Fluorescence Sensing and Selective Binding of a Novel 4,4′‐Sulfonyldianiline‐Bridged Bis(β‐cyclodextrin) for Bile Salts

A novel 4,4′‐sulfonyldianiline‐bridged bis(β‐cyclodextrin (CD)) 2 was synthesized, and its complex stability constants (K_s) for the 1 : 1 inclusion complexation with bile salts, i.e., cholate (CA), deoxycholate (DCA), glycocholate (GCA), and taurocholate (TCA) have been determined in phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) at 25° by fluorescence spectroscopy. The result indicated that 2 can act as efficient fluorescent sensor and display remarkable fluorescence enhancement upon addition of optically inert bile salts. Structures of the inclusion complexes between bile salts and 2 were elucidated by 2D‐NMR experiments, indicating that the anionic tail group and the D ring of bile salts penetrate into one CD cavity of 2 from the wide opening deeply, while the phenyl moiety of the CD linker is partially self‐included in the other CD cavity to form a host–linker–guest binding mode. As compared with native β‐CD 1 upon complexation with bile salts, bis(β‐CD) 2 enhances the binding ability and molecular selectivity. Typically, 2 gives the highest K_s value of 26200 M ^?1 for the complexation with CA, which may be ascribed to the simultaneous contributions of hydrophobic, H‐bond, and electrostatic interactions. These phenomena are discussed from the viewpoints of multiple recognition and induce‐fit interactions between host and guest.     

Two Energetic Salts based on 5,5′‐Bitetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate: Syntheses,Characterization, and Properties

Two salts based on 1H,1′H‐5,5′‐bitetrazole‐1,1′‐diolate (BTO) anion with pyrazole ( 1 ) and imidazole ( 2 ) cations were synthesized with metathesis reactions. Structural characterization was accomplished for them by using the element analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), NMR and mass spectrum, and X‐ray single crystal diffraction. Thermal analysis for the title salts were determined by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry‐derivative thermogravimetry (TG‐DTG) as well as the calculation of non‐isothermal kinetic parameters. Consequently, both salts shown acceptable thermal stabilities as the decomposition temperatures were over 200 °C. The enthalpies of formation were calculated for these salts using the measured combustion energies with a result of 70.6 kJ · mol^–1 for 1 and –47.8 kJ · mol^–1 for 2 , respectively. Impact and friction sensitivities were also tested and the results indicated that these salts both have low sensitivities (>40 J, 120 N). The title energetic salts possess acceptable performance, they can therefore be applied in the field of energetic materials.     

Metal Salts of 3,3′‐Diamino‐4,4′‐dinitramino‐5,5′‐bi‐1,2,4‐triazole in Pyrotechnic Compositions

The synthesis of alkali and alkaline earth salts of 3,3′‐diamino‐4,4′‐dinitramino‐5,5′‐bi‐1,2,4‐triazole (H₂ANAT) is reported. The fast and convenient three steps reaction toward the target compounds does not require any organic solvents. In addition to an intensive characterization of all synthesized metal salts, the focus was on developing chlorine and nitrate‐free red‐light‐generating pyrotechnical formulations. Strontium 3,3′‐diamino‐4,4′‐dinitramino‐5,5′‐bitriazolate hexahydrate served as colorant and oxidizer in one molecule. The energetic properties of all developed pyrotechnical formulations assure safe handling and manufacturing.     

Glyceride‐Mimetic Prodrugs Incorporating Self‐Immolative Spacers Promote Lymphatic Transport,Avoid First‐Pass Metabolism,and Enhance Oral Bioavailability

First‐pass hepatic metabolism can significantly limit oral drug bioavailability. Drug transport from the intestine through the lymphatic system, rather than the portal vein, circumvents first‐pass metabolism. However, the majority of drugs do not have the requisite physicochemical properties to facilitate lymphatic access. Herein, we describe a prodrug strategy that promotes selective transport through the intestinal lymph vessels and subsequent release of drug in the systemic circulation, thereby enhancing oral bioavailability. Using testosterone (TST) as a model high first‐pass drug, glyceride‐mimetic prodrugs incorporating self‐immolative (SI) spacers, resulted in remarkable increases (up to 90‐fold) in TST plasma exposure when compared to the current commercial product testosterone undecanoate (TU). This approach opens new opportunities for the effective development of drugs where oral delivery is limited by first‐pass metabolism and provides a new avenue to enhance drug targeting to intestinal lymphoid tissue.     

