Abstract: A compound favored with low viscosity, capable of providing a cured product having high refractive index, and suitable for application to optical materials, including plastic lens material, radical polymerizable flame retardant and the like, as well as a process for producing the compound, a plastic lens composition using the compound, a plastic lens obtained by curing the composition and a process for producing the plastic lens. A novel aromatic ring-containing polyvalent (meth)allyl ester derived from a polyvalent carboxylic acid of trivalent or greater valent is employed.

Abstract: A low monomer 1:1-monoadduct from a diisocyanate and a hydroxy(meth)acrylate with a free diisocyanate content of less than 0.7% by weight and a free NCO content of 10.4-16.4% by weight can be used as a starting material for an acrylic or NCO functionalized crosslinker; a bonding agent for coatings and adhesives; and a linker for solid-phase synthesis of oligo-nucleotides, polynucleotides or peptides. The monoadduct is obtained by converting 5-20 mol diisocyanate with 1 mol hydroxy(meth)acrylate at a temperature of 40-120° C. in the presence of at least one inhibitor; subsequently separating a non-converted diisocyanate from a reaction product by short-path distillation at 80-220° C./0.1-10 mbar; feeding air, nitrogen monoxide or oxygen or a mixture containing (a) air, oxygen or nitrogen monoxide and (b) a proportion of 1-90% by volume of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, an inert gas or a mixture thereof through a reaction apparatus.

Abstract: This invention encompasses a process for making a compound of Formula A These compounds are intermediates useful in the preparation of certain non-steroidal anti-inflammnatory agents.

Abstract: A sulfur-containing unsaturated carboxylate compound comprising a sulfur-containing substituent and at least two &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated carboxylic acid residues, which are each attached to a secondary or tertiary carbon atom via an oxygen atom; a polymerizable composition comprising the sulfur-containing unsaturated carboxylate compound; a cured product prepared by polymerizing the polymerizable composition; an optical component consisting of the cured product; and novel intermediate compounds for preparation of the above carboxylate.

Abstract: Malonic esters of the general formula where R is C1-10-alkyl, C3-10-alkenyl or aryl-C1-4-alkyl, are prepared by reacting an alkali metal salt of malonic acid with a halide of the general formula R—X (II), where R is as defined above and X is chlorine, bromine or iodine, in the presence of water and a phase-transfer catalyst.

Abstract: The specification describes various polymers having monomer of formula (I): In formula (I), R1 and R2 are, independently, hydrogen, a C1-C24 alkyl group, an aromatic or heteroaromatic group, a C3-C8 cycloalkyl or C2-C7 heterocycloalkyl group, or a —C(O)R3 group in which R3 is a C1-C24 alkyl group, an aromatic or heteroaromatic group, a C3-C8 cycloalkyl or C2-C7 heterocyclic group; or a —CH2—C(O)—R4 group in which R4 is a C1-C6 alkyl group. At least one of R1 and R2 is a —C(O)R3 group. The polymer may be a homopolymer or a copolymer containing other ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The polymer may be used in a variety of coating compositions such as inks, adhesives, paints and films. Unique monomers where both R1 and R2 are acetoacetyl groups and novel monomers where R2 is an acetoacetyl group are also described.

Abstract: The specification describes various polymers having monomer of formula (I): 1

Abstract: A process for preparing malonic diesters by carbonylation of haloacetic esters and reaction with monohydric alcohols and a base in the presence of a transition metal catalyst, preferably a catalytic cobalt carbonyl complex, using a stirred reactor with one or more internal heat exchangers. The stirred reactor preferably contains a sparging stirrer.

Abstract: A method for production of unsaturated glycol diester, such as 1,4-diacetoxy-2-butene, is formed of reacting conjugated diene with carboxylic acid and molecular oxygen in the presence of a solid catalyst in the liquid phase under pressure. The catalyst is formed of rhodium and tellurium, which are supported on an inorganic porous carrier. The catalyst is stable, and the unsaturated glycol diester is prepared in high conversion and selectivity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing 2-substituted succinate esters of formula (I) by reacting (a) a dicarboxylic compound with a first alcohol R'O[CH'.CH.sub.2 O].sub.x H where x is 0 or an integer from 1-6 in the presence of a catalyst to form a hydrocarbyl ester or, when x=1-6, a hydrocarbyloxy alkylene ester of maleic and/or fumaric acid and (b) the ester from step (a) with an alkaline earth metal alkoxide in the presence of a second alcohol R.OH to form the 2-substituted succinate ester of formula (I). The esters and paint formulations based thereon are also claimed.

