A method for the manufacture of a 2-aryl-3,3-bis(hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine including heating a reaction mixture comprising a phenolphthalein compound and a primary arylamine in the presence of an acid catalyst, and a heterocyclic aromatic amine co-catalyst, to form the 2-aryl-3,3-bis(hydroxyaryl) is provided. Polymers including structural units derived from the 2-aryl-3,3-bis(hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine are provided. Methods for the manufacture of a polycarbonate, including manufacturing the 2-aryl-3,3-bis(hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine, and polymerizing the 2-aryl-3,3-bis(hydroxyaryl)phthalimidine in the presence of a carbonate source are provided.