PhOCOOPh
PhOCOOPh, or diphenyl oxalate, is the diester of oxalic acid with phenol. The molecule consists of two phenoxy groups linked to an oxalyl unit, giving the structure PhO–CO–CO–OPh. It is a colorless solid that is soluble in many organic solvents and is prepared primarily by esterification reactions of oxalic acid with phenol or by reacting oxalyl chloride with phenol under basic or catalytic conditions.
In chemistry, PhOCOOPh is best known for its role in energy-transfer chemiluminescence, notably peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence. When
Properties and handling: Diphenyl oxalate is relatively stable under ordinary conditions but can decompose in strong
Safety: It is an irritant to skin and eyes and should be handled with appropriate personal protective
See also: peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence, glow sticks, diphenyl carbonate.