Synthesis and characterization of aromatic polyesteres and polyamide–esters from bisphenols and aromatic aminophenols,and 2,5-bis(4-chloroformyl)-3,4-diphenylthiophene

Polycondensation of 2,5-bis(4-chloroformyl)-3,4-diphenylthiophene ( I ) with various bisphenols afforded tetraphenylthiophene-containing aromatic polyesters by the interfacial or solution polycondensation method. Polyamide–esters were obtained from I and aminophenols by means of the interfacial technique. These polymers had inherent viscosities of 0.4–0.8 dL/g. All the polymers were readily soluble in various organic solvents, and could be cast into transparent and flexible films. Their glass transition temperatures were in the range of 235–335°C. These polymers did not lose weight below 400°C in either air or nitrogen.     

Aromatic polyesters containing cardo perhydrocumyl cyclohexylidene groups: Synthesis,characterization and gas permeation study

Three bisphenols containing cardo perhydrocumyl cyclohexylidene group, namely; 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-perhydrocumylcyclohexane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)-4-perhydrocumylcyclohexane and 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)-4-perhydrocumylcyclohexane were synthesized starting from p-cumyl phenol. Each of these bisphenols was polycondensed with both terephthaloyl chloride and isophthaloyl chloride by phase transfer-catalyzed interfacial polymerization to obtain a series of new aromatic polyesters. Inherent viscosities and number average molecular weights of polyesters were in the range 0.51-0.64 dL/g and 17390-41430?g/mol, respectively which indicated the formation of reasonably high molecular weight polymers. The detailed NMR studies revealed that axial and equatorial identity of the phenyl rings of bisphenols was retained in polyesters resulting in constitutional isomerism. Polyesters containing perhydrocumyl cyclohexylidene groups showed excellent solubility in organic solvents viz, chloroform, dichloromethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane and tetrahydrofuran. The self-standing films of polyesters could be cast from their chloroform solution. The 10% weight loss temperatures and glass transition temperatures of polyesters were in the range 453–485?°C and 201–267?°C, respectively demonstrating their excellent thermal characteristics. The gas permeability study of polyesters was carried out for He, H₂ and N₂ by variable-volume method. An improvement in permeability and decrease in selectivity was observed due to symmetric methyl substituents while reverse trend was observed in case of polyesters with asymmetric methyl substituents.     

Synthesis and characterization of new aromatic polyesters and polyethers derived from 1,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2-diphenylethylene

New polyarylates and aromatic polyethers were synthesized from 1,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2-diphenylethylene, and aromatic dicarboxylic acid chlorides and aromatic dihalides, respectively. The polyarylates having inherent viscosities of 0.28–1.05 dL/g were synthesized by either the two-phase method or the high-temperature solution method. All the polymers were easily soluble in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N,N-dimethylformamide, pyridine, m-cresol, 1,4-dioxane, and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane. They have glass transition temperatures in the range of 217–250°C and showed no weight loss below 315°C in both air and nitrogen atmospheres. Aromatic polyethers with inherent viscosities of 0.85–1.21 dL/g were obtained by the polycondensation of 1,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2-diphenylethylene and aromatic difluorides in the presence of potassium carbonate. These polymers having glass transion temperatures of 193–220°C were also soluble in the aforementioned solvents and stable up to around 350deg;C in both atmospheres. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis and properties of poly[arylene ether (N-arylenebenzimidazole)]s

Poly(arylene ether)s containing N-arylenebenzimidazole groups were prepared by the aromatic nucleophilic displacement reaction of two new bis(hydroxyphenyl-N-arylenebenzimidazole)s with activated aromatic difluorides in sulfolane at 200°C in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate. The bis(hydroxyphenyl-N-arylenebenzimidazole)s were prepared from bis(o-aminoanilino) arylenes and phenyl-4-hydroxybenzoate. The polymers were soluble in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and m-cresol and exhibited inherent viscosities from 0.37–0.86 dL/g and glass transition temperatures from 219–289°C. Thermogravimetric analyses showed 5% weight losses from 463–506°C in air and 467–522°C in nitrogen. Unoriented thin films exhibited tensile strengths, moduli, and break elongations at 23°C of 10.2–12.5 ksi, 318–365 ksi, and 4–7%, respectively, and at 177°C of 5.1–6.9 ksi, 256–296 ksi, and 1–5%, respectively. A 50 : 50 random copolymer prepared from 1,3-bis(4-fluorobenzoyl) benzene, 1,1'-(4,4'-biphenylene)-bis[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole], and 5,5'-bis[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole] exhibited higher moisture absorption and lower tensile properties than those predicted by a rule of mixtures relationship. The chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of these polymers are discussed. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.?     

