phthalimide
chemical compound
Quick Summary
Phthalimide is a crystalline, weakly acidic cyclic compound with the chemical formula C6H4(CO)2NH. It is typically synthesized by reacting ammonia with phthalic anhydride.1
Phthalimide serves as a crucial intermediate in the production of various organic compounds, including amines, amino acids, and anthranilic acid. Historically, it was also used in the synthesis of indigo.1
It is important to distinguish phthalimide from phthalide, which is a different crystalline lactone (C8H6O2) usually made by reducing phthalic anhydride.2
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