Deoxybenzoin compounds including unsaturation are disclosed. The unsaturated deoxybenxoin compounds have the structure (I), (II), or (III) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and n are defined herein. Also disclosed are polyesters including repeating units having the structure (IV), (V), or a combination thereof wherein Ar1, R7, and m are defined herein. The polyesters can be further functionalized, for example by various phosphorous-containing compounds. The polyesters described herein can be useful for the preparation of various articles having reduced flammability.