Extraction Equilibria of Trimellitic and [ 1,1′-Biphenyl]-2,2′-dicarboxylic Acid with 1-Octanol, 50%TBP,and 10%TRPO in Kerosene

To explore the feasibility of extracting aromatic acid products from oxidizing coal, two aromatic acids, trimellitic and [1,1′-biphenyl]-2,2′-dicarboxylic acid, were selected as the solutes, and the extraction equilibrium of the acids were studied with 1-octanol, 50% tributyl phosphate （TBP） in kerosene, and 10% trialkylphosphine oxide （TRPO） in kerosene. The results showed that the degree of extraction of [1,1′-biphenyl]-2,2′-dicarboxylic acid was larger than that of trimellitic acid for all of the solvent, and the extraction capacity with TRPO is more effective than the one with TBP. The extraction behavior of aromatic polyacid is different from that of carboxylic acid, and the reactive extraction function of aromatic acids with TBP and TRPO is not as effective as that of carboxylic acid. 1-octanol could be used to remove [1,1′-biphenyl]-2,2′-dicarboxylic acid from the mixture of trimellitic acid and [1,1′-biphenyl]-2,2′-dicarboxylic acid. Because the weak hydrogen bond association exists between -OH in 1-octanol and -COOH in aromatic acid, the extractive selectivity of [ 1, 1′-biphenyl]-2,2′-dicarboxylic to trimellitic acid depends on the stoichiometric ratio.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel polyaspartimides derived from 2,2′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐bis(4‐maleimidophenoxy)biphenyl and various diamines

A novel bismaleimide, 2,2′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐bis(4‐maleimidophenoxy)biphenyl, containing noncoplanar 2,2′‐dimethylbiphenylene and flexible ether units in the polymer backbone was synthesized from 2,2′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)biphenyl with maleic anhydride. The bismaleimide was reacted with 11 diamines using m‐cresol as a solvent and glacial acetic acid as a catalyst to produce novel polyaspartimides. Polymers were identified by elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy, and characterized by solubility test, X‐ray diffraction, and thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis). The inherent viscosities of the polymers varied from 0.22 to 0.48 dL g⁻¹ in concentration of 1.0 g dL⁻¹ of N,N‐dimethylformamide. All polymers are soluble in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, N,N‐dimethylacetamide, N,N‐dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, pyridine, m‐cresol, and tetrahydrofuran. The polymers, except PASI‐4, had moderate glass transition temperature in the range of 188°–226°C and good thermo‐oxidative stability, losing 10% mass in the range of 375°–426°C in air and 357°–415°C in nitrogen. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 73: 279–286, 1999     

Synergistic extraction and separation study of rare earth elements from nitrate medium by mixtures of sec‐nonylphenoxy acetic acid and 2,2′‐bipyridyl

BACKGROUND: Synergistic extraction has been proven to enhance extractability and selectivity. Numerous types of synergistic extraction systems have been applied to rare earth elements, among which sec‐nonylphenoxyacetic acid (CA100) has proved to be an excellent synergistic extractant. In this study, the synergistic enhancement of the extraction of holmium(III) from nitrate medium by mixtures of CA100 (H₂A₂) with 2,2′‐bipyridyl (bipy, B) in n‐heptane has been investigated. The extraction of all other lanthanides (except polonium) and yttrium by the mixtures in n‐heptane has also been studied. RESULTS: Mixtures of CA100 and bipy have significant synergistic effects on all rare earth elements, for example holmium(III) is extracted as Ho(NO₃)₂HA₂B with the mixture instead of HoH₂A₅, which is extracted by CA100 alone. The thermodynamic functions, ΔH^o, ΔG^o, and ΔS^o have been calculated as 2.96 kJ mol^?1, ? 6.23 kJ mol^?1, and 31.34 J mol^?1 K^?1, respectively. CONCLUSION: Methods of slope analysis and constant molar ratio have been successfully applied to study the synergistic extraction stoichiometries of holmium(III) by mixtures of CA100 and bipy. Mixtures of these extractants have also shown various synergistic effects with other rare earth elements, making it possible to separate them. Thus CA100 + bipy may be used to separate yttrium from other lanthanides at appropriate ratios of the extractants. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and properties of nylon 6 modified with various aromatic polyamides

