Random copoly(p-phenylene sulfide sulfone/ketone)s (PPSS/K) are prepared in high yield by the polycondensation of sodium hydrosulfide (NaSH) with bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone (BCPS) and 4,4’-dichlorobenzophenone (DCBP). The polymerization is conducted between 200-220-degrees-C, depending on the composition of the copolymer, and in the presence of water without any detrimental effects to the molecular weight. The copolymers with sulfone/ketone mole ratios (S : K) > 25 : 75 are amorphous, while the copolymers with S : K ratios less-than-or-equal-to 25 : 75 are crystalline. These materials form tough, creaseable films and exhibit a linear increase in the glass transition temperature with increasing sulfone content. Sulfuric acid solutions of the copolymers are dark orange to red and display an increasing lambda(max) in the uv-visible spectra as the S:K ratio of the copolymers decreases.