This invention relates to adhesive compositions comprising a polyester polyol that includes residues of at least one 2, 2, 4, 4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1, 3-diol, including, for example, 2, 2, 4, 4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1, 3-diol (TMCD). Adhesive compositions as described herein exhibit enhanced properties as compared to conventional adhesive compositions, and may be suitable for a wide variety of end use applications, including, flexible packaging, woodworking, automotive uses, and electronics.