Patent Description:
Liquid-crystalline media have been used for many years in electro-optical displays (liquid crystal displays: LCDs) in order to display information. More recently, however, liquid-crystalline media have also been proposed for use in components for microwave technology, such as, for example, in <CIT>, <CIT> and in <CIT>).

<NPL>, describe the corresponding properties of the known liquid-crystal mixture E7 (Merck KGaA, Germany).

<CIT> describes the use of liquid-crystal media in microwave technology, inter alia in phase shifters. Therein, liquid-crystalline media with respect to their properties in the corresponding frequency range have been discussed and liquid-crystalline media based on mixtures of mostly aromatic nitriles and isothiocyanates have been shown.

In <CIT>, mixtures are described that completely consist of isothiocyanate compounds, wherein compounds are proposed and exemplified that contain up to two fluorine atoms next to the isothiocyanate group. Fluorine atoms are commonly used in mesogenic compounds to introduce polarity. Especially in combination with a terminal NCS group high dielectric anisotropy values can be achieved in particular when an NCS group in the <NUM>-position has two fluorine atoms in its ortho positions as the overall molecular dipole is the sum of all individual dipoles of a molecule's partial structures.

On the other hand, a well balanced compromise with respect to the number of fluorine atoms has to be found as fluorine substitution often has a negative influence in the nematic phase properties of a compound. The negative effect can be more pronounced in the case of bulky substituents such as alkyl groups. Such compounds are hardly known from prior art related to display applications of liquid crystals as they usually exhibit high viscosity and low clearing temperatures.

The compositions available for the use in microwave applications are still afflicted with several disadvantages. It is required to improve these media with respect to their general physical properties, the shelf life and the stability under operation in a device. In view of the multitude of different parameters which have to be considered and improved for the development of liquid crystalline media for microwave application it is desirable to have a broader range of possible mixture components for the development of such liquid-crystalline media.

An object of the present invention is to provide a compound for the use in liquid crystalline media with improved properties relevant for the application in the microwave range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

This object is achieved in accordance with the invention by the compounds of the general formula G
<CHM>
in which.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid crystal medium comprising one or more compounds of formula G.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are subject-matter of the dependent claims or can also be taken from the description.

Surprisingly, it has been found that it is possible to achieve liquid-crystalline media having excellent stability and at the same time a high dielectric anisotropy, suitably fast switching times, a suitable, nematic phase range, high tunability and low dielectric loss in the microwave range of the electromagnetic spectrum by using compounds of formula G in liquid-crystalline media.

In particular, the compounds according to the invention enable media with a high tunability τ and show excellent miscibility with liquid crystal hosts especially those comprising similar polar compounds of the isothiocyanate type. As these polar compounds in general have limited solubility in a host material, it is possible to increase the overall proportion of compounds with high tunability in a medium and thus to achieve better tunabilities of media for microwave applications by addition of the compounds of formula G.

The media according to the present invention are distinguished by a high clearing temperature, a broad nematic phase range and excellent low-temperature stability (LTS). As a result, devices containing the media are operable under extreme temperature conditions.

The media are further distinguished by high values of the dielectric anisotropy and low rotational viscosities. As a result, the threshold voltage, i.e. the minimum voltage at which a device is switchable, is very low. A low operating voltage and low threshold voltage is desired in order to enable a device having improved switching characteristics and high energy efficiency. Low rotational viscosities enable fast switching of the devices according to the invention.

These properties as a whole make the media particularly suitable for use in components and devices for high-frequency technology and applications in the microwave range, in particular devices for shifting the phase of microwaves, tunable filters, tunable metamaterial structures, and electronic beam steering antennas (e.g. phased array antennas).

According to another aspect of the present invention there is thus provided a component and a device comprising said component, both operable in the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Preferred components are phase shifters, varactors, wireless and radio wave antenna arrays, matching circuits and adaptive filters.

Herein, "high-frequency technology" means applications of electromagnetic radiation having frequencies in the range of from <NUM> to <NUM> THz, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, particularly preferably from about <NUM> to <NUM>.

As used herein, halogen is F, Cl, Br or I, preferably F or Cl, particularly preferably F.

Herein, alkyl is straight-chain or branched or cyclic and has <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms, is preferably straight-chain and has, unless indicated otherwise, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> C atoms and is accordingly preferably methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl or n-heptyl.

Herein, branched alkyl is preferably isopropyl, s-butyl, isobutyl, <NUM>-methylbutyl, isopentyl (<NUM>-methylbutyl), <NUM>-methylhexyl or <NUM>-ethylhexyl.

As used herein, cyclic alkyl is taken to mean straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl having up to <NUM> C atoms, preferably alkyl having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms, in which a group CH<NUM> is replaced with a carbocyclic ring having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms, very preferably selected from the group consisting of cyclopropylalkyl, cyclobutylalkyl, cyclopentylalkyl and cyclopentenylalkyl.

