Compounds of the general formulaX--Y--O--(A--O--Y--O).sub.m --A--O--Y--X (1)wherein X is a radical of the general formula[R.sup.1 --G.sub.p --(O--CHR.sup.2 --CHR.sup.3 --).sub.n ].sub.2 N--(1a)in which R.sup.1 is a saturated aliphatic radical of from 6 to 30 carbon atoms or an unsaturated aliphatic radical having one or several ethylenic bonds and being of from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, G is phenylene or naphthylene, p is zero or 1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are hydrogen or methyl, but are not both methyl, and n is a number from 0 to 25, Y is a radical of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 have the indicated meanings and q represents identical or different numbers from 0 to about 200, A is a radical of the general formula ##STR2## in which R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are hydrogen or alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and m is a number from zero to 5, n and q not being both zero; and their use, in particular as dispersing agents, are disclosed.