Reactions between bis(o-iodo amides) and diamines in the presence of a palladium catalyst and a base at elevated (90 psig) carbon monoxide (CO) pressures give intermediate poly(amic amide) polymers which can be thermally ring-closed to the fully imidized polyimides. Model studies indicate that competing side reactions are suppressed and the intermediate o-diamide is stabilized when diisopropylamides are used.