Imidized

Imidized is an adjective used in chemistry to describe a molecule, polymer, or material that has undergone imidization or that contains an imide functional group. The term derives from imide, a functional group formed by two carbonyl groups bonded to a single nitrogen atom (often represented as R-CO-N-CO-R′). In practice, imidized substances are those in which an imide ring has been formed or where the backbone includes imide linkages.

In polymer chemistry, imidization is a common step in the synthesis of polyimides. Many polyimide polymers are prepared by first making polyamic acid precursors, which are then dehydrated and cyclized to yield imide rings along the polymer chain. The material after this cyclodehydration is described as imidized. Imidization can occur through heat alone or with the aid of dehydrating reagents or catalysts, and it releases water as a byproduct. The process and its conditions vary depending on the specific monomers and desired properties.

Imidized compounds also include small molecules formed by the cyclization of amic acid derivatives or related precursors into cyclic imides. These reactions are widely studied for their relevance to pharmaceutical intermediates, agrochemicals, and materials science.

Properties and applications of imidized materials are largely characterized by high thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength, making polyimides and related imide-containing compounds valuable in electronics, aerospace, and specialty coatings. The term “imidized” is most commonly encountered in polymer science and organic synthesis, where it denotes either the resulting imide-containing product or the process used to obtain it.