Abstract: A flame retardant epoxy molding compound comprises an epoxy, a hardener preferably of the novolac or anhydride type, a catalyst, a mold release agent, preferably a filler, preferably a colorant, preferably a coupling agent, an organic compound containing a higher percent of halogen (which can be part of the resin or the hardener), preferably the meta-brominated cresol epoxy novolac type, preferably containing at least about 0.5% of bromine by weight of the molding compound, a lower percent of sodium, preferably in the range of 0.03-0.06% by weight of the antimony pentoxide, a lower percent of antimony pentoxide, preferably in the range of from less than about 0.8% by weight of the molding compound, and an amount of magnesium aluminum carbonate hydrate less than or about 4.0% by weight of the molding compound. The flame retardant epoxy compounds when used to encapsulated the semiconductor devices have improved high temperature stability and reliability compared to similar prior art molding compounds.