Derivatives of newly synthesized aromatic polyimides containing sulphu
r atoms in the backbone were studied as electron-hole-transporting and
light-emitting materials for use in combination with tris(8-hydroxyqu
inoline)-aluminium in multilayer organic electroluminescent devices. E
fficient bipolar charge transport has been revealed in the polymers. B
right electroluminescence (15000 cd m(-2) at 14 V) was observed in the
visible range. The possible role of intermolecular donor-acceptor int
eractions in the mechanism of electroluminescence is discussed.