Very efficient syntheses of "long" bisphenol and activated dihalide monomers containing keto groups were developed on the basis of alpha-aminonitrile chemistry. Known and novel activated dihalide monomers were obtained in quantitative yields and without isomeric impurities. This method is suitable for any activated dihalide by reaction with 2 equiv of the anion of p-fluorobenzalaminonitrile (8), followed by hydrolysis to produce a monomer with two more p-fluorobenzoyl units. Similarly, use of the anion of p-methoxybenzalaminonitrile (15) by reaction with activated dihalides provides a general route to bisphenols. Less expensive dichloro monomers, e.g., 4,4＇-dichlorobenzophenone, can be used to synthesize these "long" bisphenol and activated dihalide monomers.