Abstract: Process for the production of monomeric monohydroxy unsaturated diesters of formula Ir.sub.1 --co.sub.2 --ch.dbd.ch--co.sub.2 --r.sub.2wherein: R.sub.1 represents an alkyl group of two to six carbon atoms containing a free hydroxyl group, or 2,3-dihydroxy-propyl group, or a group of formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.n O].sub.m [(CH.sub.2).sub.x --OH wherein n is 2 or 3, x is 2 or 3, and m is 1 to 800; R.sub.2 represents an alkyl group of linear or branched configuration containing 4 to 12 carbon atoms. These compounds may be copolymerized in solution or suspension by free radical processes with an alkylacrylate and a third olefinically unsaturated monomer. These copolymers can be crosslinked with amino resins to provide thermosetting film-forming compositions.