl-2 " ,3 "" difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-pentyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 11 (1.57g, 5mmol), compound from Example 33 (1.63g, 5.5mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.5g (62%); Purity (HPLC): 99.83%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 67.0 SmC 70.5 N 105.0 Iso; l H NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, q), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.27 (20H, m), 1.63 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2928, 2852, 1500, 1473, 1411, 1389, 1128, 1082, 1027, 813cm 1 ; MS: 486 [M] + , 358, 231. Example 59 2-(4 " Pentoxy-2 ,3 difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-hexyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 12 (1.64g, 5mmol), compound from Example 43 (1.34g, 5.5mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.3g (58%); Purity (HPLC): 99.90%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 65.5 SmC 94.2 N 135.5 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, sex), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.31 (10H, m), 1.45 (2H, q), 1.85 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.08 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.45 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2964, 2938, 2862, 1630, 1530, 1510, 1474, 1412, 1388, 1320, 1302, 1293, 1129, 1082, 1065, 1025, 801cm '1 ; MS: 446 [M]\ 375, 234. Example 60 2-(4 " Hexoxy-2 ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-hexyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 12 (1.64g, 5mmol), compound from Example 44 (1.35g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described inExample 48. Yield = 0.2g (9%); Purity (HPLC): 99.63%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 64.7 SmC 95.6 N 135.1 Iso; 'H NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.91 (6H, q), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.31 (10H, m), 1.36 (2H, m), 1.49 (2H, q), 1.85 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.08 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.45 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2964, 2934, 2860, 1630, 1507, 1470, 1411, 1387, 1316, 1303, 1127, 1105, 1080, 1012, 804cm "1 ; MS: 460 [M] + , 375, 234. Example 61 2-(4 ' Heptoxy-2 " ,3 "' difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-hexyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 12 (1.64g, 5mmol), compound from Example 45 (1.43g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 0.7g (30%); Purity (HPLC): 100.0%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 57.2 SmC 99.0 N 130.9 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.93 (6H, t), 1.13 (2H, q), 1.33 (14H, m), 1.48 (2H, q), 1.85 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.08 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.45 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2934, 2862, 1630, 1508, 1470, 1388, 1316, 1303, 1128, 1106, 1089, 1014, 805cm '1 ; MS: 474 [M] + , 375, 234. Example 62 2-(4 "" Octoxy-2 " ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 yl)-5-n-hexyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 12 (1.64g, 5mmol), compound from Example 46 ( 1.50g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.35g (55%); Purity (HPLC): 99.21%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 52.5 SmC 97.7 N 129.4 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.93 (6H, t), 1.13 (2H, q), 1.34 (16H, m), 1.49 (2H, m), 1.86 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.57 (2H, t), 4.08 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.45 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.52 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2934, 2862, 1632, 1529, 1509, 1471, 1389, 1318, 1303, 1293, 1128, 1108, 1078, 1017, 801cm '1 ; MS: 488 [M]\ 375, 234. Example 63 2-(4 "' Nonoxy-2 " ,3 "' difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-hexyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 12 (1.64g, 5mmol), compound from Example 47 (1.57g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48 except for using 1,2-dimethoxy ethane (20ml) instead of benzene and ethanol. Yield = 0.85g (34%); Purity (HPLC): 99.25%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 56.5 SmC 86.5 N 120.0 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.91 (6H, q), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.31 (18H, m), 1.48 (2H, q), 1.85 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.06 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.45 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2924, 2858, 1636, 1528, 1509, 1477, 1405, 1390, 1303, 1293, 1132, 1104, 1080, 1022, 803cm '1 ; MS: 502 [M]\ 375, 234. Example 64 2-(4 "' Pentyl-2 ' ,3 ' difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-hexyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 12 (1.64g, 5mmol), compound from Example 28 (1.20g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 63. Yield = 1.35g (63%); Purity (HPLC): 99.79%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 53.0 SmC 71.0 SmA 91.5 N 114.6 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.92 (6H, q), 1.13 (2H, q), 1.32 (10H, m), 1.37 (2H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.69 (2H, t), 3.57 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2966, 2932, 2860, 1492, 1465, 1403, 1383, 1282, 1161, 1127, 1083, 1022, 812cm "1 ; MS: 430 [M] + , 288, 231. Example 65 2-(4 Ηexyl-2 ,3 difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-hexyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 12 (1.64g, 5mmol), compound from Example 29 (1.30g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 0.7g (32%); Purity (HPLC): 99.55%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 61.3 SmC 85.0 SmA 93.0 N 111.2 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, t), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (14H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.96 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2932, 2860, 1495, 1471, 1465, 1408, 1388, 1129, 1082, 1027, 813cm "1 ; MS: 444 [M] + , 302, 231. Example 66 2-(4 "' Heptyl-2 " ,3 "' difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-hexyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 12 (1.64g, 5mmol), compound from Example 30 (1.34g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 63. Yield = 1.45g (63%); Purity (HPLC): 99.77%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 57.5 SmC 84.5 SmA 91.8 N 108.8 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, q), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (16H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2930, 2860, 1495, 1470, 1410, 1388, 1130, 1083, 1028, 812cm "1 ; MS: 458 [M] * , 316, 231. Example 67 2-(4 " Octyl-2 ,3 "' difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-hexyl- 1 ,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 12 (1.64g, 5mmol), compound from Example 31 (1.42g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = l.lg (47%); Purity (HPLC): 99.71%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 63.8 SmC 84.6 SmA 93.4 N 108.5 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, q), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (18H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.14 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.96 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.54 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2928, 2858, 1494, 1471, 1464, 1408, 1386, 1127, 1080, 1026, 812cm 1 ; MS: 472 [M]\ 330, 231. Example 68 2-(4 " Nonyl-2 ,3 difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-hexyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 12 (1.64g, 5mmol), compound from Example 32 (1.49g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 63. Yield = 1.7g (70%); Purity (HPLC): 99.72%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 62.0 SmC 81.5 SmA 90.6 N 106.7 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, q), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.30 (20H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.14 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2928, 2860, 1495, 1470, 1409, 1387, 1129, 1082, 1027, 812cm "1 ; MS: 486 [M] + , 344, 231. Example 69 2-(4 ' " Decyl-2 ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-hexyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 12 (1.64g, 5mmol), compound from Example 33 (1.63g, 5.5mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.2g (48%); Purity (HPLC): 99.43%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 68.7 SmC 79.8 SmA 89.8 N 103.2 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, m), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (22H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.57 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2930, 2858, 1495, 1471, 1467, 1408, 1387, 1129, 1082, 1028. 