The invention relates to reactive liquid crystal compounds of formula (I), wherein P, Sp, X, n, m, A<1>, A<2>, Z and R have the meaning given in claim 1, to compositions comprising reactive liquid crystal compounds of formula (I), to linear or cross-linked (co)polymers obtainable by (co)polymerizing said reactive liquid crystals or compositions and to the use of said reactive liquid crystals or compositions for the preparation of linear or cross-linked polymers or polymer films for decorative pigments, cosmetics or security applications, active and passive optical elements, colour filters, scattering displays, adhesives or synthetic resins with anisotropic mechanical properties.