A series of anion exchange membranes with pyridinium groups were prepared by aminating 100% bromomethylated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) with 4-vinylpyridine. These membranes exhibited higher ion exchange capacity, lower water uptake, lower area resistance, and better thermal stabilities than the membranes prepared from pyridine. Trimethylamine was used for further amination, but it did not enhance the membrane's permselectivity for fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, hydroxyl, nitrate, nitrite, or thiocyanate anions. Accordingly, 4-vinylpyridine was the better aminating agent to enhance the permselectivity of membranes for some monovalent anions. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 114: 3016-3025, 2009