Glyceride‐Mimetic Prodrugs Incorporating Self‐Immolative Spacers Promote Lymphatic Transport,Avoid First‐Pass Metabolism,and Enhance Oral Bioavailability

First‐pass hepatic metabolism can significantly limit oral drug bioavailability. Drug transport from the intestine through the lymphatic system, rather than the portal vein, circumvents first‐pass metabolism. However, the majority of drugs do not have the requisite physicochemical properties to facilitate lymphatic access. Herein, we describe a prodrug strategy that promotes selective transport through the intestinal lymph vessels and subsequent release of drug in the systemic circulation, thereby enhancing oral bioavailability. Using testosterone (TST) as a model high first‐pass drug, glyceride‐mimetic prodrugs incorporating self‐immolative (SI) spacers, resulted in remarkable increases (up to 90‐fold) in TST plasma exposure when compared to the current commercial product testosterone undecanoate (TU). This approach opens new opportunities for the effective development of drugs where oral delivery is limited by first‐pass metabolism and provides a new avenue to enhance drug targeting to intestinal lymphoid tissue.     

Studies on oral bioavailability and first‐pass metabolism of withaferin A in rats using LC–MS/MS and Q‐TRAP

Withaferin A (WA) is one of the major bioactive steroidal lactones with extensive pharmacological activities present in the plant Withania somnifera. The absolute oral bioavailability of WA remains unknown and human‐related in vitro data are not available. Therefore, in the present study, the absolute oral bioavailability of WA in male rats and the in vitro screening of absorption factors by Q‐trap and LC–MS/MS analysis were conducted to explore possible clinical properties of WA. The developed and validated analytical methods were successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic studies and in vitro measurement of WA. The oral bioavailability was determined to be 32.4 ± 4.8% based on intravenous (5 mg/kg) and oral (10 mg/kg) administrations of WA in male rats. The in vitro results showed that WA could be easily transported across Caco‐2 cells and WA did not show as a substrate for P‐glycoprotein. Moreover, the stability of WA was similar between male rat and human in simulated gastric fluid (stable), in intestinal microflora solution (slow decrease) and in liver microsomes (rapid depletion, with a half‐life of 5.6 min). As such, the first‐pass metabolism of WA was further verified by rat intestine‐liver in situ perfusion, revealing that WA rapidly decreased and 27.1% remained within 1 h, while the content of three major metabolites (M1, M4, M5) identified by Q‐trap increased. This perfusion result is consistent with the oral bioavailability results in vivo. The first‐pass metabolism of WA might be the main barrier in achieving good oral bioavailability in male rats and it is predicted to be similar in humans. This study may hold clinical significance.     

Pharmacokinetics of 2,3,5,4′‐tetrahydroxystilbene‐2‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside in rat using ultra‐performance LC‐quadrupole TOF‐MS

2,3,5,4′‐Tetrahydroxystilbene‐2‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside (THSG) from Polygoni multiflori has been demonstrated to possess a variety of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities. Ultra‐performance LC‐quadrupole TOF‐MS with MS Elevated Energy data collection technique and rapid resolution LC with diode array detection and ESI multistage MSⁿ methods were developed for the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, metabolism, and excretion studies of THSG in rats following a single intravenous or oral dose. The three metabolites were identified by rapid resolution LC‐MSⁿ. The concentrations of the THSG in rat plasma, bile, urine, feces, or tissue samples were determined by ultra‐performance LC‐MS. The results showed that THSG was rapidly distributed and eliminated from rat plasma. After the intravenous administration, THSG was mainly distributing in the liver, heart, and lung. For the rat, the major distribution tissues after oral administration were heart, kidney, liver, and lung. There was no long‐term storage of THSG in rat tissues. Total recoveries of THSG within 24 h were low (0.1% in bile, 0.007% in urine, and 0.063% in feces) and THSG was excreted mainly in the forms of metabolites, which may resulted from biotransformation in the liver.     

