a molding composition comprising a polycarbonate resin and plating modifier was found to be suitable for preparing metal coated articles where the metal coating is deposited by an electroless process . the plating modifier in accordance with the invention is at least one member selected from the group consisting of a polyanhydride , and a monovinyl aromatic - acrylonitrile copolymer . an advantageous embodiment of the invention includes incorporating in the molding composition a flame retarding amount of a conventional flame retarding agent for polycarbonate compositions .