Abstract: A resinous composition containing as an essential ingredient a binder comprising a product obtained byI. reacting in a first stage a solution of1. a copolymer containing anhydride groups with2. at least one alcohol containing up to 2 hydroxy groups to yield a reaction product wherein the anhydride groups are at least partially converted to semiester groups, andIi. reacting3. the product thus obtained in the presence of water at a temperature in the range from 50.degree. to 120.degree. C with4. a salt-forming compound of a polyvalent metal, the solvent present in the first stage of the reaction being compatible with said alcohol and partially miscible with water only to such an extent that two phases are formed therewith together with at least one pigment and an aromatic hydrocarbon as a solvent.

Abstract: A process for preparing modified copolymers while substantially reducing disintegration, which copolymers contain carboxylic groups to which cations of polyvalent metals are bound which comprises reacting in a first stage a solution of a copolymer containing anhydride groups of vicinal carboxylic groups or a combination of such anhydride with vicinal carboxylic groups and/or other radicals capable of forming vicinal carboxylic groups with certain alcohols to yield a reaction product in which at least a part of the anhydride groups is converted to semiester groups, and reacting the product thus obtained in the presence of water at a temperature in the range from 50.degree. to 120.degree. C with a salt-forming compound of a polyvalent metal. The invention is also directed to resinous compositions, particularly printing inks, containing such products.