Approximately 360 g of 1,2-mixed pentadecanediol to octadecanediol (commercially obtained as Vikol 158 from Viking Chemical Co. and containing about 28% 1,2-pentadecanediol, about 28% 1,2-hexadecanediol, about 28% 1,2-heptadecanediol and about 16% octadecanediol, all percentages by weight) were charged to a glass reactor equipped with heater, agitator, Dean-Stark tube with condenser and provision for blanketing the vapor space with nitrogen. The contents were heated to 70° C. to liquify the solids and 55 g of dimethyl phosphite were slowly added. The reaction mixture was heated to 110° C. and held for 2 hours, held at 120° C. for 1 hour and held at 130° C. for 1 hour. Methanol was observed forming and collecting in the trap. The crude product was vacuum stripped at 150° C. to remove volatile materials, producing 375 g of intermediate additive. The intermediate was an amber fluid which became waxy after cooling.
