Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising a polymer with a weight average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 100,000, said polymer containing at least some monomer repeat units with a first, photosensitivity-imparting substituent which enables crosslinking or chain extension of the polymer upon exposure to actinic radiation, said polymer also containing a second, thermal sensitivity-imparting substituent which enables further crosslinking or chain extension of the polymer upon exposure to temperatures of about 140° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermosetting resinous binder compositions comprising a cationic resin (1) and a cross-linking agent (2), wherein the cationic resin (1) is an epoxy resin/amine adduct with on average more than one primary amine group, and the cross-linking agent (2) is a polyketone with on average more than one 1,4-dioxobutylene groups in the backbone. The invention also relates to the preparation of these compositions, and their use in general and in CED more particularly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition which comprises a polymer containing at least some monomer repeat units with water-solubility- or water-dispersability-imparting substituents and at least some monomer repeat units with photosensitivity-imparting substituents which enable crosslinking or chain extension of the polymer upon exposure to actinic radiation, said polymer being of the formula wherein x is an integer of 0 or 1, A is one of several specified groups, such as B is one of several specified groups, such as or mixtures thereof, and n is an integer representing the number of repeating monomer units. In one embodiment, a single functional group imparts both photosensitivity and water solubility or dispersability to the polymer. In another embodiment, a first functional group imparts photosensitivity to the polymer and a second functional group imparts water solubility or dispersability to the polymer.

Abstract: A compound of the formula where R1 is the radical of the formula II or III is suitable for the production of a pharmaceutical for the treatment of inflammations, carcinomatous diseases, or autoimmune diseases. A compound of the formula IV is suitable for the production of specific antibodies against a compound of the formula I for the discovery of specific-binding proteins from cell extracts, serum, blood, or synovial fluids, for the purification of proteins, for the modification of microtiter plates, or for the preparation of chromatography material, in particular of affinity chromatography material, and for use in diagnostics.

Abstract: Polymerisable resins which comprise a porphyrinogenic ring system obtained by the reaction of: (a) one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of pyrrole and N-(lower)alkyl pyrroles, any of which may be optionally substituted, and (b) a C4-C6 saturated alicyclic ketone which is capable of reacting with the 2 or 5 position of the pyrrole ring. Resin coating systems comprising the said resins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing hydroxyl- and carboxyl-containing polyesterimide resins, comprising as monomeric components: (A) imide-forming compounds having at least two primary amino groups and/or at least two isocyanate groups or imide-forming compounds having at least one primary amino group and/or at least one isocyanate group and at least one further functional group selected from hydroxyl, carboxyl and/or carboxylic anhydride, (B) polycarboxylic acids and/or their anhydrides and/or their esters and (C) polyols, characterized in that (I) component (A) is reacted with part of component (B) to form a polyimide, (II) the polyimide obtained in accordance with stage (I) is reacted with component (C) to form a polyesterimide, and finally (III) the polyesterimide obtained in accordance with stage (II) is reacted with the remaining part of component (B) to form the Also embraced by the invention is the use of the polyesterimides prepared by the process according to the invention as bi

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition which comprises (a) a polymer containing at least some monomer repeat units with photosensitivity-imparting substituents which enable crosslinking or chain extension of the polymer upon exposure to actinic radiation, said polymer being of the formula wherein x is an integer of 0 or 1, A is one of several specified groups, such as B is one of several specified groups, such as or mixtures thereof, and n is an integer representing the number of repeating monomer units, wherein said photosensitivity-imparting substituents are hydroxyalkyl groups; (b) at least one member selected from the group consisting of photoinitiators and sensitizers; and (c) an optional solvent. Also disclosed are processes for preparing the above polymers and methods of preparing thermal ink jet printheads containing the above polymers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to oxidative and reductive methods of fabricating electrically conducting polymers and precursors thereof in particular polyanilines in which the polymer chains are deaggregated. Such deaggregated conducting polymers and precusors thereof exhibit better processability and higher electrical conductivity than do the corresponding aggregated polymers. Substituted and unsubstituted polyanilines in the substantially non oxidized or non reduced form (emeraldine form) are converted to an intermediate deaggregated reduced or oxidized form. The intermediate reduced or oxidized deaggregated form is processed into an article. The articles is subsequently treated with a dopant and an oxidizing or reducing agent to reform the original substantially non oxidized or non reduced form. The methods described herein permit the formation of articles such as shaped articles and films having deaggregated structure and higher electrical conductivity.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for preparing novel, solid-phase transfer reagents, specifically phosgenated oxime resins and non-symmetrical ureas, that are useful as supports in combinatorial synthesis for the creation of libraries of compounds for lead identification.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process which comprises reacting a polymer of the general formula ##STR1## wherein x is an integer of 0 or 1, A is one of several specified groups, such as ##STR2## B is one of several specified groups, such as ##STR3##

