The reaction of pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and oxydianiline (ODA) on Cu(110) was studied using high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). The interaction of the individual monomers with Cu(110) was also studied. PMDA dissociated on Cu(110) at 300 K forming a carboxylate link to the surface, releasing CO into the gas phase. ODA was also found to adsorb dissociatively on Cu(110) at 300 K via cleavage of one of the amine NH bonds, Vapor-deposited PMDA/ODA films on Cu(110) reacted at 300 K to form polyamic acid, Heating a polyamic acid film to 450 K was sufficient to induce imidization and form polyimide. HREELS results indicated that the resulting polyimide chains were both bonded to the surface and terminated with PMDA monomer units. The polyimide film was stable up to 500 K, consistent with the thermal stability of PMDA on Cu(110).