Two novel bis(amine anhydride) monomers, N,N'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)-1,4-phenylenediamine dianhydride I and N,/N'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)-1,3-phenylenediamine dianhydride 11, were prepared via palladium-catalyzed amination reaction of 4-chloro-N-methylphthaliniide with 1,4-phenylenediamine or 1,3-phenylenediamine, followed by alkaline hydrolysis of the intermediate bis(amine imide)s and subsequent dehydration of the resulting tetraacids. A series of new poly(amine imide)s were prepared from the synthesized dianhydride monomers with various diamines in NMP via conventional two-step method. FT-IR spectra of the poly(amine imide)s revealed that in the solid state, intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonding (N-H center dot center dot center dot O=C) are present. These polymers had glass transition temperatures in the range of 250-295 degrees C. The 10% weight loss temperature of the resulting poly(amine imide)s ranged from 539 to 560 degrees C in nitrogen. The poly(amine imide)s have the peel strength values ranging from 283 to 358 N/m. The poly(amine imide)s films were found to be transparent, flexible, and tough. The films had a tensile strength, elongation at break, and tensile modulus in the ranges 102-152 MPa, 11.3-19.6%, and 1.04-2.08 GPa, respectively. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.