The reactions are disclosed of furfuryl alcohol in the presence of catalyst with aliphatic diacid esters or aliphatic diacid anhydrides to synthesize diesters and monoesters, respectively. The reaction is disclosed of the monoester in the presence of catalyst with alkanols to synthesize diesters. The two types of diesters and the monoesters are proven to be suitable as plasticizers for polymers, particularly polylactic acid. Thermoplastic compounds are disclosed using the esters as plasticizers.