The bistrimethylsilyl derivatives of six different diphenols were polycondensed with 2,6-difluoropyridine in N-methylpyrrolidone in the presence of K2CO3. the basis of previous studies, the reaction conditions were optimized for almost quantitative conversions. The feed ratio was systematically varied to optimize the molecular weight. A 2 mol % excess of 2,6-difluoropyridine was needed to obtain maximum molecular weights. In the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectra of the optimized polyethers, only cycles were found (detectable up to 5000 Da). Obviously, the relatively low molecular weights obtained under optimized conditions resulted from a limitation of the chain growth by cyclization, indicating a high cyclization tendency for poly(pyridine ether)s. The size exclusion chromatography measurements not only proved low molecular weights but also demonstrated the existence of bimodal mass distributions and high polydispersities. Protonation of the poly(pyridine ether)s required strong acids such as methane or trifluoromethane sulfonic acid. The solubilities of the neutral and protonated polyethers derived from bisphenol A were studied in various solvents. The MALDI-TOF mass spectra proved that protonation at 20-25 degrees C did not cause cleavage of ether bonds. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.