A solvating component for a solvated mesophase pitch. The solvated component includes a mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons having boiling points in the atmospheric equivalent boiling point range of about 285° to about 500° C. (about 550° F.-932° F.). At least 80% of the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbons are aromatic as characterized by carbon 13 NMR. The aromatic hydrocarbons are selected from a group consisting of aromatic compounds having 2 to 5 aromatic rings, substituted aromatic compounds having 2 to 5 aromatic rings wherein said substituents are alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbons, hydroaromatic compounds having 2 to 5 rings, substituted aromatic compounds having 2 to 5 rings wherein said substituents are alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbons, and mixtures thereof.