TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Components: The reducing agent is lithium aluminum hydride.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preparation: No general method for preparation of the compound (I) is given. Preferred Process: The condition suitable to obtain serinol is acidic condition. Preferred Composition: The lubricant composition further comprises at least one additive comprising viscosity-index improvers, pour point depressants, oxidation inhibitors, anti-wear agents, anti-foam additives, corrosion inhibitors, dispersants, detergents, acid neutralizers and/or rust inhibitors. Preferred Components: The diacid is HOOC(CH2)mCOOH. The diesel fuel is from petroleum. The biodiesel is a mixture of fatty acid alkyl esters from fats and oils.m=0-20 (preferably 2-8).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Compound: The molecular weight of the polyester (P1) is greater than 500 (preferably 500-100000, more preferably 1000-80000) grams/mole. A terminal hydroxyl group of the polyester (P1) is derivatized with a methacrylate, acrylate, hydrolysable alkoxysilane, and/or photo initiator. The molecular weight of the polyurethane (P2) is greater than 500 (preferably 500-150000, more preferably 1000-100000) grams/mole. A terminal hydroxyl group of the polyurethane (P2) is derivatized with a methacrylate, acrylate, vinyl ether, hydrolysable alkoxysilanes or photoinitiator. Preferred Definitions:    F1a and F2a=2-ethylhexanoic acid ester residue;    R7 and R8=methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl or hexyl;    n=2-6;    R2=phenyl;    L=tosyl group;    o=10-100000;    R16 and R17=H.    EXAMPLE - To a stirred solution of 1,3-benzylidine glycerol (20 g) in dry N,N-dimethylformamide (200 ml) sodium hydride (5.28 g) was added at 0 degrees C. After 30 minutes methyl iodide (9.2 ml) was added followed by tetrabutyl ammonium bromide (0.5 g) at 0 degrees C, reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 12 hours. After work-up 2-methyl 1,3-benzylidine glycerol (21 g) was obtained. To a stirred solution of 2-methyl 1,3-benzylidine glycerol (22 g) in methanol (150 ml), amberlyte resin (2.2 g) was added and stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. After work-up 2-methyl glycerol (10 g, 83%) was obtained.