812cm 1 ; MS: 500 [M]\ 358, 231. Example 70 2-(4 "' Pentoxy-2 " ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-heptyl- 1 ,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 13 (1.71g, 5mmol), compound from Example 43 (1.34g, 5.5mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.3g (56%); Purity (HPLC): 99.87%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 58.5 SmC 104.5 N 138.4 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 0.94 (2H, t), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.29 (12H, m), 1.85 (2H, q), 2.14 (IH, m), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.07 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2926, 2832, 1633, 1530, 1508, 1472, 1389, 1318, 1303, 1292, 1083, 1065, 1022, 805cm - 1 ; MS: 460 [M]\ 389, 234. Example 71 2-(4 " Hexoxy-2 " ,3 ' difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-heptyl- 1 ,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 13 (1.71g, 5mmol), compound from Example 44 (1.35g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.35g (57%); Purity (HPLC): 99.72%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 52.5 SmC 102.1 N 135.5 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.91 (6H, q), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.29 (12H, m), 1.35 (2H, m), 1.84 (2H, q), 2.14 (IH, m), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.08 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.74 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.54 (4H, m); IR: 2964, 2934, 2860, 1630, 1528, 1508, 1471, 1388, 1316, 1303, 1129, 1105, 1075, 1028, 806cm "1 ; MS: 474 [M]% 390, 234. Example 72 2-(4" π" Heptoxy-2 " ,3 ' difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-heptyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 13 (1.72g, 5mmol), compound from Example 45 (1.55g, 5.7mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.2g (49%); Purity (HPLC): 100.0%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 58.7 SmC 110.0 N 134.6 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, t), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.30 (16H, m), 1.47 (2H, q), 1.84 (2H, q), 2.14 (IH, m), 3.57 (2H, t), 4.07 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2964, 2930, 2862, 1633, 1582, 1512, 1476, 1391, 1319, 1305, 1137, 1087, 1026, 807cm 1 ; MS: 488 [M]\ 389, 234. Example 73 2-(4 "" Heptoxy-2 " ,3 "' difluorobiphenyl-4 * -yl)-5-n-heptyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 13 (1.71g, 5mmol), compound from Example 46 (1.57g, 5.5mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.7g (68%); Purity (HPLC): 99.56%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 55.0 SmC 102.6 N 129.4 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.91 (6H, m), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.31 (18H, m), 1.48 (2H, q), 1.85 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.08 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.52 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2928, 2858, 1626, 1530, 1509, 1473, 1410, 1387, 1319, 1292, 1129, 1081, 1024, 800cm 1 ; MS: 502 [M]% 389, 234. Example 74 2-(4 Ηeptoxy-2 ' ,3 "' difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-heptyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 13 (1.9g, 5.5mmol), compound from Example 47 (1.5g, 5mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 0.66g (26%); Purity (HPLC): 99.21%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 56.9 SmC 110.7 N 130.5 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, q), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.33 (20H, m), 1.48 (2H, q), 1.83 (2H, q), 2.13 (IH, m), 3.58 (2H, t), 4.07 (2H, t), 4.23 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.54 (4H, ); IR: 2964, 2930, 2862, 1638, 1531, 1511, 1477, 1380, 1321, 1298, 1138, 1080, 1029, 808cm "1 ; MS: 516 [M]% 389, 234. Example 75 2-(4 eptoxy-2 ,3 " difluoro-biphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-heptyl- 1 ,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 13 (1.71g, 5mmol), compound from Example 28 (1.20g, 5.25mmol), tetiakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.5g (68%); Purity (HPLC): 100.0%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 60.0 SmC 88.0 SmA 106.2 N 121.2 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, q), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (12H, m), 1.36 (2H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.69 (2H, t), 3.57 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.56 (4H, m); IR: 2968, 2934, 2860, 1492, 1467, 1404, 1385, 1127, 1086, 1023, 813cm "1 ; MS: 444 [M] + , 288, 231. Example 76 2-(4 ' Heptoxy-2 " ,3 "" difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-heptyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 13 (1.71g, 5mmol), compound from Example 29 (1.33g, 5.5mmol), tetπϋris(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.4g (61%); Purity (HPLC): 99.69%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 62.5 SmA 105.2 N 111.2 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.91 (6H, q), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.30 (16H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.96 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2934, 2860, 1493, 1464, 1408, 1387, 1129, 1082, 1025, 811cm 1 ; MS: 458 [M] + , 302, 231. Example 77 2-(4 "" Heptoxy-2 " ,3 "' difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-heptyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 13 (1.71g, 5mmol), compound from Example 30 (1.34g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.3g (55%); Purity (HPLC): 99.77%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 63.5 SmC 68.5 SmA 106.0 N 114.2 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, t), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (18H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.57 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2930, 2862, 1470, 1410, 1388, 1129, 1082, 1026, 813cm 1 ; MS: 472 [M]\ 316, 231. Example 78 2-(4 "" Heptoxy-2 " ,3 "' difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-heptyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 13 (1.71g, 5mmol), compound from Example 31 (1.49g, 5.5mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.6g (66%); Purity (HPLC): 99.67%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 64.5 SmA N 105.9 N 110.8 Iso; 'H NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, m), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (20H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.96 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2930, 2858, 1494, 1470, 1408, 1387, 1128, 1081, 1025, 812cm 1 ; MS: 486 [M]\ 330, 231. Example 79 2-(4 " Heptoxy-2 ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-heptyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 13 (1.75g, 5mmol), compound from Example 32 (1.49g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (174mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.65g (66%); Purity (HPLC): 100.0%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 71.5 SmC 86.7 SmA 106.2 N 112.6 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, m), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (22H, m), 1.65 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.69 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.48 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2932, 2860, 1495, 1470, 1408, 1387, 1129, 1082, 1026, 813cm "1 ; MS: 500 [M]\ 344, 231. Example 80 2-(4 "' Heptoxy-2 " ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-heptyl- 1 ,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 13 (1.71g, 5mmol), compound from Example 33 (1.63g, 5.5mmol), tett^kis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.9g (74%); Purity (HPLC): 99.76%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 66.0 SmA 104.1 N 107.8 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, q), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.30 (24H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.57 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.48 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2930, 2860, 1493, 1470, 1405, 1386, 1128, 1081, 1025, 811 cm "1 ; MS: 514 [M]% 359, 231. Example 81 2-(4 "" Heptoxy-2 " ,3 "" difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-octyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 14 (1.80g, 5mmol), compound from Example 43 (1.28g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, O.lSmmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.5g (63%); Purity (HPLC): 100.0%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 56.0 SmC 112.5 N 134.1 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, sex), 1.12 (2H, m), 1.30 (14H, m), 1.45 (2H, q), 1.84 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.08 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.79 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2928, 2858, 1633, 1504, 1472, 1406, 1395, 1317, 1290, 1132, 1105, 1078, 1025, 800cm 1 ; MS: 474 [M]*, 404, 234. Example 82 2-(4 " Heptoxy-2 " ,3 ' " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-octyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 14 (1.80g, 5mmol), compound from Example 44 (1.35g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.75g (72%); Purity (HPLC): 99.74%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 51.5 SmC 102.5 SmA 108.0 N 130.2 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.91 (6H, q), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.29 (14H, m), 1.35 (2H, m), 1.48 (2H, q), 1.85 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.08 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.79 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2936, 2860, 1630, 1507, 1473, 1412, 1387, 1320, 1302, 1193, 1129, 1082, 1023, 800cm 1 ; MS: 488 [M]% 403, 234. Example 83 2-(4 Ηeptoxy-2 ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4-yl)-5-n-octyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 14 (1.80g, 5mmol), compound from Example 45 (1.43g, 5.25mmol), teα lris(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.85g (74%); Purity (HPLC): 99.67%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 57.0 SmC 101.4 SmA 109.2 N 122.8 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, m), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.29 (18H, m), 1.48 (2H, q), 1.85 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.08 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2932, 2860, 1632, 1509, 1470, 1404, 1385, 1318, 1293, 1133, 1078, 1028, 824, 804cm "1 ; MS: 502 [M]*, 403, 234. Example 84 2-(4 Octoxy-2 ,3 difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-octyl- 1 ,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 14 (1.78g, 5mmol), compound from Example 46 (1.50g, 5.25mmol), tetiakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.8g (70%); Purity (HPLC): 100.0%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 50.5 SmC 97.1 SmA 107.7 N 120.2 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, t), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (20H, m), 1.48 (2H, q), 1.84 (2H, q), 2.14 (IH, m), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.07 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2930, 2858, 1633, 1508, 1474, 1386, 1317, 1292, 1133, 1087, 1028, 802cm "1 ; MS: 516 [M]*, 403, 234. Example 85 2-(4 "" Nonoxy-2 " ,3 "" difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-octyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 14 (1.78g, 5mmol), compound from Example 47 (1.57 g, 5.25mmol), tetiakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.3g (49%); Purity (HPLC): 99.63%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 67.0 SmC 115.4 N 127.6 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, t), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (24H, m), 1.85 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.07 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2932, 2858, 1635, 1508, 1474, 1404, 1387, 1318, 1298, 1133, 1077, 1028, 803cm 1 ; MS: 530 [M] + , 403, 234. Example 86 2-(4 "' Pentyl-2 " ,3 "' difluorobiphenyl-4 , -yl)-5-n-octyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 13 (1.80g, 5mmol), compound from Example 28 (1.20g, 5.25mmol), teπ^lris(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.6g (70%); Purity (HPLC): 99.82%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 57 SmC 82.2 SmA 109.8 N 115.1 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.91 (6H, q), 1.12(2H, q), 1.30 (14H, m), 1.36 (2H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.69 (2H, t), 3.57 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.48 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2934, 2862, 1494, 1470, 1408, 1388, 1130, 1082, 1026, 812cm 1 ; MS: 458 [M] + , 288, 231. Example 87 2-(4 " hexyl-2 " ,3 ' ' difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-octyl- 1 ,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 13 (1.78g, 5mmol), compound from Example 29 (1.30g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.4g (54%); Purity (HPLC): 99.55%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 60.8 SmC 97.2 SmA 110.9 N 113.5 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, q), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.29 (18H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.96 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.54 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2934, 2862, 1493, 1467, 1407, 1388, 1129, 1083, 1027, 813cm "1 ; MS: 472 [M]% 302, 231. Example 88 2-(4 "' Heptyl-2 " ,3 "' difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-octyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 14 (2.04g, 5.74mmol), compound from Example 30 (1.60g, 6.24mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (190mg, 0.165mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48 Yield = 1.3g (47%); Purity (HPLC): 99.72%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 66.0 SmC 98.3 SmA 109.5 N 113.7 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, t), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.29 (20H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.14 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.45 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2932, 2860, 1493, 1470, 1407, 1387, 1129, 1081, 1025, 811cm "1 ; MS: 486 [M] * , 316, 231. Example 89 2-(4 Octyl-2 " ,3 "" difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-octyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 14 (1.80g, 5mmol), compound from Example 31 (1.42g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(tiiphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.7g (68%); Purity (HPLC): 99.83%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 66.5 SmC 94.0 SmA 109.3 N 110.9 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, q), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.30 (22H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.96 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2960. 