Novel poly(arylene ether)s were synthesized from new biphenol monomers 14-16(1) containing imido- or dicyanoarylene groups. The syntheses of these polymers were carried out in tetramethylene sulfone in the presence of anhydrous K2CO3, by a nucleophilic substitution condensation between the biphenol and activated difluoro compounds to give high molecular weight polymers. All the polymers have high T-g's and good thermal stability as determined from DSC and TGA analysis. Inherent viscosities of these polymers are in the range of 0.33-0.63 dL/g. They are amorphous and readily soluble in NMP, DMF, and DMSO. The glass-transition temperatures of the polymers range from 248-295 degrees C.