The present study shows nuclear magnetic resonance to be a fast, versatile and reliable technique for monitoring the structural changes that take place during the processing of anthracene oil to produce pitches. H-1 and C-13 {H-1} NMR analysis of all the intermediate products involved in the two steps of anthracene oil processing (thermal oxidative treatment and thermal treatment in an inert atmosphere) has disclosed changes in the C-C and C-H bonds of the compounds. The short time scale required ensures a fast and thorough method of monitoring the entire process which is capable of yielding pitches with "on demand" characteristics. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.