1,1′‐Nitramino‐5,5′‐bitetrazoles

1,1′‐Dinitramino‐5,5′‐bitetrazole and 1,1′‐dinitramino‐5,5′‐azobitetrazole were synthesized for the first time. The neutral compounds are extremely sensitive and powerful explosives. Selected nitrogen‐rich salts were prepared to adjust sensitivity and performance values. The compounds were characterized by low‐temperature X‐ray diffraction, IR and Raman spectroscopy, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and DTA/DSC. Calculated energetic performances using the EXPLO5 code based on calculated (CBS‐4M) heats of formation and X‐ray densities support the high performances of the 1,1′‐dinitramino‐5,5′‐bitetrazoles as energetic materials. The sensitivities toward impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge were also explored. Most of the compounds show sensitivities in the range of primary explosives and should only be handled with great care!     

Syntheses of multicyclic poly(ether sulfone)s from 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrahydroxy‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethyl spirobisindane and 4,4′‐bis(4‐chlorophenyl) sulfones

5,5′,6,6′‐Tetrahydroxy‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethyl spirobisindane (TTSBI) was polycondensed with 4,4′‐dichlorodiphenyl sulfone (DCDPS) or with 4,4′‐bis(4‐chlorophenyl sulfonyl) biphenyl (BCSBP) in DMSO. Concentration and feed ratio were optimized to avoid gelation and to obtain a maximum yield of multicyclic polyethers free of functional groups. Regardless of these reaction conditions, only low fractions of perfect multicycles were obtained from DCDPS apparently due to steric hindrance of ring closure. Under the same conditions high fractions of perfect multicycles were achieved with the longer and more flexible DCSBP. The reaction products were characterized by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry, ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy viscosity, and DSC measurements. Relatively low glass transition temperatures (T_gs ≈ 160–175 °C) were found. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3732–3739, 2008     

Energetic 4,4′‐Oxybis[3,3′‐(1‐hydroxytetrazolyl)]furazan and Its Salts

Energetic compounds that incorporate multiple nitrogen‐rich heterocycles are of great interest for high‐density energetic materials. A facile synthetic strategy to combine an oxy bridge and furazan groups, as well as tetrazole‐ols, into a molecule ( 5 ) was found. Some energetic salts based on 5 were prepared by neutralization. All of the compounds were fully characterized. Additionally, the structure of 7 has been elucidated by single‐crystal XRD analysis. Physicochemical and energetic properties were also studied; these show that these newly designed energetic salts exhibit good thermal stabilities. Hydroxylammonium salt ( 6 ) has a detonation performance and sensitivities comparable with those of 1,3,5‐trinitroperhydro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX).     

Two Bulky Conjugated 4′‐(4‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐4,2′:6′,4′′‐terpyridine‐based Layered Complexes: Synthesis,Structure, and Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Activity

Two new layered complexes with the formulas of {[Cu(H₂O)(HL)₂Cl](NO₃)}_n ( 1 ) and {[Cu(H₂O)₂(HL)₂](NO₃)₂}_n ( 2 ) were solvothermally synthesized by the reactions of the bulky conjugated 4′‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4,2′:6′,4′′‐terpyridine ligand (HL) with different Cu^II salts, which were further used as photocatalysts to achieve hydrogen production from water splitting. Single‐crystal structural analyses reveal that both complexes feature coplanar (4 4) layers with different connection manners between the HL extended Z‐shaped chains. More interestingly, 1 possessing more negative conduction band potential and higher structural stability exhibits a large hydrogen production rate of 2.43 mmol · g^–1 · h^–1, which is four times higher than that of 2 . Thus, the Cu^II‐based coordination polymers modified by the bulky conjugated organic ligand can become potentially promising non‐Pt photocatalysts for hydrogen production from water splitting.     

