An optically active compound represent by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a fluoroalkyl group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 16 carbon atoms and an aralkyl group having from 6 to 16 carbon atoms; R.sub.3 represents C.sub.2 F.sub.5, CF.sub.3, CHF.sub.2, or CH.sub.2 F; X represents a single bond, --O--, --COO--, or --OCO--; Y represents --COO--, --OCO--, --CH.sub.2 O--, or --OCH.sub.2 --; Z represents --COO-- or --O--; (A) and (B) each represent a cyclic group; and * indicates an optically active center, and a liquid crystal composition containing at least one of said optically active compounds are disclosed. The compound is useful not only as a liquid crystal compound but as a chiral dopant to provide a liquid crystal composition exhibiting a chiral smectic phase.