The present invention relates to novel epoxides having the formulas
1
where Y is a CO, CO
2
or SO
2
, AR is the same or different divalent unsubstituted or substituted aromatic, halogen-substituted aromatic or cyano-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon radical having from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, Z is a divalent hydrocarbon or ether radical having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, including Y—Z—Y being CO, and R* is an alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy or arylalkoxy radical having from 0-20 carbon atoms. The epoxides of the present invention are useful in the formation of epoxy resins.