High solubility,low‐dielectric constant,and optical transparency of novel polyimides derived from 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl‐4″‐isopropyltoluene

A series of novel polyimides (PIs) ( 3a–d ) were prepared from 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl‐4 ″ ‐isopropyltoluene ( 1 ) with four aromatic dianhydrides via a one‐step high temperature polycondensation procedure. The obtained PIs showed excellent solubility, with most of them dissoluble at a concentration of 10 wt % in amide polar solvents and chlorinated solvents. Their films were nearly colorless and exhibited high‐optical transparency, with the UV cutoff wavelength in the range of 328–353 nm and the transparency at 450 nm >80%. They also showed low‐dielectric constant (2.49–2.94 at 1 MHz) and low‐water absorptions (0.44–0.65%). Moreover, these PIs possessed high‐glass transition temperatures (T_g) beyond 327 °C and excellent thermal stability with 10% weight loss temperatures in the range of 530–555 °C in nitrogen atmosphere. In comparison with some fluorinated poly(ether imide)s derived from the trifluoromethyl‐substituted bis(ether amine)s, the resultant PIs 3a–d showed better solubility, lower cutoff wavelength, and higher T_g. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3309–3317, 2009     

Improved conditions for fluorescent staining of proteins with 4,4′‐dianilino‐1,1′‐binaphthyl‐5,5′‐disulfonic acid in SDS‐PAGE

A simple and sensitive fluorescent staining method for the detection of proteins in SDS‐PAGE, namely IB (improved 4,4′‐dianilino‐1,1′‐binaphthyl‐5,5′‐disulfonic acid) stain, is described. Non‐covalent hydrophobic probe 4,4′‐dianilino‐1,1′‐binaphthyl‐5,5′‐disulfonic acid was applied as a fluorescent dye, which can bind to hydrophobic sites in proteins non‐specifically. As low as 1 ng of protein band can be detected briefly by 30 min washing followed by 15 min staining without the aiding of stop or destaining step. The sensitivity of the new presented protocol is similar to that of SYPRO Ruby, which has been widely accepted in proteomic research. Comparative analysis of the MS compatibility of IB stain and SYPRO Ruby stain allowed us to address that IB stain is compatible with the downstream of protein identification by PMF.     

Development and validation of RP‐HPLC‐fluorescence method for quantitative determination of quinidine,a probe substrate for P‐glycoprotein inhibition assay using Caco‐2 cell monolayer

A simple, sensitive and specific reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatographic (RP‐HPLC) method with fluorescence detection was developed for quantitation of quinidine from HBSS buffer. The method was applicable in the bi‐directional transport assay for evaluation of the inhibitory effect of test compounds on P‐glycoprotein‐mediated quinidine transport; quinidine was used as a probe P‐glycoprotein substrate. The calibration curve was linear (correlation coefficient ≥99) in the range 0.30–100.00 nm. The method was validated and is specific and sensitive with limit of quantitation of 300 pm for quinidine. The method was found to be accurate and precise in the working calibration range. Stability studies were carried out at different storage conditions where the analyte was found to be stable. The applicability and reliability of the analytical method was evaluated by successful demonstration of efflux ratio (P_appB → A/P_appA → B) in the Caco‐2 cell monolayer efflux assay. The efflux ratio for quinidine (100 nm) alone was 10.8, which reduced to less than 2 in the presence of the classical P‐gp inhibitors verapamil and ketoconazole (100 μm each). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

New pressure‐assisted sweeping on‐line preconcentration for highly polar environmentally relevant nitrosamines: Part 2. Cationic and anionic surfactants with zero‐flow capillaries

We recently introduced a pressure‐assisted sweeping‐reversed migration‐EKC (RM‐EKC) method for preconcentration of neutral polar N‐nitrosamines with low affinity for the micellar phase. The type of surfactant and phase ratio are dominant factors in dictating the magnitude of interactions between analyte and micellar phase, thus four surfactants (anionic and cationic) with a range of functionalities (SDS, ammonium perfluorooctanoate (APFO), bile salts, and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC)) were evaluated for sweeping‐RM‐EKC of highly polar N‐nitrosamines. All gave acceptable results for sweeping‐RM‐EKC when used in high concentrations (≥200 mM) with low EOF. While no single surfactant was superior by all measures, all but the bile salts had useful performance characteristics. APFO showed the narrowest peak widths and highest number of theoretical plates, though two species co‐migrated at all concentrations (25–300 mM); SDS and the cationic surfactant CTAC also showed good separation characteristics and could resolve all peaks, but CTAC had wider separation window. Various types of capillaries coated for EOF control were compared for use with anionic and cationic surfactants. A commercial zero‐EOF capillary coated with a polymer bearing sulfonic acid functional groups showed superior EOF suppression and reproducibility of migration time with all surfactants.     

