Abstract
A novel antiferroelectric liquid crystal, 4-[5-(4-octyloxyphenyl)-2-pyrimidinyl]phenyl 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)butanoate (TFMB) showing twist grain boundary phases was found and investigated. In optically active TFMB, a diffuse liquid-liquid transition was observed above the clearing point. TFMB exhibited a stable antiferroelectric smectic C* phase. The relationship between antiferroelectricity and the molecular structure is discussed.