A novel poly(arylene ether sulfone) having a sulfoalkoxy group, which has both
of heat resistance and electroconductivity, is suitable as polymer electrolyte
membranes used for high performance polymer electrolyte fuel cells, and does not
use fluorine so that loads to the environment are small in the synthesis or disposal,
a process of producing the same, and a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising
the same. The poly(arylene ether sulfone) having a sulfoalkoxy group has a structural
unit represented by the formula (1) mentioned hereinabove, and is produced by reacting
a poly(arylene ether sulfone) having a hydroxyl group with a specific alkali metal
compound and/or an organic base compound, followed by reacting with a specific
sulfonating agent and then with a specific acid. A polymer electrolyte membrane
is produced by film formation of the polymer.