Abstract: A novel class of polyaryleneamines improved in physical and chemical properties, particularly in heat resistance and solvent resistance, and a process for producing the same are disclosed: said polymers having tertiary arylamino units bound in series.

Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising a fluorinated elastomer having dicyclopropane rings formed by reaction of chloroform with unsaturated bonds introduced into the molecule of fluorinated elastomer by an alkali treatment, as an adhesive component has a good room temperature adhesiveness and very distinguished electric characteristics perse such as a high insulation resistance, a low dielectric constant, a low dielectric loss tangent, etc. and is effectively applied to adhesion of electronic materials in printed substrates, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to new blue anthraquinone colorants having Formula I ##STR1## wherein R and R1 are the same or different and are selected from hydrogen and unsubstituted or substituted C1-C6 alkyl, C3-C7 cycloalkyl 2-furyl, 2-thienyl, or phenyl; R2 is aryl; X is a group selected from hydroxy, C1-C6 alkanolyloxy, carboxy, C1-C6 carbalkoxy and carbamoyloxy.The colorants are useful for copolymerizing into polymers such as polyesters and polyurethanes. In particular, they are advantageous for preparing colored sulfopolyesters which are useful for coloring human hair.

Abstract: A polyketone is provided wherein the polyketone is water soluble and curable. A method to make a such a polymer is also disclosed, the method including the steps of: providing a polyketone, the polyketone comprising 1,4-diketone units; contacting the polyketone with a diamine wherein the diamine comprises one nitrogen which is more reactive than another of the nitrogens under conditions effective to incorporate the more reactive nitrogen in the polyketone; contacting the polyketone having the diamine incorporated into the polyketone with maleic anhydride under conditions effective to react the less reactive nitrogen with the maleic anhydride; contacting the polyketone having maleic anhydride incorporated thereto with a strong base; and recovering a functionalized polyketone wherein the functionalized polyketone is water soluble and curable.

Abstract: Proposed is a novel undercoating composition to form an undercoating layer interposed between the surface of a substrate and a photoresist layer with an object to decrease the adverse influences by the reflection of light on the substrate surface in the pattern-wise exposure of the photoresist layer to ultraviolet light without the undesirable phenomena of intermixing between layers and notching along with a large selectivity ratio in the etching rates between the patterned resist layer and the undercoating layer in a dry-etching treatment. The undercoating composition comprises (A) an ultraviolet absorber which is a benzophenone compound or an aromatic azomethine compound each having at least one unsubstituted or alkyl-substituted amino group on the aryl groups and (B) a crosslinking agent which is preferably a melamine compound having at least two methylol groups or alkoxymethyl groups bonded to the nitrogen atoms in a molecule in a weight proportion (A):(B) in the range from 1:1 to 1:10.

Abstract: An improved polybenzimidazole wherein the total concentration of metals other than alkali metal and alkaline earth metals is 10 ppm or less. The resulting polybenzimidazole is industrially useable in parts or components of apparatus for the manufacture of semiconductors and display devices.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polyphosphazenes is provided that includes the cationic solution polymerization reaction of a phosphoranimine, using a main group or transition metal halide, or other appropriate halide salt, including a linear phosphazene salt of any chain length, or a preformed non-phosphazene polymer containing a main or transition metal chloride, as an initiator. In a preferred embodiment, triarmed-star polyphosphazenes having the formula N{RN(H)R'.sub.2 P--(N.dbd.PR'.sub.2).sub.n }.sub.3 are prepared via this method. Also, a methods for synthesis of the monomer Cl.sub.3 P.dbd.NSiMe.sub.3 and cyclic trimer N.sub.3 P.sub.3 X.sub.6 from the reactants N(SiR.sub.3).sub.3 and PX.sub.5 are also described.

