Phthalic anhydride
General Product Information
| Article | Phthalic anhydride |
| Synonyms | 2-Benzofuran-1,3-dione, Isobenzofuran-1,3-dione |
| CAS No. | 85-44-9 |
| EEG No. | 607-009-00-4 |
| EINECS No. | 201-607-5 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 29173500 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Phthalic anhydride is an aromatic compound. It occurs as white, shiny crystals with a characteristic pungent odor. It is highly soluble in organic solvents such as benzene, toluene, ether and acetone, but reacts slowly with water to form phthalic acid.
Characteristics
- Odor: Characteristic, pungent.
- Hygroscopic: –
- Color: White.
- Grade: Technical.
- Solubility: Poorly soluble in water.
- Shape: Crystals.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | C8H4O3 |
| Molar Weight | 148.12 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 131-134 °C |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | 1.53 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | – |
Applications
Phthalic anhydride is mainly used for the production of:
1. Plasticizers
As a raw material for the manufacture of phthalate ester plasticizers, such as dioctyl phthalate (DOP), which are used to make PVC more flexible.
2. Polyester Resins
In the production of unsaturated polyester resins, which are used in composite materials such as fiberglass reinforced plastics.
3. Alkyd Resins
In the production of alkyd resins, which are used in paints and coatings because of their excellent adhesion and durability.
4. Dyes & Pigments
As an intermediate in the synthesis of certain dyes and pigments.
Interessing Links
- CAS Common Chemistry – Phthalic anhydride
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- PubChem – Phthalic anhydride – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Phthalic anhydride