Basic and acid dispersants derived from branched alkyl aliphatic acids and alcohols and one or more hydroxy carboxylic acid or lactone to give a polyoxyalkylenecarbonyl chain (POAC) having a terminal carboxylic acid group (TPOAC acid) or terminal hydroxy group (TPOAC alcohol). Preferred basic dispersants are obtained by reaching one or more TPOAC acids with a polyamine or polyimine such as polyethyleneimine and preferred anionic dispersants are prepared by forming a phosphate ester of a TPOAC alcohol.