Abstract: A polymer derived by heating in the presence of an acid catalyst at between about 65.degree. C. and 260.degree. C.I. a reaction product, a cogeneric mixture of alkoxy functional compounds, having average equivalent weights in the range from about 220 to about 1200, obtained by heating in the presence of a strong acid at about 50.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C.(a) a diaryl compound selected from naphthalene, diphenyl oxide, diphenyl sulfide, their alkylated or halogenated derivatives or mixtures thereof,(B) formaldehyde or formaldehyde-yielding derivative,(C) water, and(D) a hydroxy aliphatic hydrocarbon compound having at least one free hydroxyl group and from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, which mixture contains up to 50 percent by weight unreacted (A); withIi. at least one monomeric phenolic reactant selected from the group ##STR1## WHEREIN R is selected from the group consisting of ##STR2## HYDROGEN, ALKYL RADICAL OF 1-20 CARBON ATOMS, ARYL RADICAL OF 6-20 CARBON ATOMS, WHEREIN R.sub.