A new tricyanate ester monomer of a tris(4-hydroxyphenyl) benzene derivative was synthesized in 6-steps with a 63% overall yield. The geminal substitution of phenyl rings on ethane, in addition to the creation of a racemic/diastereomeric mixture, resulted in a liquid monomer whereas compounds with similar structure and symmetry have melting points typically over 100 degrees C. Key properties of the polycyanurate, such as the glass transition temperature and moisture resistance, were positively influenced by the higher crosslink density provided by the monomer. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 4547-4554, 2010