Herein, an alkoxy radical is straight-chain or branched and contains <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms. It is preferably straight-chain and has, unless indicated otherwise, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> C atoms and is accordingly preferably methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, n-butoxy, n-pentoxy, n-hexoxy or n-heptoxy.

Herein, an alkenyl radical is preferably an alkenyl radical having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms, which is straight-chain or branched and contains at least one C-C double bond. It is preferably straight-chain and has <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms. Accordingly, it is preferably vinyl, prop-<NUM>- or -<NUM>-enyl, but-<NUM>-, -<NUM>- or -<NUM>-enyl, pent-<NUM>-, -<NUM>-, -<NUM>- or -<NUM>-enyl, hex-<NUM>-, -<NUM>-, -<NUM>-, -<NUM>- or -<NUM>-enyl, hept-<NUM>-, -<NUM>-, -<NUM>-, -<NUM>-, -<NUM>- or -<NUM>-enyl. If the two C atoms of the C-C double bond are substituted, the alkenyl radical can be in the form of E and/or Z isomer (trans/cis). In general, the respective E isomers are preferred. Of the alkenyl radicals, prop-<NUM>-enyl, but-<NUM>- and -<NUM>-enyl, and pent-<NUM>- and -<NUM>-enyl are particularly preferred.

Herein, alkynyl is taken to mean an alkynyl radical having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms, which is straight-chain or branched and contains at least one C-C triple bond. <NUM>- and <NUM>-propynyl and <NUM>-, <NUM>- and <NUM>-butynyl are preferred.

Fluorinated alkyl-, alkoxy-, alkenyl or alkenyloxy can be branched or unbranched and is partially fluorinated, preferably perfluorinated. Preferably it is unbranched and has <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> C atoms, in case of alkenyl <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> C atoms, very preferably it is selected from -(CH<NUM>)n-CH=CF<NUM>,.

-(CH<NUM>)n-CH=CHF, -(CH<NUM>)n-CH=Cl<NUM>, -CnF2n+<NUM>, -(CF<NUM>)n-CF<NUM>H, -(CH<NUM>)n-CF<NUM>, -(CH<NUM>)n-CHF<NUM>, -(CH<NUM>)nCH<NUM>F, -CH=CF<NUM>, -O(CH<NUM>)n-CH=CF<NUM>, -OCnF2n+<NUM>, -O(CF<NUM>)n-CF<NUM>H, -O(CH<NUM>)nCF<NUM>, -O(CH<NUM>)n-CHF<NUM>, -O(CF)nCH<NUM>F, -OCF=CF<NUM>, in which n is an integer from <NUM> to <NUM>; in particular OCF<NUM>.

The compounds of the general formula G are prepared by methods known per se, as described in the literature (for example in the standard works, such as Houben-Weyl, Methoden der organischen Chemie [Methods of Organic Chemistry], Georg-Thieme-Verlag, Stuttgart), to be precise under reaction conditions which are known and are suitable for said reactions. Use can be made of variants which are known per se, but are not mentioned here in greater detail.

If desired, the starting materials can also be formed in situ by not isolating them from the reaction mixture, but instead by immediately reacting them further into the compounds of the general formula G.

The compounds of the formula G may be prepared in analogy to the processes described in <CIT>. A preferred synthetic pathway towards compounds according to the invention are exemplified in scheme <NUM> below in which the occurring groups and parameters have the meanings given for formula G. It is further illustrated by means of the working examples and can be adapted to the particular desired compounds of the general formula G by choice of suitable starting materials.

Preferred building blocks <NUM> (scheme <NUM>) are for example <NUM>-bromo-<NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-methyl-benzenamine, <NUM>-bromo-<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methyl-benzenamine, <NUM>-bromo-<NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-ethyl-benzenamine or <NUM>-bromo-<NUM>-ethyl-<NUM>-fluoro-benzenamine, all described in the literature, which can be reacted with suitable intermediates <NUM> to give compounds of the formula G, for example by cross coupling reactions commonly known as Sonogashira reactions (scheme <NUM>, wherein ZG1 is -C≡C- and G is H), Suzuki coupling (wherein ZG1 is a single bond, -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -CH=CF- or -CF=CH- and G is a boronic acid or alkyl boronic ester group) and related transition metal catalyzed cross coupling reactions.

The compounds of formula N are reacted with a thiocarbonic acid derivative
<CHM>
in which X and Y are leaving groups, or with CS<NUM> to give the compounds of formula G.

Preferred reagents for the process according to the invention for the transformation of compounds of the formula N into compounds of the formula G are carbon disulfide, thiophosgene, thiocarbonyl diimidazole, di-<NUM>-pyridyl thionocarbonate, bis(dimethylthiocarbamoyl) disulfide, dimethylthiocarbamoyl chloride and phenyl chlorothionoformate, very preferably thiophosgene.

The described reactions should only be regarded as illustrative. The person skilled in the art can carry out corresponding variations of the syntheses described and also follow other suitable synthetic routes in order to obtain compounds of the formula G.

The compounds of formula G are preferably selected from the group of compounds consisting of the formulae G-<NUM> to G-<NUM> as defined in claim <NUM>.

