The invention relates to hydroxyl-functional binder components ABC containing a linear or branched main chain having a polymethylene structure —(CH2)n— or a polyester structure or a structure derived from the fatty acid esters of glycerin or other polyvalent alcohols. The invention is characterized in that said components have grafted cyclic imide structures on the main chain, wherein the imide-nitrogen atom is substituted by a hydroxyalkyl group or a hydroxyalkyl-aryl group. The invention also relates to method for the production of said components by reacting oleofinically unsaturated acid anhydrides B and hydroxyamines C and to the utilization of the inventive components for the formulation of binders.