Method Of Making A High Molecular Weight, Monoesterified Polyimide Polymer

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymer. One method as described herein relates to making the high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymer. According to its broadest aspect, the method for making the high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymer comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polyimide polymer comprising carboxylic acid functional groups from a reaction solution comprising monomers and at least one solvent; and (b) treating the polyimide polymer with a diol at esterification conditions in the presence of dehydrating conditions to form a monoesterified polyimide polymer, wherein the dehydrating conditions at least partially remove water produced during step (b). Such high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymers are useful in forming crosslinked polymer membranes for the separation of fluid mixtures.