A series of bismaleimide monomers with amide groups were prepared and characterized. Structurally different bismaleimides (with amide units) were synthesized by a reaction between 4-maleimidobenzoyl chloride and various diamines. The monomers were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The thermal characterization of the bismaleimides was accomplished with differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic thermogravimetric analysis. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.