Abstract: A malonate group-containing acrylate monomer is produced by a transesterification reaction of dialkyl malonate with a hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate or a polyalkylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate. The malonate group-containing acrylate monomer finds use in the production of an acrylic polymer capable of crosslinking through a Michael reaction with an .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carbonyl compound or resin.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## where the symbols have the meaning described in the application, have retinoid-like or retinoid antagonist-like biological activity.

Abstract: Acetylenic maleates, fumarates and related derivative compounds are new compositions of matter having the formula:R.sub.1 O.sub.2 C--CH.dbd.CH--CO.sub.2 R.sub.2wherein R.sub.1 may be an organic moiety containing at least two carbon atoms triply bonded one to the other as:--C.tbd.C--and R.sub.2 may be hydrogen, an organic moiety, or R.sub.1 ; suitable for use as liquid injection molding inhibitors either singly or in combination with themselves or other liquid injection molding inhibitors when used for the process of liquid injection molding curable compositions enabling an increase in the size of articles manufactured therefrom, which new compositions of matter cure into the polymerizable or curable resins thereby creating new compositions of matter as cured resins from which said articles of manufacture are produced.

Abstract: Mesogens are provided based on substituted unsaturated carboxylic acids such as acrylic and methacrylic acid. Substitution of a variety of hydrophobic tails onto the carboxylic acid or acid derivative via the vinyl carbon proximal to the carbonyl of the carboxylic acid results in mesogens that are capable of forming thermotropic and single-phase lyotropic mesophases over a broad range of compositions. The mesophases can be polymerized to lock in the ordered phases.

Abstract: A nutritional formulation containing an amount of diacetyltartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides effective to inhibit the infectious activity of pathogenic microorganisms is provided. A process of inhibiting the infectious activity of pathogenic microorganisms including the step of feeding the nutritional composition to a subject is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optically active .alpha.-substituted carboxylic acid derivative represented by the general formula (I): ##STR1## (wherein R.sub.1 is a hydroxyl group, ##STR2## R.sub.2 is a methyl group or a chlorine atom; R.sub.3 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group with 1-6 carbon atoms; n is an integer of 1 or 2; and * represents an asymmetric carbon atom, provided that R.sub.2 is a chlorine atom when R.sub.1 is a hydroxyl group);and a method for producing the optically active .alpha.-substituted carboxylic acid derivative represented by the general formula (I) and antipodes thereof using a culture, cells or a material obtainable from cells of a microorganism having an ability to asymmetrically hydrolyze ester bonds. The optically active .alpha.-substituted carboxylic acid derivatives and antipodes thereof provided by the invention are useful as raw materials for various liquid crystals and as synthetic intermediates for various optically active medicines or agricultural chemicals.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing selected nonionic or anionic esters of allylic alcohols, preferably diesters of allylic perfume alcohols, useful for laundry and cleaning products.

Abstract: The individual enantiomers of the compounds (Ia), (Ib), (IIa) or (IIb), optionally substituted by non-interfering substituent(s). The novel enantiomers can be obtained by biotransformation. The (Ia) or (IIa) compounds can be used for the synthesis of chiral carbocyclic nucleosides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid and solid biodegradable fabric softener compositions combined with nonionic or anionic esters of a non-allylic alcohol perfumes. These compositions exhibit improved perfume longevity and reduced environmental impact.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I ##STR1## wherein the symbols are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: New biotenside esters, processes for their preparation and their use as solvents and hydrotropic agents (coemulgators) in the preparation of spontaneously dispersible concentrates containing therapeutic or cosmetic agents are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dryer-activated fabric softening compositions comprising: (A) fabric softening compounds; and (B) an ester of an alcohol perfume wherein the ester has at least one free carboxylic acid. The ester has the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1-C.sub.30 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, aryl group; or ring containing a heteroatom, R' is a perfume alcohol with a boiling point at 760 mm Hg of less than about 300 .degree. C.; and m and n are independently an integer of 1 or greater.

Abstract: Esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid with alcohols and polyols having levels of purity greater than about 95% as measured by gas chromatography using an 11 meter RT.times.200 trifluoropropylmethyl polysiloxane column, a flame ionization detector, an injection temperature of 200.degree. C., an initial column temperature of 90.degree. C. for two minutes, followed by heating to 270.degree. C. at a rate of 8.degree. C. per minute and a detector temperature of 300.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for producing a colorless unsymmetrical-diester of maleic acid, useful as a raw material of an emulsifier for emulsion polymerization and as a modifier for a polymer, which comprises:(1) reacting maleic anhydride with a monohydric alcohol in the presence of an inert organic solvent, in a molar ratio of 1:(1.0-1.2) to obtain maleic acid mono ester containing substantially no unreacted maleic anhydride, and(2) reacting said monoester with an alkenyl halide in the presence of a tertiary amine and water, in a molar ratio of said monoester:water of 1:(0.01-0.20).