A new route for the synthesis of phosphate esters: 2,2′‐[benzene‐1,2‐diylbis(oxy)]bis(5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphinane) 2,2′‐dioxide

Podand‐type ligands are an interesting class of acyclic ligands which can form host–guest complexes with many transition metals and can undergo conformational changes. Organic phosphates are components of many biological molecules. A new route for the synthesis of phosphate esters with a retained six‐membered ring has been used to prepare 2,2′‐[benzene‐1,2‐diylbis(oxy)]bis(5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphinane) 2,2′‐dioxide, C₆H₄{O[cyclo‐P(O)OCH₂CMe₂CH₂O]}₂ or C₁₆H₂₄O₈P₂, (1), 2‐[(2′‐hydroxybiphenyl‐2‐yl)oxy]‐5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphinane 2‐oxide, [cyclo‐P(O)OCH₂CMe₂CH₂O](2,2′‐OC₆H₄–C₆H₄OH), (2), and oxybis(5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphinane) 2,2′‐dioxide, O[cyclo‐P(O)OCH₂CMe₂CH₂O]₂, (3). Compound (1) is novel, whereas the results for compounds (2) and (3) have been reported previously, but we record here our results for compound (3), which we find are more precise and accurate than those currently reported in the literature. In (1), two cyclo‐P(O)OCH₂CMe₂CH₂O groups are linked through a catechol group. The conformations about the two catechol O atoms are quite different, viz. one C—C—O—P torsion angle is −169.11 (11)° and indicates a trans arrangement, whereas the other C—C—O—P torsion angle is 92.48 (16)°, showing a gauche conformation. Both six‐membered POCCCO rings have good chair‐shape conformations. In both the trans and gauche conformations, the catechol O atoms are in the axial sites and the short P=O bonds are equatorially bound.     

3,4‐Dithiaphosphole and 3,3′,4,4′‐Tetrathia‐1,1′‐Biphosphole π‐Conjugated Systems: S Makes the Impact

Conjugated systems based on phospholes and 1,1′‐biphospholes bearing 3,4‐ethylenedithia bridges have been prepared using the Fagan–Nugent route. The mechanism of this organometallic route leading to intermediate zirconacyclopentadienes has been investigated by using theoretical calculations. This study revealed that the oxidative coupling leading to zirconacyclopentadienes is favored over oxidative addition within the S? C≡C bond both thermodynamically and kinetically. The impact of the presence of the S atoms on the optical and electrochemical behavior of the phospholes and 1,1′‐biphospholes has been systematically evaluated both experimentally and theoretically. A comparison with their “all‐carbon” analogues is provided. Of particular interest, this comparative study revealed that the introduction of S atoms has an impact on the electronic properties of phosphole‐based conjugated systems. A decrease of the HOMO–LUMO separation and a stabilization of the LUMO level were observed. These general trends are also observed with 1,1′‐biphospholes exhibiting σ–π conjugation. The P atom of the 3,4‐ethylenedithiaphospholes can be selectively oxidized by S₈ or O₂. These P modifications result in a lowering of the HOMO–LUMO separation as well as an increase of the reduction and oxidation potentials. The S atoms of the 3,4‐ethylenedithia bridge of the 2,5‐phosphole have been oxidized using m‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid. The resulting 3,4‐ethylenesulfoxide oxophosphole was characterized by an X‐ray diffraction study. Experimental and theoretical studies show that this novel chemical manipulation results in an increase of the HOMO–LUMO separation and an important decrease of the LUMO level. The electropolymerization of 2‐thienyl‐capped 3,4‐ethylenedithiathioxophosphole and 1,1′‐biphosphole is reported. The impact of the S substituents on the polymer properties is discussed.     

