Abstract: Coatings of polyisocyanates, which contain a latent catalyst of the formula I[(R.sup.1) Fe.sup.II (R.sup.2)].sub.a.sup.+ [X].sup.a- Iin which a is 1, 2 or 3, R.sup.1 is an uncharged carbocyclic or heterocyclic, unsubstituted or substituted aromatic ring, R.sup.2 is an unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl or indenyl anion and [X].sup.a- is an anion from the series comprising F.sup.-, Cl.sup.-, Br.sup.-, I.sup.-, CN.sup.-, NCO.sup.-, NCS.sup.-, CH.sub.3 COO.sup.-, CF.sub.3 COO.sup.-, SO.sub.4.sup.2-, PO.sub.4.sup.3-, NO.sub.3.sup.-, ClO.sub.4.sup.-, [(phenyl).sub.4 B].sup.-, C.sub.6 H.sub.5 SO.sub.3.sup.-, CH.sub.3 C.sub.6 H.sub.4 SO.sub.3.sup.-, CF.sub.3 C.sub.6 H.sub.4 SO.sub.3.sup.-, CH.sub.3 SO.sub.3.sup.-, CF.sub.3 SO.sub.3.sup.-, C.sub.4 F.sub.9 SO.sub.3.sup.-, C.sub.6 F.sub.13 SO.sub.3.sup.-, C.sub.8 F.sub.17 SO.sub.3.sup.-, C.sub.6 F.sub.5 SO.sub.3.sup.-, BF.sub.4.sup. -, AlF.sub.4.sup.-, AlCl.sub.4.sup.-, TiF.sub.6.sup.2-, PF.sub.6.sup.-, SbF.sub.6.sup.-, SbCl.sub.6.sup.-, GeF.sub.6.sup.

Abstract: Orthocarbonates of the formula I ##STR1## in which R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, x is zero, 1 or 2, and A is a trivalent radical derived from an aliphatic triol by omitting the hydroxyl groups, the hydroxyl groups of the triol being bonded to different carbon atoms, are suitable as cocomponents in the curing of epoxy resins in that they limit the reduction in volume occurring during curing of epoxy resins. In addition, the cured resins are distinguished by increased flexural strength and impact strength.