In this study, flexible nylon 6 was reinforced by the following rigid-chain aromatic polyamides: poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide) (PmIA), poly(4,4′-diphenylsulfone terephthalamide) (PSA), poly( p-diphenyloxide terephthalamide) (POA), and poly(p-diphenylmethane terephthalamide) (PMA). Various high-molecular-weight block copolyamides were synthesized by solution polymerization using p-aminophenylacetic acid (p-APA) as a coupling agent. Their thermal properties have shown that the block copolyamides exhibit higher T_g and T_m and better thermal stability than those of nylon 6, especially PmIA-modified nylon 6. The order of their thermal properties of aromatic modified nylon 6 copolyamides is PmIA > PMA > POA > PSA. Besides, the T_g and T_m of multiblock copolyamides are higher than those of triblock copolyamides. From the wide-angle X-ray diffraction pattern, it is found that the triblock copolyamides have two diffraction peaks (i.e., 2θ = 20.5 and 24°). However, the multiblock has only one at 2θ = 20°, indicating a different crystal structure for multiblock copolyamides. This can be further confirmed from scanning electron microscopy. It shows that the triblock copolyamides are a dispersed phase structure, although the multiblock copolyamides exhibit a homogeneous texture rather than an aggregated one. For the mechanical properties, it is found that the multiblock copolyamides have a more significant reinforcing effect than the triblock copolyamides. Also, the order of their physical properties of aromatic modified nylon 6 copolyamides, such as tensile strength, is PmIA > PMA > POA > PSA; but for the elongation, the order is PSA > POA > PMA > PmIA. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 68: 1031–1043, 1998     

Synthesis of Substituted 2,2′‐Bipyridines and 2,2′:6′,2′′‐Terpyridines by Cobalt‐Catalyzed Cycloaddition Reactions of Nitriles and α,ω‐Diynes with Exclusive Regioselectivity

A variety of substituted 2,2′‐bipyridines were synthesized by a 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe)/cobalt chloride hexahydrate (CoCl₂⋅6 H₂O)/zinc‐catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction of diynes and nitriles, with all reactions exhibiting exclusive regioselectivity. Thus, symmetrical and unsymmetrical 1,6‐diynes and 2‐cyanopyridine reacted in the presence of 5 mol % of dppe, 5 mol % of CoCl₂⋅6 H₂O and 10 mol % of zinc powder to provide the corresponding 2,2′‐bipyridines. Under identical reaction conditions, 1‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1,6‐diynes and nitriles reacted smoothly with exclusive regioselectivity to produce 2,2′‐bipyridines in good yield. 2,2′‐Bipyridines were also obtained by the double [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction of 1,6,8,13‐tetraynes with nitriles. Similarly, 2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridines were synthesized from 1‐(2‐pyridyl)‐1,6‐diyne and 2‐cyanopyridine. The regiochemistry observed can be explained by considering the electronic nature of cobaltacyclopentadiene intermediates and nitriles. A survey of the exclusive regiochemical trend gives reasonable credence to the synthetic potential of the present method.     

Preparation of waterborne polyurethane with outstanding fluorescence properties and programmable emission intensity

