The nitration of quinaldine by fuming nitric and sulfuric acid afforded nitroquinaldine. It was condensed with a half molar amount of 1,4-benzenedicarbaldehyde in the presence of acetic anhydride to yield 2,2’-( 1,4-phenylenedivinylene)bisnitroquinoline. The latter was catalytically hydrogenated to the corresponding diamine, PBAQ. The new polyamide and polyimides bearing styrylpyridine segments were prepared utilizing PBAQ as starting material. In addition, a model diamide and diimide were synthesized and characterized by IR and H-1-NMR spectroscopy. Inherent viscosities of polymers ranged from 0.31 to 0.60 dl/g. Certain polymer precursors such as a bismaleimide and bisnadimide were synthesized from the reactions of PBAQ with maleic and nadic anhydride, respectively. Their curing behavior was investigated by DTA. Curing of polyamide, polyimides, and polymer precursors at 240 degrees C for 15 h yielded crosslinked polymers. They were stable up to 329-310 degrees C in N-2 or air and afforded a char yield of 67-62% in N-2 at 800 degrees C.