Abstract: A lubricant ester having enhanced hydrolytic stability is disclosed. The ester is a mono or diester of 2-ethyl-2-butyl-1,3-propanediol or an alkoxylate thereof and at least one carboxylic acid having 5-10 carbon atoms. The invention in a further aspect refers to a refrigeration working fluid comprising said ester and at least one halocarbon refrigerant.

Abstract: Shrinkage-reducing agent intended as additive in aqueous cement comprising compositions. The agent comprises at least one acetal, preferably a cyclic formal, of a tri- or polyhydric alcohol, which acetal comprises at least one 1,3-dioxa group. The acetal has preferably a water solubility of at least 1%. The agent can, in addition to said acetal, comprise at least one amorphous silica, preferably a powderous silica. The invention refers in a further aspect to the use of said agent in said compositions. The agent is, when used, added to said composition in an amount of 0.1-20% by weight.

Abstract: Process for the production of di-trimethylolpropane (di-TMP), which comprises subjecting a solution containing less than 3 per cent by weight, preferably less than 1 per cent by weight of water, free trimethylolpropane (TMP) and/or partial ester between TMP and a monocarboxylic acid or its anhydride having 1-4 carbon atoms in the chain, which partial ester on average contains 1.0-2.5, preferably 1.0-2.0 ester groups per molecule to an etherification reaction by heating to 50.degree.-200.degree. C., preferably 70.degree.-190.degree. C. in the presence of an acid catalyst in solid state or in dissolved state until at most 30%, preferably at most 15% of the total content of free TMP and partial ester of TMP in the solution has been etherified to free di-TMP and partial ester of di-TMP respectively, at the same time continuously removing etherification water formed at the etherification reaction under vacuum at a pressure of 0.1-200 mm Hg, preferably 0.