Abstract: Disclosed is a diacylperoxide vinyl ester of the general formula I ##STR1## in which R is an alkylene residue which can be straight-chained, branched or cyclic and which can contain 2 to 10 C atoms or R is an aryl residue, suitable for copolymerization with olefinic unsaturated monomers under conditions in which they do not yet radically decompose.

Abstract: Leukotriene-B.sub.4 derivatives of formula I ##STR1## their salts with physiologically compatible bases and their cyclodextrin clathrates are described.

Abstract: Process for the stereospecific synthesis of leukotriene B.sub.4 (LTB.sub.4) of 6Z, 8E, 10E configuration of formula ##STR1## in which a dibenzoate triether is prepared which is subjected to a reductive elimination according to the diagram ##STR2## so as to obtain a triether which is converted in order to obtain the leukotriene B.sub.4.

Abstract: This invention relates to alk-1-enyl ether-polyester block prepolymers which are curable by cationically initiated radiation and which are defined by the formula ##STR1## wherein m has a value of from 1 to 25;A is C.sub.2 to C.sub.12 alkylene, C.sub.6 to C.sub.14 aryl, both groups optionally substituted with lower alkyl, halo lower alkyl, alkyleneoxy, halogen or aryl;R.sub.1 is alkylene containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms;R.sub.2 is a saturated or unsaturated divalent radical containing from 1 to 14 carbon atoms and is selected from the group of alkylene, alkenylene and arylene, each group optionally substituted with oxygen, halogen, lower alkyl and/or hydroxy;R.sub.3 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl;R.sub.4 is C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkylene, C.sub.6 to C.sub.14 arylene, lower alkyl substituted phenylene or xylylene andR.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are independently hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl.

Abstract: A process for preparing carboxylic acid esters of of the formulaX--(COOCH.sub.2 A).sub.nwherein A is the residue of a substituted or unsubstituted 3- or 4-benzocyclobutene compound, X is an n-valent organic bridging group, and n is 2,3, or 4, comprises reacting a substituted or unsubstituted 3- or 4-hydroxymethylbenzocyclobutene compound with a compound of the formula X--(COY).sub.n, wherein X is an n-valent organic bridging group and Y is Cl or Br. Esters of inorganic acids of the formulaX'(OCH.sub.2 A).sub.nwherein X' is a residue of an inorganic acid halide, n is 2 or 3, and A is the residue of a substituted or unsubstituted 3- or 4-benzocyclobutene compound, are prepared by reacting an inorganic halide of the formula X'Y.sub.n, wherein Y is Br or Cl, with a substituted or unsubstituted 3- or 4-hydroxymethylbenzocyclobutene compound. Biscarbonates of the formula X"[OC(.dbd.O)CH.sub.2 A].sub.

Abstract: A process for stabilizing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer or oligomer from premature polymerization is disclosed whereby a stabilizing amount of an amine, preferably a substituted hindered amine, in combination with phenothiazine or other related heterocyclic moiety is added to said polymerizable monomer or oligomer. The ethylenically unsaturated monomer or oligomer encompass vinyl monomers or oligomers bearing at least one polymerizable moiety. The combination of substituted hindered amine plus phenothiazine inhibits premature polymerization in the liquid and/or vapor phase.

Abstract: A homopolymer or a copolymer comprises a polymerizable compound represented by formula (I):A--X--COCOOR.sub.1 (I)whereinR.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group or an aryl group;X represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, --COO-- or --NR.sub.5 --whereinR.sub.5 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group;A represents a C.sub.3 -C.sub.18 alkenyl, alkynyl, alkenylaryl or alkenylaralkyl group, or a group represented by: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which may be the same or different, independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group;Y represents an oxygen atom or --NR.sub.4 -- wherein R.sub.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group; n is an integer of 1 to 5; m is an integer of 1 to 10; and l is 0 or an integer of 1 to 20;with the proviso that if Y is present, X is not --NR.sub.5 --. Additionally, disclosed are processes of preparing the homopolymer or copolymer as well as the polymerizable compound.

