CARBOXYLATE COMPOUNDS, LIQUID CRYSTAL COMPOSITIONS AND LIQUID CRYSTAL ELEMENTS CONTAINING SAID COMPOUNDS AND METHOD OF OPTICAL MODULATION USING SAID ELEMENTS

The invention provides carboxylate compounds of the following formula (A): wherein R is a group selected from C3-C20 alkyl, C3-C20 alkoxy and halogenated C3-C20 alkyl, X and Y are each, independently, a group selected from: -COO-,-OCO-, -CH2CH2-. CH2O-, OCH2-, -S-S-, and or a single bond, A and B are each, independently, a group selected from and and R is an optically active group of 4 to 20 carbon atoms, the group containing at least one asymmetric carbon atom and being optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms, and m and n are each an integer of 0 to 2; with the proviso that both m and n are not 0 at the same time. The compounds are employed in liquid crystal compositions. A liquid crystal element containing such a composition, a process for the preparation of the element and a method of light modulation involving use of the element are also disclosed.