Terpolymer resins (2-HAMF) were prepared by the condensation of 2-hydroxyacetophenone and melamine with formaldehyde in the presence of acid catalyst and using varied molar ratios of reacting monomers. Compositions of terpolymers have been determined by elemental analysis. The number average molecular weights (Mn) have been determined by conductometric titration in nonaqueous medium. Viscometric measurements in dimethyl sulfoxide have been carried out with a view to ascertain the characteristic functions and constants. Electronic spectra, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were studied to elucidate the structure. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.