Abstract: A sequential block copolymer of the formula:R.sup.1 X--[C.sub.y H.sub.2y O).sub.m)C.sub.x H.sub.2x O).sub.n --H](I)containing: (i) a moiety R.sup.1 X derived from a starter molecule having at least one active hydrogen wherein R.sup.1 X is either a C.sub.10 -C.sub.24 alkyl or a C.sub.9 -C.sub.24 alkaryl group, X is O, S or N, (ii) a polymeric block derived from at least one alkylene oxide of formula C.sub.x H.sub.x2 O wherein x is either 3 or 4, and (iii) a polymeric block derived from at least one alkylene oxide of formula C.sub.y H.sub.2y O wherein y is an integer in the range from 12 to 16, and wherein q is 1 when X is O or S, and q is 2 when X is N; and m and n are such that the molecular weight is in the range from 600 to 4000; and the (C.sub.y H.sub.2y O) polymeric block derived from the alkylene oxide of formula C.sub.y H.sub.2y O forms from 1 to 40% by weight of the copolymer, and the polymeric block derived from the alkylene oxide of formula C.sub.y H.sub.

Abstract: Compounds of the structure:H(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.k ORO X.sub.m (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H (I)where R is a divalent hydrocarbyl or hetero-substituted hydrocarbylgroup having up to 10 carbon atoms,X is --CH.sub.2 CH(R.sup.1)O-- or --(CH.sub.2).sub.4 O--,R.sup.1 is methyl or ethyl,m is from 0.5 to 3.0 andk+n is from 3 to 10the number of X groups not exceeding 25% by weight of the compound are disclosed. Such compounds are useful as hydraulic fluids. R is typically --(CH.sub.2).sub.x -- where x is from 4 to 10. A process for preparing an alkoxylating agent with a diol HOROH in a first step and further reacting the product of the first step with ethylene oxide is also disclosed. A typical diol is 1,6-hexanediol; a typical alkoxylating agent is propylene oxide.

Abstract: An industrial or automobile lubricating oil, for use e.g. as automotive or industrial gear lubricants, two-stroke engine lubricants, comprises (a) 0 to 40% by weight of mineral oil(s) and (b) 100 to 60% by weight of a polyether having the general formula RX[C.sub.x H.sub.2x O).sub.n (C.sub.y H.sub.2y O).sub.p H[.sub.m wherein R is C.sub.9 to C.sub.30 alkyl or alkylphenyl, X is O, S or N, x is 2 to 4, y is 6 to 30, m is 1 or 2 and n and p are such that the polyether contains between 1 and 35% by weight of (C.sub.y H.sub.2y O) units and between 35 and 80% by weight of (C.sub.x H.sub.2x O) units. The polyether preferably has a molecular weight in the range 600 to 4000 and a viscosity in the range 32-460 mPa.s at 40.degree. C.