Very preferred compounds of formula G are selected from the following sub-formulae:
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
in which RG has the meanings given above and preferably denotes straight chain alkyl having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms, in particular methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl or n-heptyl.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid crystal medium comprising one or more compounds of formula G. Preferably, the medium comprises one or more compounds selected from the group of the formulae I, II and III:
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
in which.

preferably
<CHM>
to
<CHM>
independently of one another, denote
<CHM>
<CHM>
more preferably
<CHM>
denotes
<CHM>
<CHM>
denotes
<CHM>
<CHM>
denotes
<CHM>.

preferably
<CHM>
independently of one another, denote
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
preferably denotes
<CHM>
and
<CHM>
preferably denotes
<CHM>
more preferably
<CHM>.

preferably
<CHM>
to
<CHM>
independently of one another, denote
<CHM>
<CHM>
more preferably
<CHM>
denotes
<CHM>
<CHM>
denotes
<CHM>
in particular
<CHM>
<CHM>
denotes
<CHM>
in particular
<CHM>.

In the compounds of the formulae I, II and III, RL preferably denotes H.

In another preferred embodiment, in the compounds of formulae I, II and III, one or two groups RL, preferably one group RL is different from H.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compounds of formula I are selected from the group of compounds of the formulae I-<NUM> to I-<NUM>:
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
in which.

The media preferably comprise one or more compounds of formula I-<NUM>, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-1a to I-1d, preferably of formula I-1b:
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
in which R<NUM> has the meaning indicated above for formula I and preferably denotes non-fluorinated alkyl having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms or non-fluorinated alkenyl having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms.

The media preferably comprise one or more compounds of formula I-<NUM>, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-2a to I-2e, preferably of formula I-2c:
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
in which R<NUM> has the meaning indicated above for formula I and preferably denotes non-fluorinated alkyl having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms or non-fluorinated alkenyl having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms.

The media preferably comprise one or more compounds of formula I-<NUM>, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-3a to I-3d , particularly preferably of formula I-3b:
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
in which R<NUM> has the meaning indicated above for formula I and preferably denotes non-fluorinated alkyl having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms or non-fluorinated alkenyl having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms.

The media preferably comprise one or more compounds of formula I-<NUM>, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-4a to I-4e, particularly preferably of formula I-4b:
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
in which R<NUM> has the meaning indicated above for formula I and preferably denotes non-fluorinated alkyl having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms or non-fluorinated alkenyl having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms.

The media preferably comprise one or more compounds of formula I-<NUM>, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-5a to I-5d, particularly preferably of formula I-5b:
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
in which R<NUM> has the meaning indicated above for formula I and preferably denotes non-fluorinated alkyl having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms or non-fluorinated alkenyl having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms.

The media preferably comprise one or more compounds of formula II, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-<NUM> to II-<NUM>, preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-<NUM> and II-<NUM>:
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
in which the occurring groups have the meanings given under formula II above and.

The compounds of formula II-<NUM> are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-1a to II-1e:
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
in which.

The compounds of formula II-<NUM> are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-2a and II-2b:
<CHM>
<CHM>
in which.

The compounds of formula II-<NUM> are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the of formulae II-3a to II-3d:
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
in which.

The compounds of formula III are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-<NUM> to III-<NUM>, more preferably of the formulae selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-<NUM>, III-<NUM>, III-<NUM> and III-<NUM>, and particularly preferably of formula III-<NUM>:
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
in which.

and one of
<CHM>
to
<CHM>
preferably
<CHM>
denotes
<CHM>
or
<CHM>
very preferably
<CHM>
and the others, independently of one another, denote
<CHM>
<CHM>
or
<CHM>
preferably
<CHM>
or
<CHM>
more preferably
<CHM>
where
<CHM>
alternatively denotes
<CHM>
and preferably.

The compounds of formula III-<NUM> are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-1a to III-1j, more preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-1a, III-1b, III-<NUM> and III-<NUM>, particularly preferably of formula Ill-1b and/or III-<NUM>:
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
in which.

The compounds of formula III-<NUM> are preferably compounds of formula III-2a to III-<NUM>, very preferably III-2b and/or III-2j:
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
in which.

The compounds of formula III-<NUM> are preferably selected from the compounds of formula III-5a:
<CHM>.

Additionally, the liquid-crystalline media according to the present invention in a certain embodiment, which may be the same or different from the previous preferred embodiments preferably comprise one or more compounds of formula IV,
<CHM>
in which
<CHM>
denotes
<CHM>
<CHM>.

preferably
<CHM>
denotes
<CHM>
<CHM>
<CHM>
or
<CHM>
particularly preferably
<CHM>
<CHM>.

Very preferably, the compounds of formula IV are selected from the compounds of the formula IV-<NUM>
<CHM>
in which R<NUM> and R<NUM>, identically or differently, denote alkyl having <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> C atoms.

