The present invention relates to a process for preparing ethers, particularly unsymmetrical ethers, and preferably ethers suitable for use as base stocks for lubricant compositions. In particular, the process involves the reaction of an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde with a trihydrocarbyl orthoester to form an α,β-unsaturated acetal and conversion of the α,β-unsaturated acetal to an ether through hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing ethers, particularly unsymmetrical ethers, and preferably ethers suitable for use as base stocks for lubricant compositions. In particular, the process involves the reaction of an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde with a trihydrocarbyl orthoester to form an α,β-unsaturated acetal and conversion of the α,β-unsaturated acetal to an ether through hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing ethers, particularly unsymmetrical ethers, and preferably ethers suitable for use as base stocks for lubricant compositions. In particular, the process involves the reaction of an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde with a trihydrocarbyl orthoester to form an α,β-unsaturated acetal and conversion of the α,β-unsaturated acetal to an ether through hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis.

A method for producing a polyether diol includes the step of subjecting a compound represented by the following general formula (1) to hydrogenation reduction in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to provide a specific polyether diol. ##STR00001##

A method for producing a polyether diol includes the step of subjecting a compound represented by the following general formula (1) to hydrogenation reduction in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to provide a specific polyether diol. ##STR00001##

A method for producing a polyether diol includes the step of subjecting a compound represented by the following general formula (1) to hydrogenation reduction in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to provide a specific polyether diol. ##STR00001##

A polyether diol compound represented by the following formula (3):

##STR00001##

where R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8, which may be the same as or different from each other, each represent a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

A polyether diol compound represented by the following formula (3):

##STR00001##

where R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8, which may be the same as or different from each other, each represent a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

The present invention relates to methods for producing at least one vinyl ether compound of formula (1) and to a vinyl ether compound of formula (1) preferably obtainable by the methods according to the invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a polymer obtainable by polymerizing the vinyl ether compound of formula (1) according to the invention, to an adhesive comprising the at least one polymer according to the invention and to the use of at least one vinyl ether compound of formula (I) according to the invention or at least one polymer according to the invention for the production of UV adhesives, cationic curings or 1-component or 2-component systems.

The present invention relates to methods for producing at least one vinyl ether compound of formula (1) and to a vinyl ether compound of formula (1) preferably obtainable by the methods according to the invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a polymer obtainable by polymerizing the vinyl ether compound of formula (1) according to the invention, to an adhesive comprising the at least one polymer according to the invention and to the use of at least one vinyl ether compound of formula (I) according to the invention or at least one polymer according to the invention for the production of UV adhesives, cationic curings or 1-component or 2-component systems.