Compounds of the general formulae ##STR1## where R is versatyl and R' is unsubstituted or alkyl-substituted straight-chain alkylene of 4 or 5 carbon atoms can be prepared by reacting the versatic ester of 1,3-dihydroxy-propyl-2 acrylate and/or of 2,3-dihydroxy-propyl-1 acrylate with equimolar amounts of saturated or monoolefinically unsaturated cyclic dicarboxylic anhydrides having 4 or 5 carbon atoms and an oxygen atom in the ring at from 50.degree. to 150.degree. C. in the presence of customary esterification catalysts and can be used as reactive diluents in radiation-curable contact adhesives.