The hard segment content and hydrophilic group content of a fluorescent waterborne polyurethane (FWPU) were used to optimize the polymer structure which can influence the fluorescence properties. The synthesis of FWPU was based on 2,2′‐((4‐([3,3′:6′,2″‐terpyridine]‐4′‐yl)phenyl)azanediyl)diethanol (TPPDA) as fluorophore. The structure of FWPU was characterized using Fourier transform infrared and ¹H NMR spectroscopies, and the polymer molecular weight and polydispersity were measured using gel permeation chromatography. The relationship between fluorescence properties and FWPU structure was studied using luminescence spectrometry. Compared to TPPDA, the maximum emission wavelength of FWPU showed a hypsochromic shift, and the fluorescence emission intensity and quantum yield of FWPU were increased obviously. Moreover, increasing the hard segment content led to an enhancement of the fluorescence lifetime of FWPU, and to the fluorescence intensity increasing at first and then decreasing. The fluorescence emission intensity and quantum yield of FWPU were increased nearly 11 and 7 times, respectively, compared to TPPDA when the hard segment content was 65%. With an increase of hydrophilic group content, the fluorescence emission intensity of FWPU increased. The fluorescence emission intensity of FWPU exhibited a response to pH, which facilitated its employment as a fluorescence probe. FWPU with excellent solid fluorescence is very suitable for processing into optical devices, with increasing hard segment content and hydrophilic group content both enhancing the solid fluorescence emission intensity of FWPU. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and properties of poly(amide–imide)s based on N,N′‐bis(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4′‐oxydiphthalimide,p‐aminobenzoic acid and various aromatic diamines

A new diimide–diacid monomer, N,N′‐bis(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4′‐oxydiphthalimide (I), was prepared by azeotropic condensation of 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) and p‐aminobenzoic acid (p‐ABA) at a 1:2 molar ratio in a polar solvent mixed with toluene. A series of poly(amide–imide)s (PAI, III_a–m) was synthesized from the diimide–diacid I (or I′, diacid chloride of I) and various aromatic diamines by direct polycondensation (or low temperature polycondensation) using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. It was found that only III_k–m having a meta‐structure at two terminals of the diamine could afford good quality, creasable films by solution‐casting; other PAIs III using diamine with para‐linkage at terminals were insoluble and crystalline; though III_g–i contained the soluble group of the diamine moieties, their solvent‐cast films were brittle. In order to improve their to solubility and film quality, copoly(amide–imide)s (Co‐PAIs) based on I and mixtures of p‐ABA and aromatic diamines were synthesized. When on equimolar of p‐ABA (m = 1) was mixed, most of Co‐PAIs IV had improved solubility and high inherent viscosities in the range 0.9–1.5 dl g^?1; however, their films were still brittle. With m = 3, series V was obtained, and all members exhibited high toughness. The solubility, film‐forming ability, crystallinity, and thermal properties of the resultant poly(amide–imide)s were investigated. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Preparation of polyimides derived from biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydrides and aromatic diamines bearing alkylene spacers

Four series of aromatic polyimides (PIs V–VIII) composed of biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydrides (BPDAs) and aromatic diamines bearing alkylene spacers were prepared by two methods. Most polymers could be readily prepared in a one‐step method for the combination of a‐BPDA with α,ω‐bis(3‐aminophenoxy)alkanes, a‐BPDA with α,ω‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)alkanes, and s‐BPDA with α,ω‐bis(3‐aminophenoxy)alkanes. However, the polymerization of s‐BPDA with α,ω‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)alkanes gave powders. On the other hand, all four monomer combinations afforded the desired polyamic acid solution in a two‐step method. These polymer solutions could be cast into tough and flexible films, which were characterized by their inherent viscosity, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical spectrometry measurements. The glass transition temperatures (T_gs) of the polymers were in the range of 110–240°C, but they were not clearly defined for PIs VIII and VI. The 5% weight loss temperatures were around 450°C for all prepared PIs. For PI VIII an “odd–even” behavior of the tensile properties of the films was detected, corresponding to the reported behavior of the melting temperatures. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 2404–2413, 1999     

Synthesis and characterization of novel aromatic poly(amide‐imide)s derived from 2,2′‐bis(4‐trimellitimidophenoxy)biphenyl or 2,2′‐bis(4‐trimellitimidophenoxy)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl and various aromatic diamines

