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.