Organic-soluble optically transparent polyimides were prepared from alicyclic dianhydride monomer, bicyclo[2.2.2]-oct-7-ene-2,3,5,6-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BCDA). BCDA gives soluble polyimides with diamines containing at least one flexible linkage such as ether, methylene and sulfide. The polyimides have glass transition temperatures above 350 degrees C and a thermal decomposition temperature of 450 degrees C in an inert atmosphere. The polyimides form a tough film with an ultra-violet cut-off between 300 and 400 nm, which is comparable to that of a fluorinated polyimide.