2930, 2858, 1493, 1470, 1407, 1386, 1129, 1081, 1024. 81 1cm 1 ; MS: 500 [M] * , 330, 231. Example 90 2-(4 ' " Nonyl-2 ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-octyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 14 (1.78g, 5mmol), compound from Example 32 (1.49g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.6g (62%); Purity (HPLC): 99.83%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 67.4 SmC 95.0 SmA 108.6 N 110.8 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, q), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.31 (24H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH. m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2928, 2858, 1494, 1470, 1407, 1387, 1128, 1081, 1025, 802cm "1 : MS: 514 [M]% 344, 231. Example 91 2-(4 " Decyl-2 ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-octyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 14 (1.78g, 5mmol), compound from Example 33 (1.57g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.7g (64%); Purity (HPLC): 99.74%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 68.0 SmC 90.1 SmA 106.8 N 107.5 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.91 (6H, q), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.32 (26H, m), 1.65 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2930, 2860, 1494, 1474, 1406, 1387, 1129, 1082, 1027, 812cm '1 ; MS: 528 [M]\ 358, 231. Example 92 2-(4 "' Pentoxy-2 ' ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-oyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 15 (1.85g, 5mmol), compound from Example 43 (1.28g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.45g (59%); Purity (HPLC): 99.57%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 54.5 SmB 55.8 SmC 111.5 SmA 118.0 N 130.8 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.92 (6H, m), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (16H, m), 1.45 (2H, m), 1.86 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.07 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2958, 2922, 2844, 1633. 1505, 1468, 1383, 1301, 1128, 1072, 821, 793cm 1 ; MS: 516 [M] + , 417, 234. Example 93 2-(4 "' Hexoxy-2 " ,3 "" difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-nonyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 15 (1.85g, 5mmol), compound from Example 44 (1.35g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 0.65g (26%); Purity (HPLC): 99.40%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 54.0 SmC 121.1 N 136.0 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.92 (6H, q), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (16H, m), 1.36 (2H, m), 1.45 (2H, m), 1.84 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.08 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2936, 2862, 1638, 1509, 1478, 1397, 1320, 1304, 1295, 1135, 1108, 1080, 1029, 801cm "1 ; MS: 502 [M]\ 417, 234. Example 94 2-(4 Heptoxy-2 ' ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-nonyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 15 (1.85g, 5mmol), compound from Example 45 (1.55g, 5.7mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.4g (54%); Purity (HPLC): 99.76%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 54.0 SmC 121.7 N 132.3 Iso; l H NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, sex), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.27 (22H, m), 1.84 (2H, q), 2.14 (IH, m), 3.57 (2H, t), 4.07 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, m), 5.45 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.58 (4H, m); IR: 2958, 2932, 2850, 1635, 1530, 1510, 1470, 1385, 1318, 1293, 1133, 1077, 1028, 803cm 1 ; MS: 516 [M]% 417, 234. Example 95 2-(4 " Octoxy-2 ,3 difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-nonyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 15 (1.85g, 5mmol), compound from Example 46 (1.5g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (174mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.9g (72%); Purity (HPLC): 99.52%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 43.4 SmC 110.2 SmA 118.4 N 127.7 Iso; 'H NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, t), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (22H, m), 1.45 (2H, q), 1.84 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.57 (2H, t), 4.08 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.79 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.54 (4H, m); IR: 2958, 2920, 2848, 1633, 1505, 1468, 1383, 1300, 1128, 1070, 1020, 791cm "1 ; MS: 530 [M] + , 417, 234. Example 96 2-(4 "' Nonoxy-2 " ,3 "' difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-nonyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 15 (2.03g, 5.5mmol), compound from Example 47 (1.6g, 5mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.4g (51%); Purity (HPLC): 99.63%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 61.1 SmC 122.3 N 129.7 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, t), 1.10 (2H, q), 1.29 (24H, m), 1.47 (2H, q), 1.84 (2H, q), 2.14 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.06 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.45 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2934, 2860, 1638, 1582, 1512, 1475, 1389, 1322, 1137, 1080, 1031, 808cm "1 ; MS: 544 [M] + , 417, 234. Example 97 2-(4 " Pentyl-2 ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-nonyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 15 (1.85g, 5mmol), compound from Example 28 (1.2g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.6g (68%); Purity (HPLC): 99.55%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 58 SmC 84.7 SmA 114.3 N 115.8 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, q), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.27 (16H, m), 1.35 (2H, q), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.69 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.49 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.58 (4H, m); IR: 2960, 2930, 2852, 1497, 1469, 1410, 1386, 1168, 1131, 1083, 1026, 810cm '1 ; MS: 472 [M]\ 288, 231. Example 98 2-(4 Hexyl-2 " ,3 "" difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-nonyl- 1 ,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 15 (1.85g, 5mmol), compound from Example 29 (1.27g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 63. Yield = 0.4g (16%); Purity (HPLC): 99.58%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 57.5 SmC 99.3 N 113.4 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, m), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.29 (20H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.69 (2H, t), 3.57 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, t), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.08 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2930, 2860, 1493, 1469, 1407, 1386, 1129, 1081, 1025, 811 cm '1 ; MS: 486 [M] + , 302, 231. Example 99 2-(4 Ηeptyl-2 ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-nonyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 15 (1.85g, 5mmol), compound from Example 30 (1.34g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 63. Yield = 1.6g (64%); Purity (HPLC): 100.0%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 61.4 SmC 93.3 SmA 113.2 N 113.5 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, q), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.30 (22H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.68 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.96 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.54 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2932, 2860, 1496, 1470, 1408, 1387, 1130, 1083, 1027, 812cm '1 ; MS: 500 [M]\ 316, 231. Example 100 2-(4 Octyl-2 ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-nonyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 15 (1.85g, 5mmol), compound from Example 31 (1.42g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 63. Yield = 1.95g (76%); Purity (HPLC): 99.45%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 64.0 SmC 97.3 SmA 113.0 Iso; Η NMR (CDCl,): δ 0.90 (6H, q), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (24H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.69 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.45 (IH, s), 6.96 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2930, 2858, 1495, 1470, 1408, 1387, 1130, 1083, 1026, 812cm "1 ; MS: 514 [M] 330, 231. Example 101 2-(4 "' Nonyl-2 " ,3 "" difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-n-nonyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 15 (1.85g, 5mmol), compound from Example 32 (1.49g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 63. Yield = 2.0g (76%); Purity (HPLC): 99.58%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 69.0 SmC 98.2 SmA 112.2 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, q), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.30 (26H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.69 (2H, t), 3.57 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.96 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2932, 2860, 1496, 1470, 1409, 1388, 1130, 1083, 1027, 813cm "1 ; MS: 528 [M] + , 344, 231. Example 102 2-(4 " Decyl-2 ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-nonyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 15 (1.85g, 5mmol), compound from Example 33 (1.57g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (173mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 63. Yield = 2.2g (81%); Purity (HPLC): 99.66%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 68.0 SmC 95.1 SmA 111.1 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, q), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (28H, m), 1.64 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m). 2.68 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 6.97 (IH, m), 7.08 ( IH, m), 7.55 (4H. m); IR: 2962, 2932, 2860, 1496, 1470, 1407, 1387, 1129, 1082, 1027, 812cm "1 ; MS: 542 [M]\ 358, 231. Example 103 2-[4 " -(2-Methylhexoxy)-2 " ,3 "" difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl]-5-n-nonyl- 1 ,3- dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 15 (1.85g, 5mmol), compound from Example 35 (1.43g, 5.25mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (175mg, 0.15mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 1.7g (66%); Purity (HPLC): 99.56%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 57.0 SmA 100.4 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.91 (6H, m), 1.05 (3H, d), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.28 (20H, m), 1.99 (IH, m), 2.14 (IH, m), 3.55 (2H, t), 3.83 (IH, q), 3.93 (IH, q), 4.25 (2H, t), 5.45 (IH, s), 6.78 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.53 (4H, m); IR: 2954, 2922, 2854, 1637, 1503, 1466, 1392, 1315, 1288, 1132, 1077, 1024, 798cm 1 ; MS: 516 [M]\ 417, 234. Example 104 4-(5 -n-Pentyl-1 ,3 " dioxan-2 " yl) benzoic acid (Formula 13) A solution of n-butyllithium (3cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 30mmol) was added dropwise to a stirred, cooled (-78°C) solution of compound from Example 11 (9.4g, 30mmol) indry THF (100cm 3 ) under an atmosphere of dry nitrogen. The mixture was maintained under these conditions (35 min) then poured onto carbon dioxide granules. The product was extracted into 10% sodium hydroxide (2 x 150cm 3 ) and the combined basic exacts acidified with hydrochloric acid (36%). The product was extracted into a mixture of diethyl ether and THF (3:1, 2 x 150cm 3 ) and dried (MgSO 4 ). The solvent was removed in vacuo to yield a colourless solid. Yield = 7.8g (93%); m.p. = 206-208°C; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.30 (6H, m), 2.12 (IH, m), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.24 (2H, q), 5.45 (IH, s), 7.54 (2H, m), 8.04 (2H, m); IR: 3200-2500, 2970, 2936, 2868, 1712, 1697, 1615, 1580, 1470, 1427, 1385, 1288, 1130, 1082, 1020, 845, 765cm "1 ; MS: 278 [M] + , 151. Example 105 4-(5 -n-Nonyl-1 ,3 " dioxan-2 ' yl) benzoic acid Quantities: n-butyllithium (2cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 20mmol), compound from Example 15 (7.4g, 20mmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 104. Yield = 5.0g (75%); m.p. = 197-198°C; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.27 (14H, m), 2.14 (IH, m), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.46 (IH, s), 7.60 (2H, m), 8.10 (2H, m); IR: 3200-2500, 2964, 2930, 2856, 1682, 1430, 1387, 1293, 1130, 1087, 1023, 846, 763cm "1 ; MS: 334 [M]% 333, 214. Example 106 4-n-Nonyl-2,3-difluorophenol (Formula 14) Quantities: compound from Example 32 (13.6g, όOmmol) and H 2 O- (10%, 61cm 3 ). The experimental procedure was described in Example 37. Yield = 12.6g (98%); m.p. = 29-3TC; 'H NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.88 (3H, t), 1.27 (12H, m), 1.57 (2H, m), 2.56 (2H, t), 4.98 (IH, d), 6.65-6.83 (2H, m); IR: 3600-3100, 2930, 2860, 1645, 1513, 1487, 1310, 1180, 1027, 821cm 1 ; MS: 256 [M]\ 143. Example 107 4-n-Penyl-2,3-difluorophenol Quantities: compound from Example 28 (13.6g, όOmmol) and JLOj (10%, 61cm 3 ). The experimental procedure was as described previously in Example 37. Yield = 1 1.2g (93%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 1.32 (4H, m), 1.57 (2H, q), 2.57 (2H, t), 5.02 (IH, d), 6.69 (IH, m), 6.80 (IH, m); IR: 3600-3100, 2960, 2930, 2864, 1646, 1608, 1513. 1490, 1309, 1182, 1037, 812cm " 1 ; MS: 200 [M] + , 143. Example 108 4 " n-Nonyl-2 " ,3 "' difluorophenyl 4-(5 " n-pentyl-l ' ,3 '' dioxan-2 ' yl) benzoate (Formula 15) A mixture of compound from Example 104 (1.28g, 5mmol), compound from Example 106 (1.39g, 5mmol), N,N " dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (1.03g, 5mmol) and 4-(N,N " dimethylamino)pyridine (0.06g, 0.5mmol) in sodium-dried diethyl ether (90cm 3 ) and dry THF (60cm 3 ) was stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate washed with water (2 x 25cm 3 ) and dried (MgSO 4 ). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the product was purified by flash column chromatography (dichloromethane) and recrystallised from methanol/light petrol (1:1) to give colourless crystals. Yield = 0.85g (33% ); Purity (HPLC): 100.0%;Mesomorphism: (T / °C) K 59 SmA 82 125.2 Iso (SmA-SmC 40); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, sex), 1.12 (2H, m), 1.29 (18H, m), 1.62 (2H, m), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.66 (2H, t), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.27 (2H, q), 5.49 (IH, s), 6.96 (2H, d), 7.64 (2H, d), 8.20 (2H, d); IR: 2928, 2856, 1753, 1503, 1485, 1470, 1272, 1250, 1128, 1073, 1030, 1020, 758cm 1 ; MS: 516 [M] + , 471, 389, 261. Example 109 4 " n-Pentyl-2 ,3 " difluorophenyl 4-(5 " n-nonyl-l ,3 " dioxan-2 yl) benzoate Quantities: compound from Example 105 (lg, 5mmol), compound from Example 107 (1.67g, 5mmol), N,N ' dicyclo phexylcarbodiimide (1.03g, 5mmol), 4-(N,N " dimethylamino)pyridine (O.Oόg, O.Smmol). The experimental procedure was described in Example 108. Yield = 0.9g (35% ); Purity (HPLC): 100.0%;Mesomorphism: (T / °C) K 65.9 SmA 115.9 130.1 Iso (SmA-SmC 70.3); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, sex), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.28 (16H, m), 1.34 (2H, q), 1.63 (2H, q), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.66 (2H, sex), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.27 (2H, q), 5.50 (IH, s), 6.96 (2H, d), 7.64 (2H, d), 8.20 (2H, sex); IR: 2960, 2928, 2862, 1741, 1500, 1490, 1470, 1385, 1266, 1247, 1166, 1111, 1085, 1025, 812cm 1 ; MS: 516 [M]\ 317. Example 110 4 " Bromo-2,3-difluoro-4-nonoxybiphenyl (Formula 17) Quantities: tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (0.87g, 0.75mmol), compound from Example 47 (9g, 30mmol) and l-bromo-4-iodobenzene (7.07g, 25mmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48 except that the reaction was carried out under conditions of reflux (5h). The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography (light petrol dichloro methane, 5:1) to give a colourless solid (9g) which was recrystallised from light petrol to yield colourless crystals. Yield = 5.8g (56% ); m.p. = 46-47.5°C; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 1.28 (12H, m), 1.85 (2H, q), 4.07 (2H, t), 6.79 (IH, m), 7.06 (IH, m), 7.37 (2H, m), 7.56 (2H, m); IR: 2922, 2852, 1640, 1527, 1500, 1470, 1396, 1317, 1302, 1200, 1112, 1103, 1082, 1075, 804cm 1 ; MS: 412 [M]+, 410 [M]% 286, 284. Example 111 (2 ,3 " Difluoro-4 " n-nonoxybiphen-4 -yl) boronic acid (Formula 18) Quantities: compound from Example 110 (2.8g, 6.8mmol), n- butyllithium (4.4cm 3 , 1.55 M in hexanes, 6.8mmol) and triisopropyl borate (2.6g, 13.8mmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 36. Yield = 2.6g (100% ); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, m), 1.29 (12H, m), 1.87 (2H, m), 2.32 (2H, band), 4.10 (2H, m), 6.83 (IH, m), 7.15 (IH, m), 7.34-7.58 (IH, m), 7.67 (IH, q), 7.81 (IH, d), 8.33 (IH, d) ; IR: 3700-3000, 2960, 2924, 2856, 1613, 1516, 1470, 1402, 1198, 1082, 803cm "1 ; MS: 332 [M-B(OH) 2 r , 206. Example 112 l-(2 ' ,3 " Difluoro-4 ' " n-nonoxy-4 ' biphenyl)-4-n-heptyl-2,6-dioxaborinane (Formula 19) Quantities: compound from Example 111 (1.9g, 5mmol) and compound from Example 8 (0.9g, 5mmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 11 except the product purified by flash column chromatography (dichloromethane / light petrol: 1:1) and recrystallisation from a mixture of light petrol / methanol (3:1). Yield = 1.4g (54 % ); Purity (HPLC): 99.75%;Mesomorphism: (T / °C) K 72.5 SmC 81.5 N N 109.5 Iso; 'H NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, t), 1.29 (24H, m), 1.85 (2H, q), 2.10 (IH, m), 3.78 (2H, t), 4.07 (2H, t), 4.19 (2H, q), 6.79 (IH, m), 7.11 (IH, m), 7.49 (2H, m), 7.83 (2H, m); IR: 2940, 2872, 1617, 1533, 1513, 1486, 1478, 1432, 1355, 1322, 1305, 1255, 1088, 816cm "1 ; MS: 514 [M] + , 388, 232. Example 113 l-(2 " ,3 " Difluoro-4 n-nonoxy-4 " biphenyl)-4-n-heptyl-2,6-dioxaborinane Quantities: compound from Example 111 (1.9g, 5mmol) and compound from Example 10 (0.9g, 5mmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 112. Yield = og (59 %); Purity (HPLC): 99.58%;Mesomorphism: (T / °C) K 55.5 SmC 103.5 N N 111.3 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.88 (6H, t), 1.28 (26H, m), 1.48 (2H, q), 1.84 (2H, q), 2.08 (IH, m), 3.78 (2H, t), 4.07 (2H, t), 4.19 (2H, q), 6.79 (IH, m), 7.10 (IH, m), 7.49 (2H, q), 7.83 (2H, d); IR: 2960, 2912, 2858, 1630, 1606, 1524, 1465, 1345, 1312, 1069, 890, 835cm "1 ; MS: 542 [M]\ 415, 231. Example 114 2-(2 ,3 " Difluorophenyl)-5-n-heptyl-l,3-dioxane (Formula 18) Quantities: compound from Example 8 (27g, 0.155mol), 2,3-difluorobenzaldehyde (21.5g, 0.15mol) and 4-toluenesulphonic acid (lOOmg). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 11 except using dry benzene instead of dry toluene. Yield = 12.6g (28%); m.p. = 20-21°C; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 1.10 (2H, q), 1.28 (10H, m), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.23 (2H, q), 5.75 (IH, s), 7.11 (2H, m), 7.38 (IH, m); IR: 2974, 2944, 2870, 1641, 1610, 1500, 1473, 1405, 1292, 1135, 1105, 1032, 810, 787, 730cm "1 ; MS: 298 [M] * , 185, 141. Example 115 2-(2 ,3 " Difluorophenyl)-5-n-nonyl- 1 ,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 10 (31.4g, 0.155mol), 2,3-difluorobenzaldehyde (21.5g, 0.15mol) and 4-toluenesulphonic acid (lOOmg). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 114. Yield = 26.9g (55%); m.p. = 27.5-28.5°C; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 1.10 (2H, q), 1.28 (14H, m), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.71 (IH, s), 7.11 (2H, m), 7.38 (IH, m); IR: 2948, 2920, 2844, 1630, 1600, 1486, 1464, 1394, 1385, 1282, 1205, 1145, 1125, 1039, 1023, 834cm '1 ; MS: 326 [M]\ 212, 140. Example 116 2,3-Difluoro-4-(5 n-heptyl-1 ,3 " dioxan-2 yl) phenylboronic acid (Formula 22) Quantities: compound from Example 114 (9.0g, 30mmol), n- butyllithium (3cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 30mmol) and triisopropyl borate (11.4g, όOmmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 36. Yield = 10.3g (100%); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, m), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.28 (10H, m), 2.12 (IH, m), 3.58 (2H, t), 4.21 (2H, q), 5.68 (IH, s), 7.58 (2H, m), 10.33 (2H, s); IR: 3700-3000, 2946, 2916, 2846, 2256, 1675, 1448, 1340, 1312, 1260, 1217, 1188, 1150, 1127, 980, 808 cm 1 ; MS: 324 [M-H 2 O]\ 206. Example 117 2,3-Difluoro-4-(5 " n-nonyl-l ,3 dioxan-2 yl) phenylboronic acid Quantities: compound from Example 115 (8.6g, 26mmol), n- butyllithium (2.6cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 26mmol) and triisopropyl borate (9.8g, 52mmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 36. Yield = 9.6g (100 %); Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.88 (3H, t), 1.10 (2H, q), 1.28 (12H, m), 2.14 ( IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.20 (2H, sex), 5.70 (IH, s), 7.35 (IH, m), 7.55 (IH, m), 10.35 (2H, s); IR: 3700-3000, 2962, 2932, 2860, 2264, 1680, 1486, 1453, 1388, 1343, 1320, 1295, 1261, 1157, 1034, 970, 843, 812cm 1 ; MS: 353 [M-OH]\ 213, 195. Example 118 2-(2 ,3 " Difluoro-4 " heptylphenyl)-5-n-nonyl- 1 ,3-dioxane (Formula 25) n-Butyllithium (3.4cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 34mmol) was added dropwise to a stirred, cooled (-78°C) solution of compound from Example 115 (mixmre with isomers) (11.2g, 34mmol) in dry THF (100cm 3 ) under an atmosphere of dry nitrogen. The mixture was maintained under these conditions (3 h) then a solution of 1-iodoheptane (7.7g, 34mmol) in dry THF (20cm 3 ) was added dropwise at -78°C. The temperature of the reaction mixture was allowed to reach room temperature overnight. After separation, the aqueous layer was extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 150cm 3 ), the combined ethereal layers washed with water (2 x 150cm 3 ) and dried (MgSO 4 ). The solvent was removed in vacuo to give the product as a brown oil which was purified by distillation under reduced pressure and recrystalised several times from methanol to remove the cis-isomer. Yield = 2.5g (17% ); b.p. = 94-98°C / 1.0 mm Hg; m.p. = 40.4°C; Purity (HPLC): 96.91%; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.88 (6H, sex), 1.09 (2H, q), 1.27 (22H, m), 1.57 (2H, q), 2.14 (IH, m), 2.64 (2H, t), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.22 (2H, q), 5.69 (IH, s), 6.94 (IH, m), 7.27 (IH, m); IR: 2964, 2928, 2860, 1644, 1471, 1401, 1387, 1292, 1162, 1145, 1131, 1091, 1022, 971, 835, 813cm "1 ; MS: 424 [M]\ 325, 241. Example 119 4-n-Heptoxybenzaldehyde Anhydrous potassium carbonate (55.5g, 0.4mol) was added to a stirred solution of 4- hydroxybenzaldehyde (24.5g, 0.2mol) in acetone (300cm 3 ), over a period of 30 min at room temperature. 1-Bromoheptane (40.3g, 0.225mol) was added dropwise and the resultig mixture heated under reflux (12h). The solution was poured into water (1000cm 3 ), the product extracted into diethyl ether (2 x 300cm 3 ), and the combined ethereal extracts dried (MgSO 4 ). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the product isolated as a colourless oil by distillation under reduced pressure. Yield = 31g (70%); b.p. = 139-141°C / 1.2 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.30 (6H, m), 1.45 (2H, q), 4.05 (2H, t), 7.00 (2H, m), 7.85 (2H, m), 9.90 (IH, s); IR: 2935, 2860, 2805, 2740, 1695, 1580, 1513, 1472, 1315, 1260, 1218, 1162, 835cm "1 ; MS: 220 |M]U21. Example 120 1 -Bromo-4-heptoxybenzene Quantities: anhydrous potassium carbonate (34.8g, 0.25mol), 1- bromoheptane (19.6g, O.l lmol) and 4-bromophenol (17.3g, O.lmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 119. Yield = 25.5g (94%); b.p. = 130-134°C / 0.2 mm Hg; l H NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.33 (6H, m), 1.45 ( 2H, q), 1.77 (2H, q), 3.91 (2H, t), 6.78 (2H, m), 7.38 (2H, m); IR: 2934, 2864, 1490, 1470, 1296, 1246, 1174, 1076, 1006, 824, 647, 512cm '1 ; MS: 272[M]% 270[M] + , 174, 172. Example 121 1 -Iodo-4-octoxybenzene Quantities: anhydrous potassium carbonate (30g, 0.22mol), 1- bromooctane (11.7g, O.Oόmol) and 4-iodophenol (11. Og, 0.05mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 119. Yield = 16.3g (98%); b.p. = 138-148°C / 0.1 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t) , 1.30 (8H, m), 1.43 ( 2H, q), 1.77 (2H, q), 3.90 (2H, t), 6.68 (2H, m), 7.55 (2H, m); IR: 2928, 2860, 1590, 1573, 1489, 1470, 1302, 1286, 1246, 1176, 1062, 1030, 1002, 822, 510cm "1 ; MS: 332 [Ml\ 220. Example 122 l-Bromo-4-nonoxybenzene Quantities: anhydrous potassium carbonate (60g, 0.43mol), 1- bromononane (45.3g, 0.22mol) and 4-bromophenol (34.6g, 0.2mol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 119. Yield = 57.9g (97%); b.p. = 117-123°C / 0.08 mm Hg; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.30 (10H, m), 1.45 ( 2H, q), 1.77 (2H, q), 3.93 (2H, t), 6.78 (2H, m), 7.37 (2H, m); IR: 2940, 2868, 1593, 1581, 1494, 1472, 1290, 1250, 1174, 1075, 1005, 825cm "1 ; MS: 300 [M]\ 298 [M]\ 174, 172. Example 123 2-(4 Heptoxy-2 ,3 difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-heptyl- 1 ,3-dioxane (Formula 24) Quantities: tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0) (173mg, 0.15mmol), compound from Example 116 (1.75g, 5.12mmol) and compound from Example 120 (1.36g, 5mmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 0.3g (12%); Purity (HPLC): 99.87%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 77.2 N 125.2 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, m), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.28 (16H, m), 1.47 (2H, m), 1.82 (2H, q), 2.16 (IH, m), 3.58 (2H, t), 4.00 (2H, t), 4.24 (2H, q), 5.73 (IH, s), 6.96 (2H, sex), 7.19 (IH, m), 7.39 (IH, m), 7.45 (2H, m); IR: 2954, 2920, 2851, 1612, 1526, 1495, 1467, 1384, 1249, 1241, 1182, 1129, 1103, 1026, 826, 810cm '1 ; MS: 488 [M]% 382, 234, 214. Example 124 2-(4 Octoxy-2 ,3 ' difluorobiphenyl-4 yl)-5-n-heptyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0) (173mg, 0.15mmol), compound from Example 116 (1.75g, 5.12mmol) and compound from Example 121 (l.όόg, 5mmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48. Yield = 0.65g (26%); Purity (HPLC): 99.53%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 84.4 N 124.6 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, t), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.28 (18H, m), 1.47 (2H, m), 1.81 (2H, q), 2.16 (IH, m), 3.58 (2H, t), 4.00 (2H, t), 4.24 (2H, q), 5.73 (IH, s), 6.97 (2H, m), 7.19 (IH, m), 7.39 (IH, m), 7.43 (2H, m); IR: 2954, 2920, 2852, 1611, 1526, 1494, 1467, 1383, 1244, 1181, 1128, 1103, 1024, 824, 808cm 1 ; MS: 502 [M]\ 390, 374, 346, 234. Example 125 2-(4 " Nonoxy-2 ,3 " difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-heptyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0) (173mg, 0.15mmol), compound from Example 116 (1.75g, 5.12mmol) and compound from Example 122 (1.36g, 5mmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 63. Yield = O.όg (23%); Purity (HPLC): 99.20%; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 86.2 N 120.4 Iso; 'H NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, q), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.29 (20H, m), 1.47 (2H, m), 1.81 (2H, q), 2.16 (IH, m), 3.58 (2H, t), 4.00 (2H, t), 4.24 (2H, q), 5.74 (IH, s), 6.96 (IH, sex), 7.19 (IH, m), 7.39 (IH, m), 7.45 (2H, m); IR: 2962, 2928, 2858, 1612, 1528, 1497, 1471, 1388, 1245, 1184, 1131, 1107, 1029, 830, 814cm 1 ; MS: 516 [M]% 389, 361, 234. Example 126 2,3-Difluoro-4-(5-nonyl-l,3-dioxan-2-yl) phenol (Formula 26) Hydrogen peroxide (10 %, 9cm 3 , 26mmol) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of compound from Example 117 ( og, 4.5mmol) in diethyl ether (20cm 3 ) and aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2M) and heated under reflux. The stirred mixture was heated under reflux for a further 2.5h then cooled. The ethereal layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 200cm 3 ). The combined ethereal layers were dried (MgSO 4 ). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the product was purified by flash column chromatography (dichloromethane). Yield = 0.5g (32.4 %); m.p. = 63-65°C; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.91 (3H, t), 1.10 (2H, q), 1.30 (14H, m), 2.13 (IH, m), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.22 (2H, q), 5.24 (IH, band), 5.62 (IH, s), 6.83 (IH, m), 7.27 (IH, m); IR: 3700-3300, 2952, 2920, 2850, 1640, 1522, 1489, 1464, 1389, 1316, 1126, 1090, 1025, 973. 830, 810cm 1 ; MS: 342 [M] + , 288, 203. Example 127 2-(2,3-Difluoro-4-heptoxyphenyl)-5-nonyl-l,3-dioxane (Formula 27) Quantities: 1-bromoheptane (0.3 lg, 1.46mmol), potassium carbonate (0.4g, 3mmol) and compound from Example 126 (0.5 g, 1.46mmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 38. Yield = 0.25g (39 %); Purity (HPLC): 97.95 %; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 47 (SmA 37) Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3) : δ 0.89 (6H, t), 1.09(2H, q), 1.27 (22H, m), 1.80 (2H, qn), 2.12 (IH, m), 3.54 (2H, t), 4.03 (2H, t), 4.21 (2H, ), 5.63 (IH, s), 6.73 (IH, m), 7.27 (IH, m); IR: 2964, 2920, 2858, 1630, 1515, 1484, 1463, 1394, 1317, 1292, 1130, 1090, 1021, 803 cm '1 ; MS: 440 [Mf, 341, 325, 256, 159. Example 128 2-(2,3-Difluorobiphenyl-4 ' -yl)-5-octyl-l,3-dioxane (Formula 29) Quantities: compound from Example 14 (10.7g, 30mmol), compound from Example 36 (5.5g, 35mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (1.04 mg, 0.9mmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (30cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 63. Yield = 10.8g (92.7 %); Purity (HPLC): 98.63 %; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 52.2 SmA 77.0 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.28 (12H, m), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.48 (IH, s), 7.14 (3H, m), 7.56 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2932, 2858, 1626, 1593, 1573, 1483, 1408, 1386, 1261, 1127, 1083, 1028, 1020, 897, 812, 786 cm '1 ; MS: 388 [Mf, 275, 217. Example 129 2-(2,3-Difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-nonyl-l,3-dioxane Quantities: compound from Example 15 (7.4g, 20mmol), compound from Example 36 (3.5g, 22mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (1.16 mg, lmmol) and aqueous sodium carbonate (20cm 3 , 2 M). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 48 . Yield = 6.5g (73.4 %); Purity (HPLC): 97.57 %; Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 74.0 SmA 75.1 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 1.28 (16H, m), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 7.15 (3H, m), 7.44 (4H, m); IR: 2940, 2868, 1600, 1580, 1490, 1480, 1393, 1272, 1135, 1090, 1032, 903, 833, 788cm '1 ; MS: 402 [M] + , 289, 217. Example 130 2,3-Difluoro-4 -(5-nonyl- 1 ,3-dioxan-2-yl)biphenylboronic acid Quantities: compound from Example 129 (6g, 15mmol), n-butyllithium (10cm 3 , 1.55 M in hexanes, 15.5mmol) and triisopropyl borate (5.7g, 30mmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 28. Yield = 6.7g (99.4 %); Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 88.0 N 180.0 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.27 (14H, m), 2.14 (IH, m), 3.55 (2H, t), 4.23 (2H, m), 5.47 (IH, s), 7.13 (IH, m), 7.45 (IH, m), 7.55 (4H, m); IR: 3700-3200, 2972, 2940, 2868, 1636, 1490, 1478, 1459, 1350, 1324, 1267, 1177, 1030, 821cm 1 ; MS: 612, 611, 542, 445 [M-l] + , 428, 206. Example 131 2,3-Difluoro-4 -(5-nonyl-l,3-dioxan-2-yl)biphenyl-4-ol (Formula 30) Quantities: hydrogen peroxide (10 %, 10cm 3 , 29mmol), aqueous sodium carbonate (5cm 3 , 2M) and compound from Example 130 (1.6g, 3.6mmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 126. Yield =lg (66.4 %); Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 115 (N 88.7) Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (3H, t), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (14H, m), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.20 (IH, d), 5.47 (IH, s), 6.84 (IH, m), 7.07 (IH, m), 7.52 (4H, m); IR: 3600-3100, 2960. 