Phthalic anhydride Chemical properties

Phthalic anhydride is the organic compound with the formula C6H4(CO)2O. It is the anhydride of phthalic acid. This colourless solid is an important industrial chemical, especially for the large-scale production of plasticizers for plastics.

Name:Phthalic anhydride

EINECS:201-607-5

Molecular Formula:C8H4O3

CAS Registry Number:85-44-9

Synonyms:2,5-Isobenzofurandione; Phthalic anhydride 99+ %; 2-benzofuran-1,3-dione

InChI:InChI=1/C8H4O3/c9-7-5-3-1-2-4-6(5)8(10)11-7/h1-4H


Appearance:white crystalline solid with choking odour

Molecular Weight:148.12

Density:1.53

Boiling Point:284 °C

Melting Point:129-132 °C

Flash Point:152 °C

Storage Temperature:Store at RT.

Refractive index:1.646

Solubility:0.62 g/100g reacts slowly in water

Stability:Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong
bases, moisture, strong acids. Dust may form an explosive mixture with air.

Usage： Amino acid structurally related to γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), designed
to cross the blood brain barrier. Used as an anticonvulsant.

Biological Activity ：Anticonvulsant with several possible mechanisms of action.
Increases GABA in the brain and binds to a novel site associated with voltage-
sensitive Ca 2+ channels. Prevents neuronal death and is antinociceptive and
anxiolytic.

Physical Properties：

１.Phthalic anhydride is a white (lustrous needles) solid that is slightly soluble in water.

２.Phthalic anhydride has an odor threshold of 0.053 parts per million (ppm).

３.The chemical formula for phthalic anhydride is C8H4O3, and it has a molecular
weight of 148.12 g/mol.


４.The vapor pressure for phthalic anhydride is 5.14 × 10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C.