Preparation and properties of fluorine-containing polyarylates from tetrafluoroisophthaloyl chloride and bisphenols

Fluorine-containing polyarylates having inherent viscosities of 0.2–0.8 dL/g were prepared from tetrafluoroisophthaloyl chloride and various bisphenols by low temperature solution polycondensation in chloroform with triethylamine or by two-phase polycondensation in a dichloromethane-water or nitrobenzene-water system with benzyltriethylammonium chloride as the phase transfer catalyst. These polyarylates were amorphous and were readily soluble in various solvents, including chloroform and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The glass transition temperature of the polymer derived from 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane was 150°C. These polyarylates started to lose weight around 350°C in an air or nitrogen atmosphere.     

Synthesis and properties of novel aromatic polyamides based on “multi-ring” flexible dicarboxylic acids

The five benzene rings-containing (hereafter referred to as “five-ring”) dicarboxylic acids α,α′-bis[4-(4-carboxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1,4-diisopropylbenzene (p- III ) and α,α′-bis[4-(4-carboxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1,3-diisopropylbenzene (m- III ) were prepared by the fluoro-displacement of α,α′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-diisopropylbenzene and α,α′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-diisopropylbenzene with p-fluorobenzonitrile, and subsequent alkaline hydrolysis of the intermediate dinitriles. A number of high-molecular-weight polyamides based on these two “five-ring” dicarboxylic acids (p- III and m- III ) and various aromatic diamines were directly synthesized in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) containing lithium chloride (LiCl) or calcium chloride (CaCl₂) using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. These polyamides were obtained with inherent viscosities above 0.51 and up to 0.91 dL/g. The weight-average molecular weight were in the range of 51,000–211,000. Most of these polyamides were amorphous and readily soluble in polar solvents such as NMP, N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and afforded tough, flexible, and transparent films by solution-casting. The films had tensile strength of 50–83 MPa, elongation to break of 4–8%, and tensile modulus of 1.3–2.0 GPa. Most polyamides showed distinct glass transitions on the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves ranging from 147 to 177°C. In nitrogen or air, all the polymers showed no significant weight loss up to 490°C, as indicated by thermogravimetric analysis (TG). © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis of poly(arylene ether)s based on 9,9-bis(3,5-diphenyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene

The synthesis of a novel bisphenol, 9,9-bis(3,5-diphenyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene, in high yield by the transalkylation of 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene is described. Three poly(arylene ether)s based on this hindered phenol were prepared with molecular weights (M_n) ranging from 34 800 to 51 300 and inherent viscosities ranging from 0.27 to 0.43 dL/g. The polymers have T_g's of 236–262°C and did not lose weight below 350°C, with 10% weight loss recorded above 550°C. They are readily soluble in chlorinated solvents such as methylene chloride, chloroform, and 1,2-dichloroethane at room temperature. Attempts to synthesize an analogous monomer, bis (3,5-diphenyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)diphenylmethane, are described.     

New poly(amide-imide)s syntheses. VIII. Preparation and properties of poly (amide-imide)s derived from 2,3-bis(4-aminophenoxy)naphthalene,trimellitic anhydride,and various aromatic diamines

The new polymer-forming diimide-diacid, 2,3-bis(4-trimellitimidophenoxy) naphthalene (I), was readily obtained by the condensation reaction of 2,3-bis (4-aminophenoxy) naphthalene with trimellitic anhydride. A series of novel aromatic poly (amide-imide)s were prepared by the direct polycondensation of diimide-diacid I with various aromatic diamines using triphenyl phosphite in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)/pyridine solution containing dissolved calcium chloride. The resultant polymers have inherent viscosities in the range of 0.65–1.02 dL/g at 30°C in N, N-dimethylacetamide. These polymers were readily soluble in various organic solvents and could be cast into transparent, tough, and flexible films. Their casting films showed tensile strength at break up to 86 MPa, elongation to break of 5–9%, and initial moduli up to 2.35 GPa. The wide-angle X-ray diffraction revealed that those polymers containing p-phenylene or p-oxyphenylene group are partially crystalline, and the other polymers are evidenced as amorphous patterns. These polymers show a glass transition in the range of 213–290°C in their differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) traces. The thermal stability of the polymers was evaluated by thermogravimetry analysis, which showed the 10% weight-loss temperatures in the range of 508–565°C in nitrogen and 480–529°C in air atmosphere. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis and characterization of new poly(amide–imide)s from 1,4-bis(4-trimellitimidophenoxy)-2-tert-butylbenzene with various diamines