As used herein, the expression dielectrically positive describes compounds or components where Δε > <NUM>, dielectrically neutral describes those where -<NUM> ≤ Δε ≤ <NUM> and dielectrically negative describes those where Δε < -<NUM>. Δε is determined at a frequency of <NUM> and at <NUM>. The dielectric anisotropy of the respective compound is determined from the results of a solution of <NUM> % of the respective individual compound in a nematic host mixture. If the solubility of the respective compound in the host mixture is less than <NUM> %, the concentration is reduced to <NUM> %. The capacitances of the test mixtures are determined both in a cell having homeotropic alignment and in a cell having homogeneous alignment. The cell thickness of both types of cells is approximately <NUM>. The voltage applied is a rectangular wave having a frequency of <NUM> and an effective value of typically <NUM> V to <NUM> V, but it is always selected to be below the capacitive threshold of the respective test mixture.

Δε is defined as (ε|| - ε⊥), while εave. is (ε|| + <NUM>ε⊥) / <NUM>.

The host mixture used for the determination of physical constants of pure compounds by extrapolation is ZLI-<NUM> from Merck KGaA, Germany. The absolute values of the dielectric constants, the birefringence (Δn) and the rotational viscosity (γ<NUM>) of the compounds are determined from the change in the respective values of the host mixture on addition of the compounds. The concentration in the host is <NUM> % or in case of insufficient solubility <NUM> %. The values are extrapolated to a concentration of <NUM> % of the added compounds.

In the examples, the phase sequences of pure compounds are given using the following abbreviations:
K: crystalline, N: nematic, SmA: smectic A, SmB: smectic B, I: isotropic.

Components having a nematic phase at the measurement temperature of <NUM> are measured as such, all others are treated like compounds.

The expression threshold voltage in the present application refers to the optical threshold and is quoted for <NUM> % relative contrast (V<NUM>), and the expression saturation voltage refers to the optical saturation and is quoted for <NUM> % relative contrast (V<NUM>), in both cases unless expressly stated otherwise. The capacitive threshold voltage (V<NUM>), also called the Freedericks threshold (VFr), is only used if expressly mentioned.

The parameter ranges indicated in this application all include the limit values, unless expressly stated otherwise.

The different upper and lower limit values indicated for various ranges of properties in combination with one another give rise to additional preferred ranges.

Throughout this application, the following conditions and definitions apply, unless expressly stated otherwise. All concentrations are quoted in per cent by weight and relate to the respective mixture as a whole, all temperatures are quoted in degrees Celsius and all temperature differences are quoted in differential degrees. All physical properties are determined in accordance with "<NPL>, and are quoted for a temperature of <NUM>, unless expressly stated otherwise. The optical anisotropy (Δn) is determined at a wavelength of <NUM>. The dielectric anisotropy (Δε) is determined at a frequency of <NUM>. The threshold voltages, as well as all other electro-optical properties, are determined using test cells produced at Merck KGaA, Germany. The test cells for the determination of Δε have a cell thickness of approximately <NUM>. The electrode is a circular ITO electrode having an area of <NUM><NUM> and a guard ring. The orientation layers are SE-<NUM> from Nissan Chemicals, Japan, for homeotropic orientation (ε||) and polyimide AL-<NUM> from Japan Synthetic Rubber, Japan, for homogeneous orientation (ε⊥). The capacitances are determined using a Solatron <NUM> frequency response analyzer using a sine wave with a voltage of <NUM> Vrms. The light used in the electro-optical measurements is white light. A set-up using a commercially available DMS instrument from Autronic-Melchers, Germany, is used here. The characteristic voltages have been determined under perpendicular observation. The threshold (V<NUM>), mid-grey (V<NUM>) and saturation (V<NUM>) voltages have been determined for <NUM> %, <NUM> % and <NUM> % relative contrast, respectively.

The liquid-crystalline media are investigated with respect to their properties in the microwave frequency range as described in <NPL>. Compare in this respect also<NPL>, and <CIT>, in which a measurement method is likewise described in detail.

The liquid crystal is introduced into a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or quartz capillary. The capillary has an inner diameter of <NUM> and an outer diameter of <NUM>. The effective length is <NUM>. The filled capillary is introduced into the center of the cylindrical cavity with a resonance frequency of <NUM>. This cavity has a length of <NUM> and a radius of <NUM>. The input signal (source) is then applied, and the frequency depending response of the cavity is recorded using a commercial vector network analyzer (N5227A PNA Microwave Network Analyzer, Keysight Technologies Inc. For other frequencies, the dimensions of the cavity are adapted correspondingly.

The change in the resonance frequency and the Q factor between the measurement with the capillary filled with the liquid crystal and the measurement without the capillary filled with the liquid crystal is used to determine the dielectric constant and the loss angle at the corresponding target frequency by means of equations <NUM> and <NUM> in the above-mentioned publication <NPL>, as described therein.

The values for the components of the properties perpendicular and parallel to the director of the liquid crystal are obtained by alignment of the liquid crystal in a magnetic field. To this end, the magnetic field of a permanent magnet is used. The strength of the magnetic field is <NUM> tesla.

