Phthalic anhydride is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(CO)2O. It is the anhydride of phthalic acid. Phthalic anhydride is the principal commercial form of phthalic acid.
Features
Application Areas
- Molar Mass: 148.1 g/mol
- Appearance: White Crystals
- Odor: Characteristic
- Density: 1.53 g/cm3, solid; 1.20 g/mL, melted
- Melting Point: 131.6 °C (268.9 °F; 404.8 K)
- Boiling Point: Sublimes at 295 °C (563 °F; 568 K)
- Solubility in Water: 0.62 g/100g (20–25 °C); 19.0 g/100 g (100 °C); slow reaction
- Vapor Pressure: 0.0015 mmHg (20 °C)
- Phthalic anhydride’s primary use is in the production of phthalate esters. Through alcoholysis reaction with phthalic anhydride, phthalate esters are obtained, and these esters serve as raw materials in the production of various plasticizers such as DOP, DEHP.
- Another significant application of phthalic anhydride is in the production of dyes. Phthalic anhydrides are precursors to many dyes.
- Additionally, some pharmaceuticals also contain phthalic anhydride.