Abstract: A synthetic ester composition which exhibits thermal and oxidative stability, lower friction coefficient and lower wear, wherein the ester composition comprises the reaction product of: a branched or linear alcohol having the general formula R(OH).sub.n, wherein R is an aliphatic or cyclo-aliphatic group having from about 2 to 20 carbon atoms and n is at least 2; and at least one branched mono-carboxylic acid which has a carbon number in the range between about C.sub.5 to C.sub.13 ; wherein the synthetic ester composition has between about 5-35% unconverted hydroxyl groups, based on the total amount of hydroxyl groups in the branched or linear alcohol.

Abstract: A low emissions, high oxidative stability crankcase lubricating oil formulation which is prepared from a base stock which comprises at least one synthetic ester selected from the group consisting of: polyol esters, synthetic esters having between 5-35% unconverted hydroxyl groups, based on the total amount of hydroxyl groups in the polyol, and synthetic esters combined with at least one additional functional group which is capable of increasing the polarity of the functionalized synthetic ester, wherein the base stock has an oxygen, nitrogen or halogen content of at least 15 wt. %, based on the total weight of the base stock; and a lubricant additive package.

Abstract: A synthetic ester composition exhibiting thermal and oxidative stability which comprises the reaction product of: a branched or linear alcohol having the general formula K(OH).sub.n, wherein R is an aliphatic or cyclo-aliphatic group having from about 2 to 20 carbon atoms and n is at least 2; and at least one branched mono-carboxylic acid which has a carbon number in the range between about C.sub.5 to C.sub.13 ; wherein the synthetic ester composition has between 5-35% unconverted hydroxyl groups, based on the total amount of hydroxyl groups in the branched or linear alcohol.

Abstract: The production of liquid hydrocarbons from coal via liquefaction is enhanced by recovering a bottoms fraction from the coal liquefaction reaction and subjecting the bottoms fraction to alkylation or acylation prior to recycling this bottoms fraction to the liquefaction reaction zone. The introduction of aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals or acyl radicals, including carbon monoxide, into the highly refractory molecules of the bottoms product from coal liquefaction permits additional amounts of the coal to undergo liquefaction at suitable liquefaction conditions.