New poly(amide–imide)s were prepared from a diimide–dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-bis(4-trimellitimidophenoxy)-2-tert-butylbenzene ( BTTB ), with various diamines by the direct polycondensation in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. The new diimide–dicarboxylic acid BTTB containing an ether linkage and tert-butyl substituent was synthesized by the condensation reaction of 1,4-bis(4-aminophenoxy)-2-tert-butylbenzene with trimellitic anhydride. All the polymers were obtained in quantitative yields with inherent viscosities of 0.62–1.06 dL g⁻¹. The polymers were amorphous, and most of them were readily soluble in aprotic polar solvents such as NMP, N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), as well as in less polar solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), m-cresol, pyridine, and γ-butyrolactone, and also even in tetrahydrofuran. The glass transition temperatures of the polymers were determined by DSC method, and they were in the range of 238–279°C. These polymers were stable up to 408–449°C in air and 451–483°C in nitrogen and lose 10% weight in the range of 479–525°C in air and 480–528°C in nitrogen atmosphere. The polymer films had a tensile strength range of 71–115 MPa, an elongation at break range of 4–14%, and a tensile modulus range of 2.3–3.1 GPa. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. A Polym. Chem. 36: 2301–2307, 1998     

Synthesis and characterization of fluorine-containing polyamides derived from 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane by direct polycondensation

A fluorine-containing diamine, 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane (BAPPH) ( II ), was synthesized in two steps on condensation of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane with p-chloronitrobenzene in the presence of potassium carbonate, giving 2,2-bis[4-(4-nitrophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane ( I ), followed by reduction with hydrazine monohydrate/Pd—C. Fluorine-containing polyamides and copolyamides having inherent viscosities 0.41–0.88 dL g⁻¹ were prepared by direct polycondensation of BAPPH with various aromatic diacids or with mixed diacids, by triphenyl phosphite and pyridine in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP). The polyamides were examined by elemental analysis, IR spectra, inherent viscosity, x-ray diffraction, solubility, DSC, and TGA. The diffractogram showed that the polyamides were crystalline except IVb , IVc , IVf , and Vc . Almost all polyamides were soluble in polar aprotic solvents. The polymers obtained from BAPPH lost no mass below 350°C, with 10% loss of mass being recorded above 467°C in nitrogen. These aromatic polyamides had glass transition temperatures in the 221–253°C range. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

BLUE LIGHT EMITTING COPOLY-(ARYLENE ETHER)S CONTAINING A 3,6- DIALKOXYPHTHALIMIDE GROUP

ABSTRACT

Four new bisphenols containing 3,6-dialkoxyphthalimide moieties were prepared in high yields. They were copolymerized with BPA or 2,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)oxadiazole by reaction with decafluorobiphenyl and with NaH as base to give novel copoly(arylene ether)s. The resulting copolymers have glass-transition temperatures (Tg) ranging from 153 to 235°C and very good thermal stabilities with 5% wt loss temperatures (TGA) ranging from 378 to 499°C. These polymers show strong blue light emission in wavelengths ranging from 420 to 430 nm, while their UV absorption peaks vary from 368 to 383 nm. They have excellent solubility in common organic solvents.     

New poly(amide–imide) syntheses. XXI. Synthesis and properties of aromatic poly(amide–imide)s based on 2,6-bis(4-trimellitimidophenoxy)naphthalene and aromatic diamines

A novel polymer-forming diimide–diacid, 2,6-bis(4-trimellitimidophenoxy)naphthalene, was prepared by the condensation reaction of 2,6-bis(4-aminophenoxy)naphthalene with trimellitic anhydride (TMA). A series of novel aromatic poly(amide–imide)s containing 2,6-bis(phenoxy)naphthalene units were prepared by the direct polycondensation of the diimide–diacid with various aromatic diamines using triphenyl phosphite (TPP) in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)/pyridine solution containing dissolved calcium chloride. Thirteen of the obtained polymers had inherent viscosities above 1.01 dL/g and up to 2.30 dL/g. Most of polymers were soluble in polar solvents such as DMAc and could be cast from their DMAc solutions into transparent, flexible, and tough films. These films had tensile strengths of 79–117 MPa, elongation-at-break of 7–61%, and initial moduli of 2.2–3.0 GPa. The wide-angle X-ray diffraction revealed that some polymers are partially crystalline. The glass transition temperatures of some polymers could be determined with the help of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) traces, which were recorded in the range 232–300°C. All the poly(amide–imide)s exhibited no appreciable decomposition below 450°C, and their 10% weight loss temperatures were recorded in the range 511–577°C in nitrogen and 497–601°C in air. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 919–927, 1998     

