Novel, highly functionalized rod-like copolymers have been synthesized by alternating copolymerization of N,N,N',N'-tetraalkyl-4, 4'-diaminostilbenes (TDASs) with maleic anhydride. These unique copolymers have been characterized by SEC, DSC and TGA. The solubility of these copolymers in organic solvents is strongly dependent on the length of the alkyl chains on the amino groups and the solubility in aqueous media is pH dependent. Light scattering studies indicate that the conformation of the polymer backbone does not change upon increasing temperature or introducing charges to the amino groups. High chain rigidity is further corroborated by the high T, of the polymers. There is no observed glass transition below 280 C. The light scattering and thermal results are indicative of a rod-like backbone structure. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.