Esters having the general formula: ##STR1## where X is a halogen, n is 1-5, Y is an alkyl, ether, ester, or nitro substituent, m is 0-2, Z is an ester linkage --OCO-- or --CO.sub.2 --, R' is a haloalkyl group, and p is 1-3, constitute high density flotation fluids for inertial instruments such as gyroscopes and accelerometers. Synthetic methods are disclosed for production of such fluids from available starting materials.