Isotropic Pitch Compositions from Aromatic Feedstocks, Methods of Making the Same, and Uses Thereof

A method comprising:

• mixing an aromatic feedstock comprising one or more aromatic classes with formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde, in the presence of acetic acid at ambient temperature to produce a first mixture;
• heating the first mixture at a temperature of about 40° C. to about 300° C.;
• mixing a second mixture comprising sulfuric acid and acetic acid to the first mixture at a temperature of about 40° C. to about 300° C. to form a mix comprising an isotropic pitch composition, wherein the isotropic pitch composition comprises:
• at least two monomers linked with at least one methylene bridge between each one of the at least two monomers, wherein each one of the at least monomers comprises the one or more aromatic classes comprising one or more 5-membered rings, 6-membered rings, and any combination thereof;
• and wherein the isotropic pitch composition has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of about 300 g/mol to about 1,500 g/mol, a softening point (TSp) of 90° C. or greater, and a micro carbon residue (MCR) of about 18 wt % or greater, based on the total weight of the isotropic pitch composition.