A series of nylons with long alkane segments between amide groups were synthesized by using hexadecane diacid and various diamines, and the resulting polyamides were characterized comprehensively. It was shown that the molecular weights of nylons 6 16, 8 16, 10 16, and 12 16 in our studies exceed 1.1 x 10(4), whereas nylons 2 16 and 4 16 have relatively low molecular weights. In addition, the melting temperatures, the decomposition temperatures, and the glass transition temperatures of the nylons obtained were measured. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.