Imide-linked bisphthalonitrile compounds are prepared by combining a dicyano aromatic diamine and an organic dianhydride to produce an amic acid linked bisphthalonitrile compound. The amic acid linked bisphthalonitrile compound is dehydrocyclized to produce the imide-linked bisphthalonitrile compounds. The imide-linked bisphthalonitrile compounds may be polymerized to produce a phythalocyanine polymer by heating the imide-linked bisphthalonitrile compound, either alone or in the presence of a metal powder or a metal salt. These compounds are useful in the coating, laminating and molding arts. The polymers are useful in composite matrix resins where increased fire resistance, toughness and resistance to moisture are required, particularly as secondary structures in aircraft and spacecraft