Preparation and characterization of fluorine-containing aromatic condensation polymers. II. Preparation and characterization of fluorine-containing aromatic polyformal and copolyformals by solution polycondensation of 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane and/or 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane with dichloromethane

A series of fluorine-containing aromatic homopolyformal and copolyformals with a wide range of unit ratio were synthesized by the solution polycondensation of 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (Bisphenol AF) and/or 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (Bisphenol A) with dichloromethane, and the effect of the fluorine substitution on the preparation and properties of these polymers was investigated by comparing with those of Bisphenol-A-based homopolyformal without fluorine. Irrespective of the ratio of Bisphenol AF, high-molecular-weight, fluorine-containing polyformals with reduced viscosities of 1.4–5.3 dL/g were obtained in high yields by using dichloromethane as both comonomer and solvent, potassium hydroxide as a base, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone as a comedium at 75°C for 4 h. Their solubility increased markedly by the introduction of fluorine atom. Colorless, transparent, and tough films were cast from chloroform solution irrespective of fluorine content. These films had good mechanical properties comparable to that of Bisphenol-A-based homopolyformal. The contact angles by water were larger than 90°, regardless of their fluorine contents, at 25°C. The glass transition temperature and thermal stability increased monotonically with increasing fluorine content. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

New poly(amide-imide)s syntheses. VII. Preparation and properties of poly(amide-imide)s derived from 1,5-bis(4-aminophenoxy) naphthalene,trimellitic anhydride,and various aromatic diamines

New bis(phenoxy)naphthalene-containing poly(amide-imide)s having an inherent viscosity in the range of 0.62–1.09 dL/g were prepared by the direct polycondensation of 1,5-bis(4-trimellitimidophenoxy) naphthalene ( I ) and various aromatic diamines using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) in the presence of calcium chloride. The diimide-diacid (I) was prepared by the condensation of 1,5-bis(4-aminophenoxy) naphthalene and trimellitic anhydride. Most of the polymers were soluble in aprotic solvents such as NMP and N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), and afforded transparent, flexible and tough films upon casting from DMAc solutions. Measurements of wide-angle X-ray diffraction revealed that those polymers containing p-phenylene or oxyphenylene groups were characterized as crystalline polymers. Tensile strength and initial moduli of the polymer films ranged from 61–86 MPa and 1.83–2.21 GPa, respectively. Glass transition temperatures of the polymers were in the range of 231–340°C. The melting points of the crystalline polymers ranged from 375–430°C. The 10% weight loss temperatures were above 512°C in nitrogen and 481°C in air. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis and characterization of aromatic polyamides from 1,1-bis(4-aminophenyl)-2,2-diphenylethylene and aromatic diacid chlorides

Novel, soluble aromatic polyamides and copolyamides containing tetraphenylethylene units were prepared by the low temperature solution polycondensation of 1,1-bis(4-aminophenyl)-2,2-diphenylethylene and aromatic diamines with various aromatic diacid chlorides. Highmolecular-weight polyamides having inherent viscosities of 0.6–1.5 dL/g and number-average molecular weight above 21000 were obtained quantitatively. These polymers were readily soluble in various solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), and dimethyl sulfoxide and gave pale yellow, transparent, flexible films by casting from DMAc solution. The polymers had glass transition temperatures between 290 and 340°C, and started to lose weight around 400°C, with 10% weight loss being recorded at about 470°C in air.     

Fluorinated poly(ether sulfone)s

New fluorinated poly(ether sulfone)s were prepared from bisphenols and α,ωbis(4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)perfluoroalkanes. The fluorinated sulfone monomers were synthesized by reaction of 4-fluorobenzenethiol salts with perfluoroalkylene diiodides, followed by oxidation. Sodium carbonate mediated polymerization gave high molecular weight polymers in excellent yield. The polymers are generally soluble in chlorinated hydrocarbons and some dipolar solvents, are amorphous with T_g's in the range of 120–160°C and are stable to 400°C. They form clear, colorless films by solution casting. Cast films have dielectric constants and dissipation factors somewhat below those of typical poly(ether sulfone)s, and show good permeability and selectivity for O₂/N₂ gas separations.     

