A lubricating oil base stock including one or more monoesters represented by the formula (I), (II), (III) and (IV) as defined herein. The lubricating oil base stock has a high temperature high shear (HTHS) viscosity of less than about 1.7 cP as determined by ASTM D4683, and a Noack volatility from about 15 to about 90 percent as determined by ASTM D5800. A lubricating oil containing the lubricating oil base stock including one or more monoesters represented by the formula (I), (II), (III) and (IV) as defined herein. A method for improving one or more of thermal and oxidative stability, solubility and dispersancy of polar additives, deposit control and traction control in a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil containing the lubricating oil base stock including one or more monoesters represented by the formula (I), (II), (III) and (IV) as defined herein.