SynopsisA new class of polymers containing a photosensitive disilane unit in the polymer main chain with inherent viscosities between 0.1 and 0.59 dL/g was prepared by the melt polycondensation of l,2-bis ( diethylamino) tetramethyldisilane and various bisphenols. The polymers were characterized by UV, IR, 'H-NMR, and elemental analysis. Poly (oxyaryleneoxydisi1ane)s were soluble in a variety of common organic solvents and have a wide range of glass transition temperatures varying between -65 and 135'C, depending on the arylene structure. Most of the polymers were stable up to 350°C in both air and nitrogen atmospheres. The inherent viscosity of the polymer containing the 1,6-napthalene unit decreased drastically upon UV light irradiation, indicating its p hotodegradation.