PURPOSE: To provide a polyol compsn. which is particularly suitable for use in the production of polyurethane foams and forms products which do not have turbidity, haze and odor, by neutralizing an alkylene oxide adduct contg. a basic catalyst with a hydroxycarboxylic acid.

CONSTITUTION: The addition of an alkylene oxide (i) to a compd. (i) having at least two active hydrogen atoms (e.g. ethylene glycol or hydroquinone) in the presence of a basic catalyst (e.g. NaOH or triethylamine) produces a polyol composn. contg. the catalyst which is then neutralized with a hydroxycarboxylic acid to a pH of 4W8 to obtain a neutralized compsn. Said neutralized compsn. is reacted, e.g., with a polyisocyanate in the presence or the absence of a blowing agent to produce a polyurethane foam (or a resin).

EFFECT: A stage for the removal of the catalyst is not required. The salt of the basic catalyst, which is formed by the neutralization, does not inhibit the urethane-forming reaction.

USE: Lubricating oils, working oils, parting agents, plasticizers, emulsion breakers, etc.