A series' of polyanhydrides based on o-, m-, and p-xylenes as derived from o- and p-hydroxybenzoic acids were synthesized by melt-condensation polymerization. Precursors, monomers, and polymers were characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopies, elemental and thermogravimetric analyses, and thermal transition temperatures. Polymers containing p-xylenes and p-hydroxybenzoic acids were relatively insoluble with high T-g's. In contrast, polymers containing o- and m-xylyl moieties based on o-hydroxybenzoic acids exhibit good solubilities and T-g's below 100 degrees C.