| abstract |
The present invention relates to a process for preparing ethers, in particular asymmetric ethers, preferably ethers suitable for use as base stocks for lubricant compositions. In particular, the method comprises reacting an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde with a trihydrocarbyl orthoester to form an α,β-unsaturated acetal, and making the α,β-unsaturated acetal by hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis Aldehydes are converted to ethers. |