Linear and branched poly(amide aspartimide)s were prepared through the reaction of 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane with 4-maleimidobenzoic acid and 5-maleimidoisophthalic acid, respectively. The synthesis was performed through a one-pot operation by means of the Michael addition reaction between amine and maleimide groups and the dehydration condensation reaction between amine and carboxylic acid groups. The obtained polymers exhibited fairly good solubility in aprotic polar solvents at room temperature and in pyridine, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, and chloroform upon heating. High glass-transition temperatures (>= 225 degrees C) and thermal stability above 360 degrees C were found for the polymers. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.