Wholly aromatic polyamides and polyimides prepared from 3,3"-di(4-aminophenyl)-5,5"-di(4-biphenylyl)-p-terphenyl and 3,3"-di(4-aminophenyl)-5,5",6,6"-tetraphenyl-p-terphenyl

3,3 "-Di(4-aminophenyl)-5,5 "-di(4-biphenylyl)-p-terphenyl and 3,3 "-di(4-aminophenyl)-5,5 ",6,6 "-tetraphenyl-p-terphenyl as well as the corresponding acid chlorides were synthesized through pyrylium salts. The polyamides and polyimides prepared from them were characterized by inherent viscosity, elemental analyses, FTIR, W-vis, H-1-NMR, C-13-NMR, X-ray diffraction, DSC, TMA, TGA, isothermal gravimetric analysis and moisture absorption. The polymers were amorphous and dissolved in polar aprotic solvents and CCl3COOH. They did not show melting and their I. values ranged from 212 to 305 degrees C. No weight loss was observed up to 357-386 degrees C in air and the anaerobic char yields were 61-75% at 800 degrees C. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.