The present invention provides new classes of phenol compounds, includingthose derived from tyrosol and analogues, useful as monomers for preparationofbiocompatible polymers, and biocompatible polymers prepared from thesemonomericphenol compounds, including novel biodegradable and/or bioresorbable polymers.These biocompatible polymers or polymer compositions with enhancedbioresorbabilty and processibility are useful in a variety of medicalapplications, suchas in medical devices and controlled-release therapeutic formulations. Theinventionalso provides methods for preparing these monomeric phenol compounds andbiocompatible polymers.