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We successfully prepared a new class of a reactive novolac (3) having a methylol moiety as a functional group derived from its precursor synthesized by the acid-catalyzed addition–condensation of a bisphenol A derivative and formaldehyde. Curing reaction between 3 and the low-molecular-weight phenolic resin (4) afforded the curing product, which showed enhanced thermal stability compared with 4 or the conventional phenolic resin. Consequently, 3 can be applied as a curing agent to modify the thermal property of 4.