Polyesters derived from coal

Resin products produced by reacting unique polycyclic, aromatic, polycarboxylic acid products with low molecular weight polyols display satisfactory toughness properties and good Barcol hardness values. The process for preparing these resin products first involves preparing an intimate, finely divided mixture comprising the acid product derived from the nitric acid oxidation of naturally occurring said carbonaceous material, an equivalent amount of a liquid polyol, and a suitable acid catalyst. The mixture is then subjected to a precure step which involves heating at temperatures between 80 DEG and 150 DEG C for from fifteen minutes to four hours. The precured mixture may thereafter be subjected to suitable molding conditions at a temperature below 220 DEG C.