New aromatic diimide‐dicarboxylic acids having kinked and cranked structures, 2,2′‐bis(4‐trimellitimidophenoxy)biphenyl (2a) and 2,2′‐bis(4‐trimellitimidophenoxy)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (2b), were synthesized by the reaction of trimellitic anhydride with 2,2′‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)biphenyl (1a) and 2,2′‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (1b), respectively. Compounds 2a and 2b were characterized by FT‐IR and NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. Then, a series of novel aromatic poly(amide‐imide)s were prepared by the phosphorylation polycondensation of the synthesized monomers with various aromatic diamines. Owing to structural similarity, and a comparison of the characterization data, a model compound was synthesized by the reaction of 2b with aniline. The resulting polymers with inherent viscosities of 0.58–0.97 dl g^?1 were obtained in high yield. The polymers were fully characterized by FT‐IR and NMR spectroscopy. The ultraviolet λ_max values of the poly(amide‐imide)s were also determined. The polymers were readily soluble in polar aprotic solvents. They exhibited excellent thermal stabilities and had 10% weight loss at temperatures above 500 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Alterations in fatty acid composition and fluidity of cell membranes affect the accumulation of PCB congener 2,2′,5,5′‐tetrachlorobiphenyl by Ralstonia eutropha H850

The effect of alterations in fatty acid composition and fluidity of cell membranes on the accumulation of PCB congener 2,2′,5,5′‐tetrachlorobiphenyl (TeCB) by Ralstonia eutropha (formerly Alcaligenes eutrophus) H850 was studied. Cells of R eutropha H850 grown on either biphenyl or fructose were used. Significant increases in saturated fatty acid composition and decreases in membrane fluidity of bacteria grown on biphenyl at 28 °C were observed compared with those grown on fructose at 17 or 28 °C. The ratio of saturated fatty acids to unsaturated fatty acids and membrane fluidity of R eutropha H850 grown on biphenyl at 28 °C resembled those of cells grown on fructose at 37 °C. No inhibition effect of the uncoupler 2,4‐dinitrophenol (2,4‐DNP) on TeCB accumulation was observed, suggesting an energy‐independent mechanism for TeCB accumulation in cells of R eutropha H850. The amount of TeCB accumulated was considerably higher in R eutropha H850 grown on fructose at 17 and 28 °C than when grown on biphenyl at 28 °C. Similar amounts of TeCB accumulated in bacteria grown on biphenyl at 28 °C as compared with those grown on fructose at 37 °C. These results suggest the alterations in fatty acid composition and membrane fluidity of R eutropha H850 may affect the accumulation of TeCB. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Crystallography and Structure–Property Relationships in 2,2′,2″,2′′′,4,4′,4″,4′′′,6,6′,6″,6′′′‐Dodecanitro‐1,1′ : 3′1″ : 3″,1′′′‐ Quaterphenyl (DODECA)

X‐ray crystallographic study of 2,2′,2″,2′′′,4,4′,4″,4′′′,6,6′,6″,6′′′‐dodecanitro‐1,1′ : 3′1″ : 3″,1′′′‐quaterphenyl (DODECA) has been carried out. Nonbonding interatomic distances of oxygen atoms inside of all the nitro groups are shorter than those corresponding to the intermolecular contact radii for oxygen. By means of the DFT B3LYP/6‐31(d, p) method a difference of 136 kJ mol⁻¹ between the X‐ray and DFT structures of DODECA was found. The bearer of the highest initiation reactivity in its molecule in solid phase should be the nitro group at 4′′′‐position, in contrast to those at 2′‐ or 2″‐positions in its isolated molecule. The most reactive nitro group in the DODECA molecule can be well specified by the relationship between net charges on nitro groups and charges on their nitrogen atoms, both of them for the X‐ray structure. The ¹⁵N chemical shift, corresponding to this nitro group for the initiation by impact and shock, correlates very well with these shifts of the reaction centers of the other six “genuine” polynitro arenes.     

