A compound of the formula R1.[(AO)n.—R2]m (I) where: R1 is the residue of a group having at least m active hydrogen atoms; AO is an alkylene oxide residue; each n is independently from 1 to 100; m is at least 2; and each R2 is independently H, a C1 to C21 hydrocarbyl, or an acyl group —OC.R3, where R3 is a C1 to C21 hydrocarbyl group, wherein on average greater than one of the R2 groups is or comprises a C4 to C21 hydrocarbyl group comprising at least two ethylenic double bonds. The compounds are particularly suitable for use in preparing aqueous emulsions or dispersions of resins and polymers, especially alkyd resins.