Synthesis and characterization of new cardo polyesters

New phthalide-containing bisphenols, phenolphthalein-N-(3-methylanilide) (3-PMA), and phenolphthalein-N-(4-methylanilide) (4-PMA), were synthesized from phenolphthalein and m- and p-toluidines. These bisphenols were polycondensed with terephthaloyl chloride (TPC) using an interfacial or solution polymerization technique to yield new polyesters. Copolymers were also obtained by utilizing different molar proportion of phenolphthalein (PPH) and 3-PMA or 4-PMA with TPC. The polymers prepared by solution polymerization were obtained in 93–99% yields and showed reduced viscosities in the range 0.37–0.83 dL/g. They were readily soluble in chlorinated hydrocarbons and aprotic polar solvents. The polyesters showed glass transition temperatures in the range 261–300°C as measured by DSC. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polyesters indicated no weight loss below 408°C under N₂ atmosphere. Structure–property correlations among these cardo polyesters have been discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 3227–3234, 1997     

Synthesis and characterization of novel polyarylates from 2,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-diphenylpyrrole and various aromatic dicarboxylic acids

A new tetraphenylated heterocylic diol, 2,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-diphenylpyrrole, was synthesized in three steps starting from 4-methoxydeoxybenzoin. The tetraphenylpyrrole-containing polyarylates having inherent viscosities of 0.28–0.88 dL/g were prepared from the diol and various aromatic dicarboxylic acid chlorides by both phase transfer catalyzed two-phase polycondensation and high temperature solution polymerization methods. All the polyarylates were semi-crystalline, and were readily soluble in a variety of solvents including N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, m cresol, pyridine, and 1,4-dioxane. These polymers had glass transition temperatures in the range of 223–279°C, with no weight loss below 400°C in both air and nitrogen atmospheres. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel aromatic polyamides with polyalicyclic cardo groups

5,5-Bis[4-(4-carboxyphenoxy)phenyl]hexahydro-4,7-methanoindan ( 3a ) and 5,5-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexahydro-4,7-methanoindan ( 3b ) were prepared in two main steps starting from the aromatic nucleophilic halogen-displacement of p-fluorobenzonitrile and p-chloronitrobenzene, respectively, with 5,5-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexahydro-4,7-methanoindan in the presence of potassium carbonate in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents, two series of polyamides having polyalicyclic cardo units were directly polycondensated from dicarboxylic acid 3a with various aromatic diamines, or from diamine 3b with various aromatic dicarboxylic acids in the N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solution containing dissolved calcium chloride. High molecular weight polyamides with inherent viscosities between 0.73 and 1.44 dL/g were obtained. All polymers were readily soluble in polar aprotic solvents such as NMP and N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and afforded transparent, flexible, and tough films by solution casting. The glass-transition temperatures (T_g) of these aromatic polyamides were in the range of 219–253°C by DSC, and the 10% weight loss temperatures in nitrogen and air were above 467 and 465°C, respectively. A comparative study of some polyamides with an isomeric repeat unit is also presented. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 4510–4520, 1999     

Synthesis and properties of aromatic polyamides containing the cyclohexane structure

1,1-Bis[4-(4-carboxyphenoxy)phenyl]cyclohexane (III) and 1,1-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]cyclohexane (V) were prepared in two main steps starting from the aromatic nucleophilic substitution of p-fluorobenzonitrile and p-chloronitrobenzene, respectively, with 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane in the presence of potassium carbonate in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents, two series of polyamides with cyclohexylidene cardo groups were directly polycondensated from dicarboxylic acid III with various aromatic diamines or from diamine V with various aromatic dicarboxylic acids in an N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solution containing dissolved calcium chloride. The polyamides exhibited inherent viscosities in the range of 0.45 to 1.78 dL/g. Almost all of the polymers were readily soluble in polar aprotic solvents such as NMP and N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and could afford transparent, flexible, and tough films by solution casting. The glass transition temperatures (T_g) of these aromatic polyamides were in the range of 180–243°C by DSC, and the 10% weight loss temperatures in nitrogen and air were all above 450°C. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 3575–3583, 1999