In the present application, the term compounds is taken to mean both one compound and a plurality of compounds, unless expressly stated otherwise.

The dielectric anisotropy in the microwave range is defined as <MAT>.

The material quality (η) is defined as <MAT> where
the maximum dielectric loss is <MAT>.

The liquid crystals employed are either individual substances or mixtures. They preferably have a nematic phase.

All mixtures according to the invention are nematic. The liquid-crystal media according to the invention preferably have nematic phases in preferred ranges given above. The expression have a nematic phase here means on the one hand that no smectic phase and no crystallization are observed at low temperatures at the corresponding temperature and on the other hand that no clearing occurs on heating from the nematic phase. At high temperatures, the clearing point is measured in capillaries by conventional methods. The investigation at low temperatures is carried out in a flow viscometer at the corresponding temperature and checked by storage of bulk samples: The storage stability in the bulk (LTS) of the media according to the invention at a given temperature T is determined by visual inspection. <NUM> of the media of interest are filled into a closed glass vessel (bottle) of appropriate size placed in a refrigerator at a predetermined temperature. The bottles are checked at defined time intervals for the occurrence of smectic phases or crystallization. For every material and at each temperature two bottles are stored. If crystallization or the appearance of a smectic phase is observed in at least one of the two correspondent bottles the test is terminated and the time of the last inspection before the one at which the occurrence of a higher ordered phase is observed is recorded as the respective storage stability. The test is finally terminated after <NUM>, i.e. an LTS value of <NUM> means that the mixture is stable at the given temperature for at least <NUM>.

The liquid-crystal media in accordance with the present invention may comprise further additives and chiral dopants in the usual concentrations. The total concentration of these further constituents is in the range from <NUM> % to <NUM> %, preferably <NUM> % to <NUM> %, based on the mixture as a whole. The concentrations of the individual compounds used are each preferably in the range from <NUM> % to <NUM> %. The concentration of these and similar additives is not taken into consideration when quoting the values and concentration ranges of the liquid-crystal components and liquid-crystal compounds of the liquid-crystal media in this application.

Optionally the media according to the present invention may comprise further liquid crystal compounds in order to adjust the physical properties. Such compounds are known to the skilled person. Their concentration in the media according to the instant invention is preferably <NUM> % to <NUM> %, more preferably <NUM> % to <NUM> % and most preferably <NUM> % to <NUM> %.

The liquid-crystal media according to the invention consist of a plurality of compounds, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> and very preferably <NUM> to <NUM> compounds. These compounds are mixed in a conventional manner. In general, the desired amount of the compound used in the smaller amount is dissolved in the compound used in the larger amount. If the temperature is above the clearing point of the compound used in the higher concentration, it is particularly easy to observe completion of the dissolution process. It is, however, also possible to prepare the media in other conventional ways, for example using so-called pre-mixes, which can be, for example, homologous or eutectic mixtures of compounds, or using so-called "multi bottle" systems, the constituents of which are themselves ready-to-use mixtures.

All temperatures, such as, for example, the melting point T(C,N) or T(C,S), the transition from the smectic (S) to the nematic (N) phase T(S,N) and the clearing point T(N,I) of the liquid crystals, are quoted in degrees Celsius. All temperature differences are quoted in differential degrees.

Herein, the structures of the mesogenic compounds are indicated by means of abbreviations, also referred to as acronyms. In these acronyms, the chemical formulae are abbreviated as follows using Tables A to C below. All groups CnH2n+<NUM>, CmH<NUM>+<NUM> and ClH<NUM>+<NUM>, and CnH2n-<NUM>, CmH<NUM>-<NUM> and ClH<NUM>-<NUM> denote straight-chain alkyl or alkylene, respectively, in each case having n, m or I C atoms, wherein n and m, independently are <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> and I is <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>. Table A lists the codes used for the ring elements of the core structures of the compounds, while Table B shows the linking groups and end groups. Table C shows illustrative structures of compounds with their respective abbreviations.

in which n and m each denote integers, and the three dots ". " are placeholders for other abbreviations from this table.

Branched lateral groups are numbered starting from the position next to the ring (<NUM>) where the longest chain is selected, the smaller number indicating the length of the branch and the superscript number in brackets indicates the position of the branch, for example:
<CHM>
<CHM>.

The following table shows illustrative structures together with their respective abbreviations. These are shown in order to illustrate the meaning of the rules for the abbreviations. They furthermore represent compounds which are preferably used.

in which m and n, identically or differnetly, are <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>.

Preferably, the medium according to the invention comrises one or more compounds selected from the compounds of Table C.

Unless indicated otherwise, parts or per cent data denote parts by weight or per cent by weight.

Unless explicitly noted otherwise, all values indicated in the present application for temperatures, such as, for example, the melting point T(C,N), the transition from the smectic (S) to the nematic (N) phase T(S,N) and the clearing point T(N,I) or cl. , are indicated in degrees Celsius (°C). denotes melting point. Furthermore, Tg = glass state, C = crystalline state, N = nematic phase, S = smectic phase and I = isotropic phase. The numbers between these symbols represent the transition temperatures.

