C6H4N2O2

C6H4N2O2 is the chemical formula for several isomers, most notably phthalimide and its various structural arrangements. Phthalimide is a white solid compound. It is an imide derived from phthalic anhydride and ammonia. The molecule features a benzene ring fused to a five-membered ring containing two carbonyl groups and a nitrogen atom. This structure contributes to its chemical properties, including its acidity due to the imide proton.

Phthalimide is a crucial intermediate in organic synthesis. It is widely used in the Gabriel synthesis of primary amines, a method that allows for the controlled preparation of amines without over-alkylation. This reaction involves the deprotonation of phthalimide by a base, followed by alkylation with an alkyl halide, and finally hydrolysis or hydrazinolysis to release the primary amine.

Other isomers with the formula C6H4N2O2 also exist, though phthalimide is the most commonly encountered. These isomers may exhibit different physical and chemical properties due to the varied arrangement of the nitrogen and oxygen atoms relative to the benzene ring. The study of these isomers is important for understanding structure-property relationships in organic chemistry.