A polyetherimide manufactured by reaction of an alkali metal salt of a dihydroxy aromatic compound with a bis(halophthalimide) composition comprising, based on the weight of the bis(halophthalimide) composition, from more than 45 to less than 75 weight percent of a 3,3′-bis(halophthalimide), less than 10 weight percent of a 3,4′-bis(halophthalimide), and from more than 45 to less than 75 weight percent of a (4,4′-bis(halophthalimide.