Polyimides were prepared by a Diels-Alder (DA) reaction of furan resin, namely poly(2-furanmethanol-formaldehyde) (PFF), with various bismsaleimides. The DA reaction was carried out in tetrahydrofuran (THF) as a solvent, as well as in bulk, followed by aromatization of tetrahydrophthalimide intermediates in the presence of acetic anhydride. All the polyimides were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectral studies, and thermogravimetry. Polyimides based on FF resin exhibit good thermal stability and preliminary tests for glass reinforcement of the polyimides indicate that laminates with good mechanical strength can be prepared. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.