Influence of verapamil on pharmacokinetics of pristimerin in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of verapamil on the pharmacokinetics of pristimerin in rats. A sensitive and reliable LC‐MS/MS method was developed and applied for the determination of pristimerin in rat plasma. The pharmacokinetics of orally administered pristimerin with and without verapamil pretreatment was investigated. The results indicated that, when the rats were pretreated with verapamil, the peak concentration of pristimerin increased from 189.13 to 277.53 ng/mL (46.7%), and the AUC_0–t increased by approximately 82.0%. Additionally, the effects of verapamil on the absorption and metabolic stability of pristimerin were investigated using the Caco‐2 cell transwell model and rat liver microsomes. A markedly higher transport of pristimerin across the Caco‐2 cells was observed in the basolateral‐to‐apical direction and was abrogated in the presence of the P‐gp inhibitor, verapamil. These results indicated that P‐gp might be involved in the absorption of pristimerin. Of note, the metabolic half‐life of pristimerin was prolonged by the pretreatment with verapamil. In conclusion, verapamil could affect the pharmacokinetics of pristimerin, and it might work through increasing the absorption of pristimerin by inhibiting P‐gp, or through slowing down the metabolism of pristimerin in the rat liver. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Design and synthesis of dithieno[3,2‐b:2′3′‐d]pyrrole‐based conjugated polymers for photovoltaic applications: consensus between low bandgap and low HOMO energy level

A strategy of the fine‐tuning of the degree of intrachain charge transfer and aromaticity of polymer backbone was adopted to design and synthesize new polymers applicable in photovoltaics. Three conjugated polymers P1 , P2 , and P3 were synthesized by alternating the electron‐donating dithieno[3,2‐b:2′3′‐d]pyrrole (D) and three different electron‐accepting (A) segments ( P1 : N‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalimide; P2 : 1,4‐diketo‐3,6‐diphenylpyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole; and P3 : thiophene‐3‐hexyl formate) in the polymer main chain. Among the three polymers, P2 possessed the broadest absorption band ranging from 300 to 760 nm, the lowest bandgap (1.63 eV), and enough low HOMO energy level (?5.27 eV) because of the strong intrachain charge transfer from D to A units and the appropriate extent of quinoid state in the main chain of P2 , which was convinced by the theoretical simulation of molecular geometry and front orbits. Photovoltaic study of solar cells based on the blends of P1 – P3 and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C₆₁‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) demonstrated that P2 :PCBM exhibited the best performance: a power conversion efficiency of 1.22% with a high open‐circuit voltage (V_OC) of 0.70 V and a large short‐circuit current (I_SC) of 5.02 mA/cm² were achieved. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Synthesis and characterization of thermally stable sulfonated polybenzimidazoles obtained from 3,3′‐disulfonyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxyldiphenylsulfone

A novel sulfonated aromatic diacid, 3,3′‐disulfonyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxyldiphenylsulfone (DSDCDPS), was successfully synthesized from 4,4′‐dimethyldiphenylsulfone by sulfonation and further oxidation. A series of sulfonated polybenzimidazoles (sPBI‐SS) with various sulfonation degrees was prepared from DSDCDPS, 4,4′‐sulfonyldibenzoic acid and 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine by solution copolycondensation in poly(phosphoric acid). The chemical structure of the resulting sPBI‐SS was confirmed by FTIR and ¹H NMR. The DSDCDPS‐based sPBI‐SS with the number‐average molecular weights of 32,000–55,000 were easy to dissolve in polar aprotic solvents such as DMF, DMSO, and DMAc, and could be cast into transparent, tough, and flexible membranes. The membranes presented good thermal stabilities (5% weight loss temperatures higher than 430 °C), and the thermal degradation activation energies of the sulfonic group of sPBI‐SS40 evaluated under N₂ by both Ozawa and Kissinger methods were 266.06 and 264.79 kJ/mol, respectively. The membranes also exhibited high storage moduli, glass transition temperatures (above 238 °C) and tensile strengths (～80 MPa), in addition to water uptakes (22.3–25.2%) and low swelling degrees (<14.0%). © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 43: 4363–4372, 2005