Abstract: A modified epoxy resin or compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein A is the backbone reside of a glycidyl ether epoxy resin with removal of the glycidyloxy groups; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently a hydrogen atom or C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl; R.sup.3 is a glycidyl group; and n is an integer of greater than 1. A method for producing the modified epoxy resin is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved dental/medical restorative/prosthetic composition employing a polymerizable unsaturated substituted butane moiety with acid or reactive acid derivative functionality having the general formula:(RO.sub.2 C).sub.x --C.sub.4 H.sub.6 --(CO.sub.2 R').sub.ywhere R is an acid radical or a reactive acid derivative and R' is a polymerizable unsaturated radical having from 2 to 13 C and x is 2 to 3 and y is 1 to 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides new allyl esters of the general formula:X--CH.sub.2 --CR.sup.1 .dbd.CR.sup.2 --CO--Y--R.sup.3 --A (I)wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, which can be the same or different, are hydrn or halogen atoms or alkyl or aryl radicals, R.sup.3 is a linking grouping (spacer), X is an acyloxy radical in which acyl in the acyloxy radical is the residue of an aliphatic carboxylic acid or is the radical RCO-- in which R is an organic radical, Y is an oxygen or sulphur atom or especially an --NH-- group and A is a grouping which can react with a solid carrier material F, which contains appropriate functional groups B, either after selective deblocking or directly, whereby A and B are atom groupings which react with one another with condensation and/or addition and formation of a linkage between the solid carrier material and the radical X--CH.sub.2 --CR.sup.1 .dbd.CR.sup.2 --CO--Y--R.sup.3 --.The present invention also provides processes for the preparation of these new allyl esters.

Abstract: Alkylene oxide adducts of organic compounds having active hydrogen atoms are prepared by a process which comprises contacting and reacting an alkylene oxide reactant comprising one or more vicinal alkylene oxides with an active hydrogen containing reactant comprising one or more compounds having active hydrogen atoms in the presence of a catalyst which comprises one or more compounds comprising a rare earth element and phosphorus supported on an inert porous support. The product alkoxylates are known to be useful, for instance, as nonionic surfactants, wetting and emulsifying agents, solvents, and chemical intermediates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the production of low viscosity copolymers of maleic acid monoalkyl ester and vinyl alkyl ethers characterized in that the copolymerization of alkyl vinyl ether is performed with a mixture composed of maleic acid anhydride and maleic acid monoalkyl ester. The specific viscosity is controlled by the setting of a certain maleic acid anhydride to maleic acid monoalkyl ester ratio.

Abstract: Fatty alcohol succinic acid esters of the formula:RCH.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2 --CH(COOR')CH.sub.2 (COOR")wherein R is a linear alkyl group of from 5 to 15 carbon atoms, R' and R" can be the same or different and are linear saturated, monounsaturated or diunsaturated alkyl groups of from 12 to 20 carbon atoms. These fatty alcohol esters can be prepared by reacting succinic anhydrides with long chain fatty alcohols, and have a low calorie value. The compounds are suitable for use in cooking oil compositions for the commercial production of reduced-calorie fried snack foods.

Abstract: A curable composition comprises a compound having at least two hydroxyl groups and a homopolymer or a copolymer of a polymerizable compound represented by formula (I):A--X--COCOOR.sub.1 (I)wherein R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group or an aryl group; X represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, --COO-- or --NR.sub.5 -- wherein R.sub.5 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group; A represents a C.sub.3 -C.sub.18 alkenyl, alkynyl, alkenylaryl or alkenylaralykyl group, or a group represented by: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which may be the same or different, independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl groups; Y represents an oxygen atom or --NR.sub.4 -- wherein R.sub.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group; n is an integer of 1 to 5;m is an integer of 1 to 10; and 1 is 0 or an integer of 1 to 20;with the proviso that if Y is present, X is not --NR.sub.5 --.

Abstract: Alkylene oxide adducts of organic compounds having active hydrogen atoms are prepared by a process which comprises contacting and reacting an alkylene oxide reactant comprising one or more vicinal alkylene oxides with an active hydrogen containing reactant comprising one or more compounds having active hydrogen atoms in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of sodium barium phosphate or potassium barium phosphate. The product alkoxylates are known to be useful, for instance, as nonionic surfactants, wetting and emulsifying agents, solvent, and chemical intermediates.