The term "threshold voltage" for the present invention relates to the capacitive threshold (V<NUM>), also called the Freedericksz threshold, unless explicitly indicated otherwise. In the examples, as is generally usual, the optical threshold can also be indicated for <NUM> % relative contrast (V<NUM>).

The display used for measurement of the capacitive threshold voltage consists of two plane-parallel glass outer plates at a separation of <NUM>, which each have on the insides an electrode layer and an unrubbed polyimide alignment layer on top, which cause a homeotropic edge alignment of the liquid-crystal molecules.

The Clearing point is measured using the Mettler Thermosystem FP900. The optical anisotropy (Δn) is measured using an Abbe Refractometer H005 (Natrium-spectral lamp Na10 at <NUM>, <NUM>). The dielectric anisotropy (Δε) is measured using an LCR-Meter E4980A/Agilent (G005) at <NUM> (ε-parallel-cells with JALS <NUM>-R1). The turn on voltage (V<NUM>) is measured using an LCR-Meter E4980A/Agilent (G005) at <NUM> (ε-parallel-cells with JALS <NUM>-R1). The rotational viscosity (γ<NUM>) is measured using a TOYO LCM-<NUM> (<NUM>) at <NUM> (gamma <NUM> negative cells with JALS-<NUM>-R <NUM> ). The elastic constant (K<NUM>, splay) is measured using an LCR-Meter E4980A/Agilent (G005) at <NUM> (ε parallel-cells with JALS <NUM>-R1). K<NUM>: The elastic constant (K<NUM>, bend) is measured using an LCR-Meter E4980A/Agilent (G005) at <NUM> (ε-parallel-cells with JALS <NUM>-R1).

A mixture of <NUM>-bromo-<NUM>-(<NUM>-butylphenyl)benzene (CAS <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> mmol), triethylamine (<NUM>), bis(triphenylphosphine)-palladium(II)-chloride (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol), copper(I)-iodide (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and trimethylsilyl acetylene (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) is heated at reflux temperature overnight. water and MTB-ether are added to the reaction mixture. The layers are separated, and the aqueous layer is extracted with MTB-ether. The combined organic layers are washed with dist. water, dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is purified by flash chromatography (heptane) to give [<NUM>-(<NUM>-butylphenyl)phenyl]ethynyl-trimethyl-silane as an orange solid.

Tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (<NUM>, <NUM> in THF) is added slowly to a solution of [<NUM>-(<NUM>-butylphenyl)phenyl]ethynyl-trimethyl-silane (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in THF (<NUM>) at <NUM>. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature overnight. water, hydrochloric acid (<NUM>) and MTB-ether are added to the reaction mixture. The phases are separated, and the aqueous phase is extracted with MTB-ether. The combined organic phases are washed with brine, dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is purified by flash chromatography (heptane) to give <NUM>-butyl-<NUM>-(<NUM>-ethynylphenyl)benzene as a light yellow solid.

A mixture of <NUM>-butyl-<NUM>-(<NUM>-ethynylphenyl)benzene (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and <NUM>-bromo-<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methylaniline (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in diisopropylamine (<NUM>) and THF (<NUM>) is heated to <NUM> under nitrogen atmosphere. Then XPhos PD G2 (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol), XPhos (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and copper(I)-iodide (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) are added, and the reaction mixture is stirred at <NUM> overnight. Then it is filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is purified by flash chromatography (heptane and heptane/MTB-ether) to give <NUM>-(<NUM>-{<NUM>'-butyl-[<NUM>,<NUM>'-biphenyl]-<NUM>-yl}ethynyl)-<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methylaniline as a light brown solid.

Thiophosgene (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) is added dropwise to a mixture of <NUM>-(<NUM>-{<NUM>'-butyl-[<NUM>,<NUM>'-biphenyl]-<NUM>-yl}ethynyl)-<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methylaniline (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and <NUM>,<NUM>-diazabicyclo[<NUM>. <NUM>]octane (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in dichloromethane (<NUM>) at <NUM>, and the reaction mixture is stirred for <NUM> at room temperature. It is hydrolyzed with brine, and the phases are separated. The aqueous phase is washed with dichloromethane, and the combined organic phases are dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is purified by flash chromatography (heptane) and crystallization with heptane to give <NUM>-butyl-<NUM>'-[<NUM>-(<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-isothiocyanato-<NUM>-methylphenyl)ethynyl]-<NUM>,<NUM>'-biphenyl as pale yellow crystals
Phase sequence: K <NUM> SmA <NUM> N <NUM> I <MAT> <MAT>.

