We prepared new semiaromatic polyimides from alicyclic dianhydrides and aromatic diamines containing adamantyl and biadamantyl units. Polycondensations were performed in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone at room temperature for 7 h and then 80 degreesC for 23 h, giving poly(amic acid)s with inherent viscosities up to 0.58 dL/g. Poly(amic acid)s were converted to corresponding poly(imide)s by thermal treatment. Poly(imide)s showed relatively high thermal stability (5% weight loss around 450 degreesC) and low dielectric constants (2.69-2.79). (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.