New condensation monomers-primarily diamines containing phenoxy, thiophenoxy and phenylsulphone substituents were obtained from 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). Interaction of some dinitro compounds containing strong electron-withdrawing groups in meta-positions with his-phenols under conditions of aromatic nucleophilic polynitro substitution reactions led to the formation of aromatic oligoethers. Based on aromatic diamines containing phenoxy and thiophenoxy substituents under conditions of traditional polycondensation and polycyclo condensation reactions, aromatic polyamides and polyimides demonstrating improved processability combined with high thermal stability were obtained. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.