2924, 2852, 1626, 1609, 1507, 1467, 1418, 1386, 1325, 1077, 1021, 840, 807 cm '1 ; MS: 418 [Mf, 289, 233. Example 132 (S,S)-2,3-Difluoro-4 ' -(5-nonyl-l,3-dioxan-2-yl)biphenyl 2-fluoro-3-methylpentate (Formula 31) Quantities: compound from Example 131 (0.8g, 2mmol), (S,S)-2-fluoro-3-methylpentoic acid (0.27g, 2mmol), N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (0.41g, 2mmol), 4-(N,N- dimethylamino)pyridine (0.03g, 0.2mmol). The experimental procedure was described in Example 108 except for using dichloromethane instead of THF and diethyl ether. Yield = 0.4g (37 %); Purity (HPLC): 97.17%; [a], 5 = 0° ; Ps = 222 nCcm "2 (73.9°C); Mesomorphism: (T / °C) K 93.5 SmC 112.6 SmA 125.1 Iso; 'H NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 1.01 (2H, t), 1.1 1 (2H, q), 1.15 (3H, t), 1.27 (14H, m), 1.57 (IH, 2 x m), 2.15 (IH, m), 2.23 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.08 (IH, q), 5.47 (IH, s), 7.01 (2H, M), 7.20 (IH, m), 7.56 (4H, m); IR: 2962, 2926, 2854, 1790, 1765, 1593, 1570, 1385, 1262, 1228, 1168, 1127, 1113, 1023, 1012, 825cm 1 ; MS: 534 [M] + , 417, 351, 234. Example 133 2,3-Difluoro-4-[4-(5-octyl-l,3-dioxan-2-yl)phenyl] benzoic acid (Formula 32) Quantities: compound from Example 128 (5.6g, 15.4mmol), n-butyllithium (1.5cm 3 , 10.0 M in hexanes, 15mmol). The experimental procedure was as described in Example 104. Yield = 5.2g (83.5 %); Mesomorphism (T / °C): K 177.5 N 220.9 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (3H, t), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.28 (10H, m), 2.14 (IH, m), 3.57 (2H, t), 4.25 (2H, q), 5.48 (IH, s), 7.23 (IH, m), 7.58 (4H, m), 7.77 (IH, m); IR: 3700-2400, 2966, 2932, 2860, 1702, 1624, 1467, 1422, 1384, 1306, 1128, 1082, 1026, 820, 781cm '1 ; MS: 432 [Mf, 261, 234. Example 134 (+)-2-Fluorooctyl 2,3-Difluoro-4-[4-(5-octyl-l,3-dioxan-2-yl)phenyl] benzoate (Formula 33) Quantities: compound from Example 133 (1.7g, 4mmol), 2-fluorooctanol (0.6cm 3 , 4mmol), N,N'-dicyclophexylcarbodiimide (0.83g, 4mmol), 4-(N,N'-dimethylamino)pyridine (0.05g, 0.4mmol). The experimental procedure was described in Example 108 except for using dichloromethane instead of THF and diehtyl ether. Yield = O.όg (26.7 % ); Purity (HPLC): 99.21%; [a] D 23 = + 7.7°; Mesomorphism: (T / °C) K 87.0 SmA 116.5 Iso; Η NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.90 (6H, m), 1.12 (2H, q), 1.30 (20H, m), 1.78 (2H, m), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.56 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 4.32-4.60 (2H, m), 5.48 (IH, s), 7.25 (IH, m), 7.59 (4H, m), 7.77 (IH, m); IR: 2956, 2922, 2852, 1705, 1627, 1468, 1452, 1398, 1386, 1322, 1305, 1233, 1222, 1165, 1132, 1083, 1025, 820, 777 cm 1 ; MS: 562 [M] + , 415, 387, 275. Example 135 (+)-2-Octyl 2,3-Difluoro-4-[4-(5-octyl- 1 ,3-dioxan-2-yl)phenyl] benzoate Quantities: compound from Example 133 (1.7g, 4mmol), 2-octanol (0.5cm 3 , 4mmol), N,N'- dicyclophexylcarbodiimide (0.83g, 4mmol), 4-(N,N'-dimethylamino)pyridine (0.05g, 0.4mmol). The experimental procedure was described in Example 134. Yield = 0.3g (13.8 % ); Purity (HPLC): 99.40%; [a] D 21 5 = + 24.3°; Mesomorphism: (T / °C) K 50.5 SmA 83.8 Iso; 'H NMR (CDC1 3 ): δ 0.89 (6H, m), 1.11 (2H, q), 1.28 (20H, m), 1.36 (3H, d), 1.59-1.80 (2H, m), 2.15 (IH, m), 3.57 (2H, t), 4.26 (2H, q), 5.19 (IH, sex), 5.48 (IH, s), 7.23 (IH, m), 7.58 (4H, m), 7.72 (IH, m); IR: 2958, 2924, 2854, 1705, 1623, 1458, 1384, 1303, 1284, 1220, 1150, 1126, 1083, 1026, 823, 779 cm '1 ; MS: 544 [M] + , 519.

Claims: What we claim is:- A compound of the formula A: V herein X is CH or B R\ R 2 , are each A 1 , OA l , OCOA 2 , or COOA 2 A 1 is a straight or branched chain alkyl group containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and may be substituted with one or more F or CN. A 2 is a straight or branched chain alkyl group containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and may be substituted with one or more F or CN and if straight may be unsubstituted. Y\ Y 2 , Y 3 May each be (CH 2 ) p , (CH 2 ) p COO or OCO(CH 2 ) p p is from 0 to 10 n is 0 or 1 m is 0 or 1 Either or both of Z, and Z j are F and, when not F, are H Y 4 is a covalent bond or, when n is 0, may be A compound according to claim 1 wherein A 1 is a straight chain alkyl group containing from 1 to 15 carbon atoms. A compound according to claim 2 wherein A 1 is a straight chain alkyl group containing from 5 to 10 carbon atoms. 4. A compound according to claim 1 wherein A 2 is an optically active branched claim alkyl group contaning from 1 to 15 carbon atoms. 5. A compound according to claim 4 wherein A 2 is an optically active branched chain alkyl group containing from 5 to 10 carbon atoms and substituted by a single F or CN. 6. A compound according to any one of the preceding claims wherein X is CH; Y 2 , Y 3 are each (CH 2 ) p wherein p is 0; n is 0, m is 1; Z, is F; and 2^ is H. 7. A compound according to claim 6 wherein R 2 is OA 1 . 8. A compound according to claim 6 wherein R 2 is OCOA 2 9. A compound according to claim 6 wherein R 2 is COOA 2 10. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein X is CH, Y 2 is (CH 2 ) p wherein p is 0; Y 3 is (CH 2 ) p COO wherein p is 0; n is 0; m is 1; Z, is F; and Z^s H. 11. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein X is B; Y 2 , Y 3 are both (CH 2 ) p wherein p is 0; n is 0; m is 1; Z, is F; and Z^ is H. 12. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein X is CH; Y 2 , Y 3 are each (CH 2 ) p and p is 0; n is 0; m is 1 and Z, is H and Z, is F. 13. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein X is CH; Y 3 is (CH 2 ) and p is 0; n is 0; m is 0 and Y 4 is a covalent bond. 14. 2-(4 -heptyl-2 " ,3 -difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-octyl- 1,3-diox ane. 15. 2-(4 -hexyl-2 ,3 -difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-octyl-l,3-dioxane, 16. 2-(4 -heptoxy-2 ,3 -difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-nonyl-l,3-dio xane. 17. 2-(4 -octoxy-2 ,3 -difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-nonyl-l,3-diox ane. 18. 2-(4 -octoxy-2 ,3 -difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-heptyl- 1 ,3-dioxane. 19. 2-(4 -octoxy-2 ,3 -difluorobiphenyl-4 -yl)-5-n-heptyl-l,3-dio xane. 20. 4 " -n-nonyl-2 " ,3 -difluoro-4-(5 ' -n-pentyl-l ' ,3 ' -dioxane-2-yl )benzoate. 21. (2 ,3 -difluoro-4 -n-nonoxy-4 -biphenylyl)-4-n-nonyl-2,6-diox aborinane. 22. A process for the production of compounds according to claim 1 as herein before described. 23. Compositions comprising one or more compounds according to any one of claims 1 to 21 for use in cells of LCD devices. 24. Compositions according to claim 23 and having a Smectic C phase range of from - 20°C to 93°C. 25. Liquid crystal cells and liquid crystal devices comprising said cells containing a composition according to claim 23 or 24.

Inventors: CHAN LAWRENCE, DONG CHUAN CHU, GOODBY JOHN, STYRING PETER, CHAN, LAWRENCE, DONG, CHUAN, CHU, GOODBY, JOHN, STYRING, PETER
Applicants: CENTRAL RESEARCH LAB LTD, CHAN LAWRENCE, DONG CHUAN CHU, GOODBY JOHN, STYRING PETER, CENTRAL RESEARCH LABORATORIES LIMITED
Application year: 1993
Main classification: C09K19
IPC codes: C07D319, C07F5, C09K19, G02F1