The reactions between N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine and ethylene or propylene oxide were carried out to obtain 3-[p-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl]-3-azapentane-1,5-diol and 4-[p-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl]-4-azaheptane-2,6-diol, respectively. The structures of the products were determined using elemental analysis, H-1-NMR and IR spectroscopy techniques. The diols were incorporated into unsaturated polyester resins. The time of gelation and stability of the resins was observed. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.