Abstract: Improved process for producing a polybenzimidazole compound in solution by dissolving a fully dried polybenzimidazole of the following general formula (1) or (2) in N,N-dimethylacetamide of a sufficiently reduced water content at an elevated temperature of 260.degree. C. or higher in an inert gas atmosphere and a solution of the polybenzimidazole compound produced by the process. The solution remains useful for an extended time without using metal salts or any other stabilizers: ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.5 are tetra-, di- and trivalent aromatic groups, respectively; R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.6 are each independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an aryl group; n is an integer of 2 or more.

Abstract: Poly (organophosphazene) polymers bearing various ratios of a carboxylic acid containing sidegroup and an alkylamino, alkoxy, or alkoxy ether sidegroup are disclosed. These water-soluble macromolecules are cross-linked and allowed to absorb water to form hydrogels. Because of their anionic character and high water content, the polymeric hydrogels are useful for a wide variety of biomedical applications including controlled drug delivery (e.g. pH sensitive drug delivery), biocompatible coatings, and pH sensitive membranes.

Abstract: A coating composition is disclosed that includes:(A) a multi-functional compound having(1) at least one carbamate or urea functional group,(2) at least one other functional group which may or may not be carbamate or urea, and(3) at least one hydrogen bond acceptor group that is not also a hydrogen bond donor group, with the proviso that said multi-functional compound is other than an acrylic polymer or oligomer having carbamate functional or urea groups appended to the acrylic backbone through acrylic ester side chains, a polyester polymer or oligomer that is the polycondensation reaction product of a polyol and a polyacid component, or a polyurethane that is the reaction product of a polyisocyanate component and a polyester polyol component, and(B) a curing agent comprising a plurality of groups that are reactive with the functional groups on compound (A).

Abstract: An improved method for the synthesis of low molecular weight polyaniline provides for heating a para-haloaniline in the presence of a high-boiling organic solvent and a vanadium catalyst. A neutral polyaniline can be synthesized by removing hydrogen halide as it is produced.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for preparing novel, solid-phase transfer reagents, specifically phosgenated oxime resins and non-symmetrical ureas, that are useful as supports in combinatorial synthesis for the creation of libraries of compounds for lead identification.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas barrier coating and multilayer packaging materials made therefrom. The gas barrier coating includes a polyamine (A), a polyepoxide (B), and a filler (C). Polyamine (A) includes at least one of the following: (a) an initial polyamine, and (b) an ungelled polyamine adduct which is the reaction product of the initial polyamine and epichlorohydrin and/or a polyepoxide having a plurality of glycidyl groups linked to an aromatic member. Polyepoxide (B) includes a polyepoxide having a plurality of glycidyl groups linked to an aromatic member. Filler (C) includes a platelet-type filler with the following particle size distribution: (a) a number mean particle diameter in the range from about 5.5 to about 15 microns, and (b) a volume mean particle diameter in the range from about 8 to about 25 microns. In addition, the present invention provides glossy, multilayer packaging materials containing an oxygen barrier material layer having an oxygen permeability constant not more than 0.

Abstract: A one-part, low viscosity, moisture curable composition which exhibits excellent shelf stability in the absence of water, but which quickly cures at ambient conditions upon exposure to moisture in the air is a substantially anhydrous mixture containing an acetoacetate functional compound and a polyisocyanate functional compound. The composition can be suitably formulated for use as an ambient temperature, moisture curable adhesive, sealant or coating composition. The acetoacetate functional compounds have a relatively low viscosity as compared with conventional isocyanate functional compounds and thereby reduce or eliminate the need for plasticizers, organic solvents, or both. The cure chemistry of the composition simultaneously consumes and generates moisture at approximately the same rate thereby facilitating rapid cure under even low humidity conditions, and allows for efficient and facile curing of even thick layers of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coating compositions including a particular class of oligomeric sterically hindered polyamines as replacements for traditional blocked and unblocked polyamine crosslinkers. The use of these oligomeric sterically hindered polyamine crosslinkers resultss in a desirable pot life/cure speed relationship not generally available with traditional unblocked polyamine crosslinkers, as well as a lower VOC and often better appearance characteristics than generally available with the traditional blocked varieties.