A solution of <NUM>-butyl-<NUM>-ethynylbenzene (<NPL>) (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and <NUM>-bromo-<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methylaniline (<NPL>) (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in diisopropylamine (<NUM>) and tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>) is heated to <NUM> under nitrogen atmosphere. Then XPhos Pd G2 (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol), XPhos (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and copper(I)-iodide (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) are added, and the reaction mixture is stirred at <NUM> <NUM>. Then it is filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is purified by silica gel chromatography with heptane/toluene to give <NUM>-[<NUM>-(<NUM>-butylphenyl)ethynyl]-<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methylaniline as a light brown oil.

Thiophosgene (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) is added dropwise to a mixture of <NUM>-[<NUM>-(<NUM>-butylphenyl)ethynyl]-<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methylaniline (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and DABCO (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in dichloromethane (<NUM>) at <NUM>, and the reaction mixture is stirred for <NUM> at room temperature. It is hydrolyzed with brine, and the phases are separated. The aqueous phase is washed with dichloromethane, and the combined organic phases are dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is purified by silica gel chromatography with heptane and by RP flash chromatography with acetonitrile to give <NUM>-[<NUM>-(<NUM>-butylphenyl)ethynyl]-<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-isothiocyanato-<NUM>-methylbenzene as a colorless oil. Phase sequence: Tg -<NUM> I <MAT> <MAT> <MAT>.

A mixture of <NUM>-bromo-<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methylaniline (<NPL>, <NUM>, <NUM> mmol), potassium acetate (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol), [<NUM>,<NUM>'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]-dichloropalladium(II) (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and bis-(pinacolato)-diboron (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in <NUM>,<NUM>-dioxane (<NUM>) is heated at reflux temperature overnight. Then the reaction is quenched by addition of dist. water and MTB-ether. The phases are separated, and the aqueous phase is extracted with MTB-ether. The combined organic phases are washed with dist. water and brine, dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is purified by flash chromatography (dichloromethane) to give <NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-tetramethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaborolan-<NUM>-yl)aniline as an orange oil.

A mixture of <NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-tetramethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-dioxaborolan-<NUM>-yl)aniline (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol), <NUM>-bromo-<NUM>-iodobenzene (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and sodium carbonate (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in isopropanol (<NUM>), toluene (<NUM>) and dist. water (<NUM>) is stirred for <NUM> under nitrogen atmosphere. Then bis(triphenylphosphino)-palladium(II)-dichloride (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) is added, and the reaction mixture is stirred at reflux temperature overnight. The phases are separated, and the aqueous phase is extracted with toluene. The combined organic phases are washed with dist. water, dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is purified by flash chromatography (heptane/MTB-ether) to give <NUM>'-bromo-<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methyl-[<NUM>,<NUM>'-biphenyl]-<NUM>-amine as a colorless solid.

A mixture of <NUM>-butyl-<NUM>-ethynylbenzene (<NPL>, <NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and <NUM>'-bromo-<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methyl-[<NUM>,<NUM>'-biphenyl]-<NUM>-amine (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in diisopropylamine (<NUM>) and THF (<NUM>) is slowly heated under nitrogen atmosphere. XPhos PD G2 (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol), XPhos (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and copper(I)-iodide (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) are added, the reaction mixture is stirred at reflux temperature for <NUM>, is filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is purified by flash chromatography (heptane and toluene) to give <NUM>'-[<NUM>-(<NUM>-butylphenyl)ethynyl]-<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methyl-[<NUM>,<NUM>'-biphenyl]-<NUM>-amine as a colorless solid.

Thiophosgene (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) is added dropwise to a mixture of <NUM>'-[<NUM>-(<NUM>-butylphenyl)ethynyl]-<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methyl-[<NUM>,<NUM>'-biphenyl]-<NUM>-amine (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and DABCO (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in dichloromethane (<NUM>) at <NUM>. The reaction mixture is stirred for <NUM> at room temperature, is hydrolyzed with brine, and the layers are separated. The aqueous phase is washed with dichloromethane, and the combined organic phases are dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is purified by flash chromatography (heptane) and crystallization with heptane to give pale yellow crystals of <NUM>'-[<NUM>-(<NUM>-butylphenyl)ethynyl]-<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-isothiocyanato-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>,<NUM>'-biphenyl.

Phase sequence: K <NUM> SmA <NUM> I. <MAT> <MAT>.

A solution of <NUM>-(<NUM>-propyl-cyclohexyl)-phenylacetylene (<NPL>) (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and <NUM>-bromo-<NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methylaniline (<NPL>) (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and diisopropylamine (<NUM>) in THF (<NUM>) is heated to <NUM> under nitrogen atmosphere. Then XPhos Pd G2 (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol), XPhos (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and copper(I)-iodide (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) are added, and the reaction mixture is stirred at <NUM> overnight. Then it is filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is purified by silica gel chromatography (heptane/methyl tert-butyl ether) to give <NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-{<NUM>-[<NUM>-(<NUM>-propylcyclohexyl)phenyl]ethynyl}aniline as a light brown solid.

