2,3-Dimethylphenylboronic Acid can be used in the process of preparing thermoset and thermoplastic polyimides derived from novel asym. dianhydrides such as 2,3,3',4' benzophenone dianhydride (a-BTDA), and 3,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (a-6FDA).