A method is provided for making aromatic bis(ether dicarboxylic acid)s, such as 2,2-bis[4(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl] propane. The corresponding aromatic bis(etherimide) is hydrolyzed in base to produce a tetraacid salt which is directly acidified with concentrated mineral acid such as sulfuric acid. The resulting aqueous mixture containing a paste is heated to produce the aromatic bis(ether dicarboxylic acid) in ready filterable form.