A compound capable of shortening the response time of liquid crystal display elements and a composition containing the same are provided, which compound is expressed by the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a linear or branched chain alkyl group or alkoxy group, each of 1C-18C; Ar represents ##STR2## wherein X represents H, halogen atom, cyano group or methyl; A represents --COO-- or --CH.sub.2 O--; R.sup.2 represents a C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl, A C.sub.2 -C.sub.18 alkanoyl, a C.sub.3 -C.sub.18 alkoxycarbonyl or a C.sub.4 -C.sub.18 2-alkoxypropanoyl; C having a symbol * attached thereonto represents asymmetric carbon atom; and when R.sup.2 represents a linear chain alkyl and A represents --COO--, Ar is not ##STR3##