FIELD: chemical industry. SUBSTANCE: isomeric pentane acid mixtures are prepared by hydroformulation of butene-1 and butene-2 mixture to form aldehyde mixtures and by oxidation of oxidation of separated mixtures. Hydroformulation is carried out in the presence of water soluble rhodium catalysts. Mixture of isomeric monocarboxylic acids having 5 carbon atoms during esterification by means of di- or multiatomic alcohols gives mixture of isomeric esters which are useful as lubricating agent for refrigerator compressors which function with chlorine- free partially fluorinated hydrocarbons as cooling agent. EFFECT: improved properties of the title compounds. 7 cl, 1 tbl
