Described herein is a process for preparing polyarylates of improved color which comprises reacting a diester derivative of a dihydric phenol with an aromatic dicarboxylic acid in the presence of from about 10 to about 60 weight percent of at least one cycloaliphatic, substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic compound, which compounds contain at least one benzylic and/or tertiary hydrogen atom, at a temperature of from about 260.degree. to about 350.degree. C. Optionally, the process may be carried out in the presence of a magnesium, manganese, or zinc catalyst.