A composition is provided to comprise a non-aqueous medium and a 3,4-oxypyridinone compound of structure (I): ##STR00001##
with each A being oxygen and/or sulfur, and with a variety of substituents at R.sub.1-R.sub.5 to enable a solution or an at least semi-stable emulsion to be formed in the non-aqueous medium. Methods of use are included herein, which may be focused on situations where the composition can be used as a lubricant and/or coolant.