Fluorinated polyimides were prepared from 2,2＇,6,6＇-tetrafluorobenzidine and four conventional dianhydride monomers by a solution polycondensation reaction followed by a chemical imidization. Polyimide based on 2,2＇,6,6＇-tetrafluorobenzidine and hexafluoroisopropylidene bis(3,4-phthalic anhydride) (GFDA) is soluble in organic solvents such as NMP, DMA, DMF, THF, chloroform, and acetone while those based on 2,2＇,6,6＇-tetrafluorobenzidine and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), benzophenone-3,3＇,4,4＇-tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (BTDA), diphenylether-3,3＇,4,4＇-tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (ETDA) are not. Polyimide from 2,2＇,6,6＇-tetrafluorobenzidine and GFDA possesses high optical transparency at 350-700 nm and has a in-plane refractive index of 1.558 at 632.8 nm. All polyimides exhibit glass transition temperatures above 350 degrees C. They also possess very high thermal stability.