Esters of vicinal dicarboxylic acids as a base for synthetic oils

Symmetrical and asymmetrical esters of vicinal dicarboxylic acids with alcohols of various natures were prepared and tested for their viscous-temperature, anti-thermooxidative, and lubricating properties. It was found that as regards their low-temperature properties and viscosity index asymmetrical esters should be prepared by consecutive addition of two alcohols, rather than using a mixture of these alcohols. Introduction of a C4-C6 radical into an ester derived from a higher alcohol (C9-C12) was found to increase the low-temperature and thermooxidative stability. The esters derived from alcohols with cyclic radicals were found to possess higher lubricating properties, though their thermooxidative properties are low.