A bifunctional phenylene ether oligomer of the formula (1), obtained by oxidation
polymerization of a bivalent phenol of the formula (2) and a monovalent phenol
of the formula (3),
##STR1##
(wherein —X— is represented by the formula (2),
##STR2##
and Y—O— is represented by the formula (3),
##STR3##
R2, R3, R4, R8, R9, R10 and R11 in the formula (2) and the formula
(3) being required not to be a hydrogen atom, and its use.