Abstract: A basic alkaline earth metal salt of a blend of organic carboxylic acids is prepared by(a) preparing a mixture of one equivalent of the blend of organic carboxylic acids and more than one equivalent of an alkaline earth metal hydroxide and/or oxide in a hydrocarbon solvent;(b) introducing carbon dioxide into the mixture obtained in an amount of at least 0.5 equivalent carbon dioxide per equivalent of excess alkaline earth metal; and(c) removing residual solids, if any, and an aqueous layer, if any, wherebythe blend of organic carboxylic acids comprises a C.sub.8-30 alkyl salicylic acid and one or more alkanecarboxylic acids in which the alkyl moiety is branched and has from 4 to 40 carbon atoms.Such a salt has dispersant properties and is suitable for use in lubricating oil and fuel compositions.