Soluble Polyimides from a New Dianhydride: 5′‐tert‐Butyl‐m‐terphenyl‐3,4,3″,4″‐tetracarboxylic Acid Dianhydride

A novel tert‐butyl‐containing dianhydride was prepared from readily available reagents. It was reacted with various aromatic diamines to prepare a set of polyimides containing tert‐butyl pendent groups. The resulting polyimides exhibit high molecular weights (high inherent viscosity), and a combination of desirable properties, such as good solubility in aprotic amide solvents and cresols, high glass transition temperatures (up to 320 °C), high thermal resistance, film‐forming capability and good mechanical properties. magnified image