An organosoluble polyimide based on 2.2'-bis(3,4'-dicarboxyphenyl)-hexafluoropropane dianhydride(6FDA) and 2,2'-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine(TFMB) was investigated for possible use as a liquid crystal (LC) alignment layer in pre-imidized form. Polarized Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy were used to investigate the effect of polarized UV (PUV) irradiation on the polyimide (PI). PI films strongly absorb UV below 340 nm, resulting in photochemical reaction of the PI. PUV irradiation of the PI Film resulted in a decrease of all the peak intensities in the IR. except For newly formed anhydride peaks at 1859 and 1789 cm(-1) and the -OH peak at 3266 cm(-1) from the -COOH group. due to degradation of the PI molecules. Because the preferential degradation direction of the PI molecules is parallel to the UV polarization direction. the predominant orientation of the remaining PI molecules after PUV irradiation is perpendicular to the polarization direction, Alignment of the liquid crystal on PUV irradiated PI is generally perpendicular to the polarization direction of the PUV. Defects in the LC alignment may result from the liquid crystal dissolving or plasticizing fragments of the PI.