A phenolic compound having a branched structure is disclosed. The compound conforms to HO—Ar1—X—Ar2—[Y—W]n  (1) wherein Ar1 and Ar2 independently denote an optionally substituted mononuclear or polynuclear aromatic moiety, X and Y independently denote a single bond or a divalent radical, W denotes an optionally substituted mononuclear or polynuclear aromatic moiety or an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic radical, and n is 1 to 5, is useful as a terminal group in polycarbonates, polyester carbonates and polyesters. Also disclosed is a process for producing such resins where the disclosed compound is a chain terminator.