Poly(arylene ether)s (9) containing pendant benzoyl groups were prepared by the aromatic substitution reaction of 2,5-difluoro-4-benzoylbenzophenone (7) with bisphenol (8) in the presence of potassium carbonate in N,N-dimethylacetamide. The polycondensation proceeded smoothly at 170 degrees C and produced the desired poly(arylene ether)s with inherent viscosities up to 0.79 dl/g. The polymers were quite soluble in common organic solvents and can be processed into uniform films from solutions. The thermogravimetry of the polymers showed excellent thermal stability, 10% weight losses above 450 degrees C in nitrogen atmosphere. The glass-transition temperatures of the polymers were 138-158 degrees C.