"the formula Cn H2n+1 or a substituent group selected from the substituent groups mentioned in Examplication 1, in the case of a discotic liquid crystallline compound, at least one of R1, R2 R3 and R4 is an optically active substituent mentioned in Examplification 1, and n is an integer of 1-18, preferably 3-14. ##STR16## wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently a linear or branched alkyl group" . . . . .