Synthesis and adsorption properties,toward some heavy metal ions,of a new polystyrene‐based terpyridine polymer

A novel polymeric ligand having 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine as pendant group was prepared through a Williamson type etherification approach for the reaction between 4′‐hydroxy‐2,2′: 6′,2″‐terpyridine and the commercially available 4‐chloromethyl polystyrene. The chelating properties of the new polymer toward the divalent metal ions (Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Pb²⁺) in aqueous solutions was studied by a batch equilibration technique as a function of contact time, pH, mass of resin, and concentration of metal ions. The amount of metal‐ion uptake of the polymer was determined by using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results of the study revealed that the resin exhibited higher capacities and a more pronounced adsorption toward Pb²⁺ and that the metal‐ion uptake follows the order: Pb²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Zn²⁺ > Ni²⁺. The adsorption and binding capacity of the resin toward the various metal ions investigated are discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Reaction kinetics and thermal properties of epoxidised cresol novolac/4,4′‐diglycidyl (3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbiphenyl) epoxy resin composite cured with aromatic diamine

A series of novel composites based on different ratios of epoxidised cresol novolac (ECN) and 4,4′‐diglycidyl(3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbiphenyl) epoxy resin (TMBP) have been prepared with the curing agent 4,4′‐methylenediamine (DDM) and 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS), respectively. The investigation of cure kinetics was performed by differential scanning calorimetry using an isoconversional method. The high thermal stabilities of the cured samples were also studied by thermogravimetric analysis. In addition, no phase separation was observed for cured ECN/DDM and ECN/DDS blending with different amounts of TMBP by dynamic mechanical analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the cured systems also exhibited excellent impact properties and low moisture absorption. All the results indicate that the ECN/TMBP/DDM and ECN/TMBP/DDS systems are promising materials in electronic packaging. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Pressurized hot water extraction of benzoic acid and phthalic anhydride from petrochemical wastes using a modified supercritical fluid extractor and a central composite design for optimization

Using the pressurized hot water extraction technique, benzoic acid and phthalic anhydride were selectively removed from solid petrochemical wastes (called molten phthalic anhydride). A statistical experimental design based on “central composite design” was applied for obtaining optimized conditions for the semi-continuous extraction of phthalic anhydride and benzoic acid from their mixture with benzoic acid, maleic acid, phthalic acid, phthalic anhydride, aldehydes, phthaldehyde, toluic acid, and some minor impurities. Variables such as pressure (60-220 bar), temperature (60-140 °C), dynamic time (5-45 min), and flow rate (0.2-1 mL/min) were used.     

Effect of carboxylic acids on 2‐bisbenzothiazole‐2,2′‐disulfide‐ and tetramethylthiuram disulfide‐accelerated sulfur vulcanization. II. Vulcanization of polyisoprene in the absence of ZnO

Polyisoprene was vulcanized by 2‐bisbenzothiazole‐2,2′‐disulfide (MBTS)/sulfur and tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD)/sulfur in the absence and presence of benzoic and stearic acids. It was found that the crosslink density of MBTS vulcanizates is halved by the addition of carboxylic acids and this can be explained in terms of the attack of the acids on the accelerator polysulfides. TMTD polysulfides are more reactive toward polyisoprene than are MBTS polysulfides, and their addition to the polymer chain occurs before significant attack by the carboxylic acids can reduce the polysulfide concentration. Consequently, the acids have little effect on the crosslink density of TMTD vulcanizates. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 72: 1007–1012, 1999     

Crystallography and Structure–Property Relationships of 2,2″,4,4′,4″,6,6′,6″‐Octanitro‐1,1′ : 3′,1″‐Terphenyl (ONT)

An X‐ray crystallographic study of 2,2″,4,4′,4″,6,6′,6″‐octanitro‐1,1′ : 3′,1″‐terphenyl (ONT) has been carried out. The dihedral angles between benzene rings vary from 84.9° to 89.4°. Nonbinding interatomic distances of oxygen atoms inside all the nitro groups are shorter than the intermolecular contact radii for oxygen. On the basis of the DFT B3LYP/6‐31(d, p) method it was found that the difference between the X‐ray structure in the solid phase and DFT result for the gas phase is 98 kJ mol⁻¹, and the bearer of the highest initiation reactivity of the ONT molecule in the solid phase should be the nitro group at 4″‐position, in contrast to those at 4′‐ or 6′‐position that play this role in the isolated molecule. It has been stated that the nitro groups at the reaction centers of the ONT molecule are relatively well specified by their ¹⁵N NMR chemical shifts.     