Abstract: Stable, electroactive material which when a potential is applied from the outside is subjected to one or more reversible redox reactions, for use in devices with an electrochromic display or another electrochromic color change or in batteries.The material comprises a condensed ring structure, the oxidized form of which is of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1, R.sub.2, X, and A may have any meaning with the proviso that the condensed ring structure maintains the reversible properties.The material can be prepared by various processes and it is suited for use as electrochromic material for use in devices with an electrochromic display or as coating on windows because it presents a distinct and easily visible color change when it is subjected to a potential. In addition, the material is suited for use in rechargeable batteries because is possesses an excellent capacity and reversibility.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polyphosphazenes is provided that includes the cationic solution polymerization reaction of a phosphoranimine, using a main group or transition metal halide, or other appropriate halide salt, including a linear phosphazene salt of any chain length, or a preformed nonphosphazene polymer containing a main or transition metal chloride, as an initiator.

Abstract: Novel polymers of general formula: ##STR1## wherein where n is a whole number from 2 to 10; R is a spacing group comprising (a) at least one of m methylene units where m is a whole number from 1 to 20, m' methine units where m' is a whole number from 0 to 20, a mixture of m methylene units and m' methine units where m+m'.ltoreq.20, and units of formula --(CH.sub.2 -CHX-O).sub.m" --, where m" is a whole number from 0 to 200 and X is H, CH.sub.3 or C.sub.2 H.sub.5, or (b) an aromatic ring having one, two or three members; R' is H, an alkyl group having no more than 20 carbon atoms, an aryl group having no more than three rings, or a combination thereof; R" is a group containing at least two active hydrogen atoms and having at least two but no more than 20 carbon atoms; and R'" is a group containing at least two active hydrogen atoms and is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl and mixed alkyl-aryl species having from 1 to 200 carbon atoms; polyalkylene oxides; and urea formaldehyde resin.

Abstract: Rigid-rod and segmented rigid-rod polymers, methods for preparing the polymers and useful articles incorporating the polymers are provided. The polymers incorporate rigid-rod backbones with pendant solubilizing groups attached thereto for rendering the polymers soluble.

Abstract: Rigid-rod and segmented rigid-rod polymers, methods for preparing the polymers and useful articles incorporating the polymers are provided. The polymers incorporate rigid-rod backbones with pendant solubilizing groups attached thereto for rendering the polymers soluble.

Abstract: Novel molecular weight controlled and endcapped polybenzimidazoles (PBI) are prepared by the aromatic nucleophilic displacement reaction of di(hydroxyphenylbenzimidazole) monomers with activated aromatic dihalides or activated aromatic dinitro compounds. The PBI are endcapped with mono(hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazoles. The polymerizations are carried out in polar aprotic solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone or N,N-dimethylacetamide using alkali metal bases such as potassium carbonate at elevated temperatures under nitrogen. Mono(hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazoles are synthesized by reacting phenyl-4-hydroxybenzoate with aromatic (o-diamine)s in diphenylsulfone. Molecular weight controlled and endcapped PBI of new chemical structures are prepared that exhibit a favorable combination of physical and mechanical properties.

Abstract: Low molecular weight polyaldehydes are prepared by converting the acetal groups of the low molecular weight polyacetal to aldehyde groups or by reacting an aldehyde-containing reagent (e.g., glyoxal) with a polyamide.

Abstract: Polymeric polyetheramidoamine hydrogel materials, which are capable of complexing heparin in physiological conditions are herein described. Said materials are useful in the manufacturing of medical devices.

Abstract: Polyetheramidoamine hydrogels consisting of polyetheramidomaine and/or polyamidoamine prepolymers crosslinked by Michael's nuceophilic polyaddition with alpha-omega-diamino monomers or with alpha-omega-diamino monomers or oligomers; said hydrogels having a swelling degree in water higher than 500% and are useful as superabsorbent materials.

Abstract: Novel poly(N-arylenebenzimidazole)s (PNABls) are prepared by the aromatic nucleophilic displacement reaction of novel di(hydroxyphenyl-N-arylene benzimidazole) monomers with activated aromatic dihalides or activated aromatic dinitro compounds. The polymerizations are carried out in polar aprotic solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone or N,N-dimethylacetamide using alkali metal bases such as potassium carbonate at elevated temperatures under nitrogen. The di(hydroxyphenyl-N-arylenebenzimidazole) monomers are synthesized by reacting phenyl-4-hydroxybenzoate with bis(2-aminoanilino)arylenes in diphenylsulfone. Moderate molecular weight PNABIs of new chemical structures were prepared that exhibit a favorable combination of physical and mechanical properties. The use of the novel di(hydroxyphenyI-N-arylenebenzimidazole)s permits a more economical and easier way to prepare PNABIs than previous routes.

Abstract: Novel polymers of general formula: ##STR1## wherein R is an alkyl or aryl group that contains an active hydrogen atom (as determined by the Zerewitinoff test); A is a spacing group having at least one carbon atom; B is a spacing group having at least two carbon atoms; and R and R' are alkyl or aryl groups. The polymer is synthesized via the Mannich pathway, involving formation of an imine intermediate.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable polymers are obtained from the polymerization of cyclic ether-esters which are derived from crown ethers. The bioabsorbable polymers are useful in forming surgical articles including sutures and suture coating compositions.

Abstract: Oligomeric monomers are produced by reaction of a bisphenol compound with ther a dihalobenzophenone or a (2,2)bis(4-halophenyl)hexafluoropropane and any other activated halogen containing aromatic compounds in the presence of a base and an appropriate solvent. The resulting oligomeric product, a dialkaline bisphenate terminated salt, is then reacted with 4-nitrophthalonitrile to form an oligomer-based phthalonitrile. These oligomers, in the presence or absence of an curing agent, may then be heated to form high temperature thermosetting polymers. These polymers can potentially be used as advanced materials for composites, as adhesives, and for microelectronic applications.

Abstract: Provided is a new process useful for preparing arylsulfonyl halides, which comprises the addition or drowning of halosulfonation reaction products, produced by the reaction of aromatic compounds (arenes), with excess halosulfonic acid, into C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 aliphatic ketones, preferably acetone, isopropyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof, instead of drowning into water as is known in the art of aromatic sulfonyl chloride preparation. Less heat of reaction is observed, thus making the drowning of the halosulfonation reaction mixture safer and more controllable. Further, less hydrogen chloride gas is evolved from the drowning mixture and generally more highly pure arylsulfonyl chlorides are produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymeric film in-line coated with polyamido-polyethyleneimine to render the film receptive to direct extrusion coating with other polymers or to ink adhesion and to a method of making the same. Additionally, the present invention relates to an oriented polymeric film which has been in-line coated with polyamido-polyethyleneimine so that it has anti-static properties for other packaging applications.

Abstract: A new method for preparing commercially valuable polymeric ketones is described. The method employs an .alpha.-amiononitrile as a monomeric unit whereby an amorphous, soluble polymer having protected carbonyl moiety is obtained. Upon deprotecting the carbonyl moiety, a crystalline polymeric ketone is obtained. The method allows production of polymeric ketone materials having aromatic, aliphatic or mixed aromatic/aliphatic backbones.

Abstract: Useful materials are formed by polymerizing a 1,3 dioxolan-4-one monomer. The 1,3 dioxolan-4-one monomer can be copolymerized with a variety of comonomers, including glycolide, lactide, dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate and caprolactone.

Abstract: Novel poly(N-arylenebenzimidazole)s (PNABIs) are prepared by the aromatic nucleophilic displacement reaction of novel di(hydroxyphenyl-N-arylene benzimidazole) monomers with activated aromatic dihalides or activated aromatic dinitro compounds. The polymerizations are carried out in polar aprotic solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone or N,N-dimethylacetamide using alkali metal bases such as potassium carbonate at elevated temperatures under nitrogen. The di(hydroxyphenyl-N-arylenebenzimidazole) monomers are synthesized by reacting phenyl-4-hydroxybenzoate with bis(2-aminoanilino)arylenes in diphenylsulfone. Moderate molecular weight PNABIs of new chemical structures were prepared that exhibit a favorable combination of physical and mechanical properties. The use of the novel di(hydroxyphenyl-N-arylenebenzimidazole)s permits a more economical and easier way to prepare PNABIs than previous routes.

Abstract: A polymer scale preventive agent for use in polymerization of a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond, comprising a condensation product of (A) hydrazine and (B) a quinone compound. Where the monomer is polymerized in a polymerization vessel having, on its inner wall surface, a coating comprising the condensation product, deposition of polymer scale can be effectively prevented not only on the liquid phase part in the polymerization vessel but also near the interface between the gas phase part and the liquid phase part, so that the thus obtained polymer can provide a molded item having few fish eyes and low in initial coloration, when the polymer is molded into a sheet or the like.

Abstract: The synthesis of a nonlinear chromophoric co-monomer 3,5-diamino-4'-nitrodiphenylamine and use as a reactive component in combination with a bismaleimide monomer in a NLO-active polyimide matrix is disclosed. After concurrent corona or contact poling and thermal polymerization, thin films of these chromophoric polyimides exhibit high second harmonic generation efficiencies and high DSC-determined glass transition temperatures. These poled polyimides also exhibit excellent SHG temporal stability, retaining 85-90% of the initial second harmonic efficiency after more than one month in air at 85.degree. C.

Abstract: Oligomeric monomers are produced by reaction of a bisphenol compound with ther a dihalobenzophenone or a (2, 2) bis (4-halophenyl) hexafluoropropane and any other activated halogen containing aromatic compounds in the presence of a base and an appropriate solvent. The resulting oligomeric product, a dialkaline bisphenate terminated salt, is then reacted with 4-nitrophthalonitrile to form an oligomer-based phthalonitrile. These oligomers, in the presence or absence of an curing agent, may then be heated to form high temperature thermosetting polymers. These polymers can potentially be used as advanced materials for composites, as adhesives, and for microelectronic applications.

Abstract: Star-shaped nylons with low melt viscosities and excellent mechanical properties, methods for their preparation, a novel tetrasubstituted carboxylic acid for use as a polymerization core therefor and methods for its preparation are provided.A star-shaped nylon has polymer chains emanating from 3 or more polymerization initiation groups which are substituents bonded to every other or more separated carbon atoms on an aromatic ring of an aromatic compound. The star-shaped nylon is produced by homogeneously mixing the aromatic compound with molten nylon monomer and polymerizing the nylon monomer with the respective polymerization initiation groups as the starting points. A novel tetrasubstituted carboxylic acid having a structure of 3,5,3',5'-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid is useful as a polymerization core for star-shaped nylons.

Abstract: A new method for preparing commercially valuable polymeric ketones is described. The method employs an .alpha.-amiononitrile as a monomeric unit whereby an amorphous, soluble polymer having protected carbonyl moiety is obtained. Upon deprotecting the carbonyl moiety, a crystalline polymeric ketone is obtained. The method allows production of polymeric ketone materials having aromatic, aliphatic or mixed aromatic/aliphatic backbones.

Abstract: A thermosetting resin is comprised of (a) a bisimide, particularly a bismaleimide, (b) a reactive brominated aromatic compound, particularly a member of the group consisting of group consisting of tribromophenyl maleimide, tribromostyrene, and pentabromobenzyl acrylate; and(c) a multifunctional nitrogen compound, particularly dicyandiamide, and optionally(d) ethylene bistetrabromophthalimide.

Abstract: Di(hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole monomers were prepared from phenyl-4-hydroxybenzoate and aromatic bis(o-diamine)s. These monomers were used in the synthesis of soluble polybenzimidazoles. The reaction involved the aromatic nucleophilic displacement of various di(hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole monomers with activated aromatic dihalides or activated aromatic dinitro compounds in the presence of an alkali metal base. These polymers exhibited lower glass transition temperatures, improved solubility, and better compression moldability over their commercial counterparts.