1 November 2024 Bulletin

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Phthalic Anhydride

Phthalic anhydride is the organic compound with the molecular formula C8H4O3. It is the anhydride of phthalic acid. Phthalic anhydride occurs as white, lustrous crystalline needles, and has a characteristic pungent choking odour. It is soluble in hot water, benzene, carbon disulfide, and alcohol and is slightly soluble in water and ether. Phthalic anhydride is obtained by catalytic oxidation of ortho–xylene or naphthalene. When separating the phthalic anhydride from production by products such as o–xylene in water, or maleic anhydride, a series of “switch condensers” is required. It can also be prepared from phthalic acid. [1,2]

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