Thiophosgene (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) is added dropwise to a mixture of <NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-{<NUM>-[<NUM>-(<NUM>-propylcyclohexyl)phenyl]ethynyl}aniline (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and DABCO (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in dichloromethane (<NUM>) at <NUM>, and the reaction mixture is stirred for <NUM> at room temperature. It is hydrolyzed with brine, and the phases are separated. The aqueous phase is washed with dichloromethane, and the combined organic phases are dried (sodium sulfate) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is purified by silica gel chromatography (heptane) and crystallization with heptane. The crude product is purified by flash chromatography (toluene and heptane) and crystallization with heptane to give white crystals of <NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-isothiocyanato-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-{<NUM>-[<NUM>-(<NUM>-propylcyclohexyl)phenyl]ethynyl}benzene.

Phase sequence: K <NUM> N <NUM> I. <MAT><MAT>.

In analogy to Synthesis Examples <NUM> to <NUM> the following compounds are obtained, wherein compounds No. <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are reference compounds:.

The nematic liquid crystal host mixture N1, example mixtures M1 to M4 and comparative example mixtures C1 to C4 having the compositions and properties as indicated in the following tables are prepared and characterized with respect to their general physical properties and their applicability in microwave components at <NUM> and <NUM>.

The comparative mixtures contain compounds known from prior art corresponding to Synthesis Examples <NUM> to <NUM> in which the <NUM>-fluoro-<NUM>-isothiocyanato-<NUM>-methyl-benzene head group is replaced with a <NUM>,<NUM>-difluoro-<NUM>-isothiocyanato-benzene head group.

Example Mixture M1 consists of <NUM>% of host mixture N1 and <NUM>% of the compound PPTG(<NUM>)-<NUM>-S of Synthesis Example <NUM>.

Example Mixture M2 consists of <NUM>% of host mixture N1 and <NUM>% of the compound PTG(<NUM>)-<NUM>-S of Synthesis Example <NUM>.

Example Mixture M3 consists of <NUM>% of host mixture N1 and <NUM>% of the compound PTPG(<NUM>)-<NUM>-S of Synthesis Example <NUM>.

Example Mixture M4 consists of <NUM>% of host mixture N1 and <NUM>% of the compound CPTG(<NUM>)-<NUM>-S of Synthesis Example <NUM>.

Comparative Mixture C1 consists of <NUM>% of host mixture N1 and <NUM>% of the compound PPTU-<NUM>-S.

Comparative Mixture C2 consists of <NUM>% of host mixture N1 and <NUM>% of the compound PTU-<NUM>-S.

Comparative Mixture C3 consists of <NUM>% of host mixture N1 and <NUM>% of the compound PTPU-<NUM>-S.

Comparative Mixture C4 consists of <NUM>% of host mixture N1 and <NUM>% of the compound CPTU-<NUM>-S.

It can be seen that the compounds of formula G according to the invention show the same tunability values (τ) as the compounds from the state of the art.

Claim 1:
A compound of formula G
<CHM>
in which
RG denotes H, non-fluorinated straight chain alkyl having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms, or non-fluorinated straight chain or branched alkenyl having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms, in which one or more CH<NUM>-groups may be replaced by
<CHM>
<CHM>
and in which one or more non-adjacent CH<NUM>-groups may be replaced by -O-,
ZG1 and ZG2, identically or differently, denote -CH=CH-, -CF=CF-, -CH=CF-, -CF=CH-, -C≡C-, -C≡C-C≡C- or a single bond,
X denotes Cl or F,
R denotes linear or branched or cyclic alkyl having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms,
t is <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, and
<CHM>
identically or differently, denote a radical selected from the following groups:
a) the group consisting of <NUM>,<NUM>-phenylene, <NUM>,<NUM>-naphthylene, and <NUM>,<NUM>-naphthylene, in which one or two CH groups may be replaced by N and in which one or more H atoms may be replaced by L,
b) the group consisting of trans-<NUM>,<NUM>-cyclohexylene, <NUM>,<NUM>-cyclohexenylene, tetralin-<NUM>,<NUM>-diyl, tetralin-<NUM>,<NUM>-diyl, decalin-<NUM>,<NUM>-diyl, bicyclo[<NUM>.<NUM>]pentane-<NUM>,<NUM>-diyl, <NUM>,<NUM>'-bicyclohexylene, bicyclo[<NUM>.<NUM>]octane-<NUM>,<NUM>-diyl, and spiro[<NUM>]-heptane-<NUM>,<NUM>-diyl, in which one or two CH groups may be replaced by N, one or more non-adjacent CH<NUM> groups may be replaced by -O- and/or -Sand in which one or more H atoms may be replaced by L,
c) the group consisting of thiophene-<NUM>,<NUM>-diyl, thieno[<NUM>,<NUM>-b]thiophene-<NUM>,<NUM>-diyl, selenophene-<NUM>,<NUM>-diyl, each of which may also be mono- or polysubstituted by L,
L on each occurrence, identically or differently, denotes F, Cl, CN, SCN, SF<NUM> or straight-chain or branched, in each case optionally fluorinated, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy or alkoxycarbonyloxy each having <NUM> to <NUM> C atoms.