A dicarboxylic compound complying with one of the general formulae: ##SPC1##In which R is a divalent radical selected from the aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic radicals, the aliphatic containing 1-20 carbon atoms and the other containing from 5 to 20 carbon atoms, R.sup.1 is selected from the hydrogen atom and the alkyl and cycloalkyl groups containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and R.sup.2 is selected from the alkyl and cycloalkyl groups containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, the polyester resins derived therefrom being usable as enamelling composition, particularly for coating metal wires.