A compound of the general formula [equation included]
in which M represents a silicon radical having 2 to 5 silicon atoms which are linked together by bridging elements A, and the remaining valencies of the silicon atoms are saturated with radicals R; A is a bridging element selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 - to C.sub.8 -alkylene radicals and oxygen with the proviso that at least one radical A per M radical is a C.sub.1 - to C.sub.8 -alkylene radical; R represents optionally fluorine or chlorine atom- or cyano group-substituted straight-chain C.sub.1 - to C.sub.10 -alkyl or C.sub.2 - to C.sub.10 -alkenyl radicals, branched chain C.sub.3 - to C.sub.10 -alkyl or C.sub.3 - to C.sub.10 -alkenyl radicals, optionally C.sub.1 - to C.sub.4 -alkyl- , C.sub.1 - to C.sub.4 -alkoxy radicals, fluorine, chlorine, bromine atom, cyano, trifluoromethyl or nitro radical substituted C.sub.6 - to C.sub.12 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.6 - to C.sub.12 -cycloalkenyl, C.sub.6 - to C.sub.12 -alkylcycloalkyl, C.sub.6 - to C.sub.12 -alkylcycloalkenyl, C.sub.6 - to C.sub.12 -aryl or C.sub.6 - to C.sub.12 -aralkyl radicals; n is an integer of from 3 to 12; m is 0 or 1; D represents isocyclic or heterocyclic saturated or unsaturated 5- or 6-membered rings; B represents a linking group selected from the group consisting of a chemical bond, a --COO--, --OOC--, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.dbd.CH--, --C.tbd.C--, --CH.dbd.N--, --N.dbd.CH--, --CH.sub.2 --O--, --O--CH.sub.2 -- and --N.dbd.N-- group; q is an integer of from 1 to 3; Y is a hydrogen atom or a straight-chain or branched chain C.sub.1 - to C.sub.10 -alkyl or C.sub.1 - to C.sub.10 -alkoxy group or a radical D which is provided with a hydrogen atom or substituted, in which 1 or 2 ring substituents may be C.sub.1 - to C.sub.4 -alkyl, C.sub.1 - to C.sub.4 -alkoxy radicals, fluorine, chlorine or bromine atoms, cyano, trifluoromethyl or nitro radicals, or a cholesteryl radical.
These compounds are liquid crystals and can be employed alone or in admixture with other liquid crystals.