A very nice article on synthetic base stocks.
Synthetic lubricant base-stock processes and products
by Margaret M. Wu (a), Suzy C. Ho (b), and T. Rig Forbus (c)
(a) ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Co, Annandale, NJ 08801
(b) ExxonMobil Chemical Co Synthetic Division, Edison, NJ 08818
(c) The Valvoline Co of Ashland, Inc, Lexington, KY 40512