Thirteen 4′, 4″-disubstituted phenyl biphenyl-4-carboxylates have been prepared and their liquid crystal transition temperatures measured. In each case, one of the substituents is a cyano-group and the nematic phases are of positive dielectric anisotropy. The potential of these esters to produce low melting eutectic compositions with a wide nematic range on admixture with simpler 4,4′-disubstituted phenyl benzoates is assessed in relation to requirements for electro-optical displays such as the twisted nematic type.