Polycondensation of a saturated dicarboxylic acid with a polyhydric alcohol typically produces which class of resin?

Introduction / Context:
Alkyds are workhorse coating resins. Recognising their synthetic origin helps distinguish them from epoxies, phenolics, and polyamides which arise from different monomer families and cure chemistries.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Saturated dicarboxylic acid (or anhydride) reacts with a polyhydric alcohol (polyol).
• We consider classical resin manufacture used in coatings.

Concept / Approach:
Alkyd resins are polyesters modified with fatty acids or oils, formed by condensation of diacids/anhydrides (e.g., phthalic anhydride) with polyols (e.g., glycerol, pentaerythritol). Epoxies derive from epoxide monomers; polyamides from diamine + diacid; phenolics from phenol + formaldehyde. Thus the described reaction is characteristic of alkyd formation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Match monomers (diacid + polyol) to polyester/alkyd chemistry.Identify coatings context → alkyd resin.Eliminate epoxy, polyamide, and phenolic which use different monomers.

Verification / Alternative check:
Coatings texts define alkyds as oil-modified polyesters made by polycondensation of polyols and polybasic acids.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Monomer sets and mechanisms do not match the given description.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing generic “polyester” with the more specific, oil-modified “alkyd” used in paints.

Final Answer:
Alkyd resin