Abstract: A process for the production of a precursor which is a polymeric material comprising at least one metallic or non-metallic element, oxygen and carbon and from which a ceramic material, e.g. a carbide, nitride, boride, or silicide, may be produced by pyrolysis, which process comprises reacting(1) a first reactant which comprises a compound or compounds of at least one metallic or non-metallic element having two or more groups reactive with hydroxyl groups, and(2) a second reactant which comprises at least one organic compound having two or more hydroxyl groups,said reaction being effected in a liquid medium in which the reactants are soluble and/or dispersible and in which the polymeric material which is produced by the reaction is insoluble or in which the polymeric material may be caused to be insoluble, precipitating the polymeric material in the liquid medium in particulate form, and recovering the polymeric material from the liquid medium in particulate form.