Abstract: A process for the transvinylation of a vinyl derivative of a Bronsted acid with a different Bronsted acid which comprises providing a liquid phase mixture containing said vinyl derivative and said Bronsted acid in the presence of a ruthenium compound at a temperature at which transvinylation occurs and recovering as a product of transvinylation the vinyl derivative of the different Bronsted acid. The process is most favorably employed using carboxylic acids to make vinyl esters of carboxylic acids.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymerizable compound represented by the formula (I):A--X--COCOOR.sub.1wherein A represents a C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkenyl, alkynyl, alkenylaryl or alkenylaralkyl group, or a group represented bywherein R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which are the same or different, represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group, Y represents an oxygen atom or --NR.sub.4 --, in which R.sub.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group, n is an integer of 1 to 5, m is an integer of 1 to 10 and 1 is 0 or an integer of 1 to 20;R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group or an aryl group; andX represents an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, --COO-- or --NR.sub.5 --, in which R.sub.5 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group, provided that if Y is present, X is not --NR.sub.5 --,its production and polymers prepared therefrom.

Abstract: Alkylene oxide adducts of organic compounds having active hydrogen atoms are prepared by a process which comprises contacting and reacting an alkylene oxide reactant comprising one or more vicinal alkylene oxides with an active hydrogen containing reactant comprising one or more compounds having active hydrogen atoms in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of one or more of the phosphate salts of the rare earth elements. The product alkoxylates are known to be useful, for instance, as nonionic surfactants, wetting and emulsifying agents, solvents, and chemical intermediates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to branched polyesters derived from the reaction product of hydroxy stearic acid or hydroxy stearic alkoxylate, a guerbet alochol or guerbet alcohol alkoxylate, which product is further reacted with a polycarboxylic acid to provide the required branching in the polyester structure. The invention is also directed to the preparation, compositions and application of said internal plastic lubricants, particularly suited for use in forming of polycarbonate thermoplastics.

Abstract: Novel fat mimetic compounds are disclosed to be useful in reduced calorie foods. These compounds, which are here referred to as complex linked esters, consist of linked multi-ester or multi-ester/ether fragments joined by a polycarboxylate. These complex linked esters may be partially broken down in the body to produce digestion residues which are substantially non-digestible themselves and are sufficiently hydrophilic to enable the digestion residues to be incorporated in the normal stool. These fat mimetic compounds are useful as replacement for fats and oils for most food applications. Also disclosed are processes of synthesizing these compounds.

Abstract: Novel trimethylolheptanes having three highly reactive hydroxyl groups are provided. They are useful as raw materials for the production of polyesters for use in or as raw materials or modifiers for paints, inks, adhesives, coating compositions and molding resins. Uses for the trimethylolheptanes are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel monoesters and diesters of 9,10-endoethano-9,10-dihydroanthracene-11,11-dicarboxylic acid.These novel monoesters and diesters correspond to the following structural chemical formula (II): ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and can represent H, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal atom, a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alicyclic group having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, defined in their cis or trans variety, or an alkynyl group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, the said groups optionally being substituted by one or more functional groups such as ether, epoxide, halogeno, cyano, ester, aldehyde, ketone, aryl etc., where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 cannot be H or ethyl simultaneously. These addition products constitute valuable intermediates for the preparation of methylidenemalonates in high yields and with a high purity.

Abstract: An end carboxyl bearing reactive vinyl monomer represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl group; R.sub.2 is a bivalent aliphatic hydrocarbon having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, a bivalent alicyclic hydrocarbon having 6 to 7 carbon atoms, phenylene substituted with halogen, sulfo or carboxyl group; A is a repeating unit of the formula: ##STR2## R.sub.3 is ethylene or propylene; R.sub.4 is an alkylene having 2 to 7 carbon atoms; R.sub.5 is an alkylene having 2 to 5 carbon atoms; m is an integer of 1 to 10 and n is an integer of 2 to 50. The present reactive vinyl monomer is very useful as a constituting unit of vinyl resin.

Abstract: A polymer or copolymer of maleic acid is produced by neutralizing (I) maleic acid in an aqueous medium with (III) an alkali metal hydroxide or ammonia at a molar ratio of (I) to (III) in the range of 100:0 to 100:90, polymerizing (I) with a polymerization initiator, adding (III) a further amount of the alkali metal hydroxide or ammonia at a molar ratio of (I) to (III) in the range of 100:100 to 100:130 in total through the previous addition and this addition and continuing the polymerization to the complete effect.

Abstract: Diesters of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are hydrogen or alkyl of from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, and X and Y are alkyl, alkenyl or .[.dienyl.]. .Iadd.alkadienyl .Iaddend.of from about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms, useful as low calorie synthetic oils suitable for consumption by mammals.