Synthesis and properties of new aromatic polyimides based on 2,2′‐dibromo‐4,4′,5,5′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride

New polyimides with enhanced thermal stability and high solubility were synthesized in common organic solvents from a new dianhydride, 2,2′‐dibromo‐4,4′,5,5′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (DBBTDA). DBBTDA was used as monomer to synthesize polyimides by using various aromatic diamines. The polymers were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. These polyimides had good inherent viscosities in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NMP) and also high solubility and excellent thermo‐oxidative stability, with 5 % weight loss in the range 433 to 597 °C. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry