Non-thermal polyimidization reaction using base–ionic liquid medium as a dual catalyst–solvent

A novel one-step synthesis of PMDA–ODA polyimide at ambient temperature was reported for the first time, in which a polyimidization reaction was rapidly accomplished in 99% yield in an imidazolium-based ionic liquid containing a non-nucleophilic base. The base–ionic liquid medium showed good reusability. The high molecular weight product could be isolated by direct filtration.