| abstract |
Novel tris-azo dye compositions and a liquid crystal composition containing the tris-azo dye compositions are disclosed. The tris-azo dye composition having terminal aromatic groups has the general formula: <IMAGE> wherein R1 and R2 are various aromatic compounds including aromatic amines, substituted aromatic amines, hydroxy-substituted aromatic compounds and substituted hydroxy-containing aromatic compounds. When the tris-azo dichroic dyes are used as a guest dye in a host liquid crystal material, they form a novel liquid crystal composition for use in liquid crystal displays. Examples of R1 and R2 include organic radicals of aminoquinoline, tetrahydroquinoline, N-ethyl-1-naphthylamine and 1,8-diaminonaphthalene. |