A series of polyisophthalamides (PIPAs) containing pendent benzoxazole groups was prepared from six aromatic diamines and a new monomer, 5-(2-benzoxazole)isophthaloyl chloride. These polymers, having moderate to high inherent viscosity values, were synthesized by the low temperature polycondensation method in high yields. A striking feature of these polymers is that their solubility and thermal properties were enhanced compared to the corresponding unmodified PIPAs. Thus, all of the polymers were soluble in aprotic polar solvents and glass transition and decomposition temperatures were, respectively, 15-40-degrees-C and 25-35-degrees-C higher than for the reference PIPAs. The tensile strengths were somewhat lower than those for the unmodified PIPAs.