We have investigated the liquid crystalline behavior and charge carrier transport
properties in the semectic phases of a terphenyl derivative, 4-400-bis(dodecyloxy)-
3-methyl-p-terphenyl (12O-TPMe-O12) having methyl side chain in the terphenyl
core part. In its samples highly purified by recrystallization several times, we
observed the transient photocurrents indicating electronic conduction not only
for holes but also electrons and determined their mobilities to be 5x10^4 and
0.9x10^2cm2/Vs in SmC and SmG phases, respectively. Thus, we concluded that
the intrinsic nature of charge carrier transport in the terphenyl derivatives is
electronic and ambipolar, where electrons and holes can be transported.