Both of the maleimide and carboxylic acid groups in 5-maleimidoisophthalic acid (MIPA) are reactive toward an amine group. The selective reaction between carboxylic acid and amine groups was successfully established and applied in preparation of polyamides (PA-MI) and copolyamides possessing maleimide pendants. The chemical structures of the polymers obtained were characterized with FTIR, H-1 NMR, and elemental analysis. Some polyamides showed good solubility in organic solvents and are for further chemical modifications. Success of phosphorylation on PA-MI polymers demonstrated this kind of polyamide could be used as reactive polymers for further modification and functionalization. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.