A series of novel benzocyclobutene (BCB)-pendanted polyamides (inherent viscosities: 0.20-0.69 dL/g) was synthesized from 3,5-diaminophenyl-4-benzocyclobutenyl ketone, and terephthaloyl, isophthaloyl, 4,4'-oxydibenzoyl chlorides, as well as 4,4'-(o-phenylenedioxy)dibenzoyl chloride. The DSC studies demonstrated that the BCB crosslinking exothermic transition occurred at nearly the same temperature (max. -275OC) for all the four polyamides, and they were thermally stable up to 380Β°C in helium, where the weight loss started to occur. TGA and DSC studies in air indicated that the polymers, in contrast to the model compound, showed evidence of oxidation just prior to or occurring simultaneously with the BCB crosslinking reaction. This could be attributed to the oxidation of the reactive diene generated from the ring-opening of the BCB competing with the process of two BCB pendant units approaching each other for crosslinking reaction. Preliminary examination of the BCB-pendanted polyamide regenerated from a methanesulfonic acid solution indicates that the BCB ring is quite stable (DSC evidence) in the strong acid medium.