Novel optically transparent, low dielectric and highly organosoluble alicyclic polyamides derived from bulky alicyclic diamine containing trifluoromethyl group on either side, 1,1-bis[4-(2-trifluoromethyl-4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]-4-tert-butylcyclohex ane (BTFAPBC), were prepared. The polyamides were obtained in almost quantitative yields and showed inherent viscosity values between 0.55 and 0.72 dLg(-1) in DMAc solution. Most of the polyamides showed excellent solubility in polar solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP), N,N'-dimethyl acetamide (DMAc), N,N'-dimethyl formamide (DMF), pyridine, cyclohexanone, gamma-butyrolactone and chloroform. The cut-off wavelength for polyamides ranged from 350 to 388 nm. Polyamides with alicyclic tert-butylcyclohexyl cardo and trifluoromethyl substituents exhibited low dielectric constants ranging from 3.29 to 3.98 (at 100 Hz) compared with commercially available polyamides [Amodelo (R), 4.2-5.7 at 100 Hz]. Polyamides showed glass transition temperatures in the range of 244-266 degrees C and possessed a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 60-75 ppm degrees C-1. Thermogravimetric analysis data showed that the polyamides were stable up to 430 degrees C and the 10% weight loss temperature was found to be in the range of 437-466 degrees C in nitrogen atmosphere. The polyamide films had a tensile strength in the range of 66-103 MPa, elongation at break in the range of 5-8%, and tensile modulus in the range of 1.5-2.2 GPa. Due to their properties, the polyamides could be considered as engineering plastic and photoelectric materials. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.