Synthesis and characterization of new thermally stable aromatic copoly(ester–amide)s from diester‐dicarboxylic acids

Two new aromatic diester‐dicarboxylic acids containing furan rings, namely, benzofuro[2,3‐b]benzofuran‐2,9‐dicarboxyl‐bis‐pyridyl ester‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid and benzofuro[2,3‐b]benzofuran‐2,9‐dicarboxyl‐bis‐phenyl ester‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid were synthesized by the reaction of benzofuro[2,3‐b]benzofuran‐2,9‐dicarbonyl chloride with 6‐hydroxynicotinic acid and 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, respectively. These monomers were converted to aromatic copoly(ester–amide)s by reaction with various aromatic diamines via direct polycondensation. Polymers were characterized by FTIR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, viscosity and solubility tests. The inherent viscosity of the polymers was in the range 0.23–0.46 dl g^?1 in dimethyl sulfoxide at 30 °C. They dissolved readily in polar solvents at room temperature. They possess a glass‐transition temperature in the range 210–260 °C and exhibit excellent thermal stability. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of conjugated linolenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid on lipid metabolism in mice

The effects of two isomers of conjugated linolenic acid (CLnA), α‐eleostearic acid (α‐ESA) and punicic acid (PA), on body fat and lipid metabolism were investigated, compared with a conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) mixture (primarily cis9,trans11‐ and trans10,cis12‐18:2) and α‐linolenic acid (ALA), a non‐conjugated octadecatrienoic acid, in the present study. ICR mice were fed either a control diet or one of four experimental diets supplemented with 1% α‐ESA, 1% PA, 1% CLA mixture and 1% ALA in the form of triacylglycerols (TAG) for 6 weeks. The weights of perirenal and epididymal adipose tissues were significantly decreased while the liver weight was significantly increased in mice fed CLA, compared with the control. In contrast to CLA, the tissue weights in α—ESA‐, PA‐ and ALA‐fed mice were not affected. No significant differences were observed in TAG, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels among the five groups. The liver TAG level was significantly decreased in mice fed α‐ESA and PA while it was significantly increased in mice fed the CLA mixture. These results indicate that CLnA and CLA have differential effects on body fat mass and liver TAG levels in mice.     

Synthesis and properties of some novel,soluble and light‐coloured,aromatic poly(amide–imide) copolymers

A new type of tetraimide‐dicarboxylic acid (I) was synthesized starting from the ring‐opening addition of m‐aminobenzoic acid (m‐ABA), 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) and 4,4′‐methylenedianiline (MDA) at a 2:2:1 molar ratio in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP), followed by cyclodehydration to the diacid I. A series of soluble and light‐coloured poly(amide–imide–imide)s (III_a–j) was prepared by triphenyl phosphite‐activated polycondensation from the tetraimide‐diacid I with various aromatic diamines (II_a–j). All films cast from DMAc had cutoff wavelengths shorter than 400 nm (376–393 nm) and had b* values between 20.46 and 40.67; these polymers were much lighter in colour than those of the corresponding trimellitimide series. All polymers were readily soluble in a variety of organic solvents such as NMP, N,N‐dimethylacetamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, and even in the less polar m‐cresol and pyridine. Compared with those of corresponding ODPA–MDA polyimide, the solubilities of poly(amide–imide–imide)s III_a–j were greatly improved. Polymers III_a–j afforded tough, transparent, and flexible films, which had tensile strengths ranging from 82 to 105 MPa, elongations at break from 8 to 14%, and initial moduli from 2.0 to 2.2 GPa. The glass transition temperature of polymers were recorded at 255–288 °C. They had 10% weight loss at a temperature above 540 °C and left more than 60% residue even at 800 °C in nitrogen. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry