ftaalihappoanhydridistä

Ftaalihappoanhydridi, also known as phthalic anhydride, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C8H4O3. It is a white solid with a distinctive acrid odor. Ftaalihappoanhydridi is the anhydride of ftaalihappo (phthalic acid). It is a cyclic anhydride, meaning the oxygen atom bridges two carbonyl groups within a single ring structure.

This compound is a significant industrial chemical, primarily produced through the catalytic oxidation of ortho-xylene or naphthalene. Its major application is in the production of plasticizers, which are additives that increase the flexibility and durability of plastics, particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Ftaalihappoanhydridi is a key precursor for phthalate esters, the most common type of plasticizer.

Beyond plasticizers, ftaalihappoanhydridi is used in the synthesis of dyes and pigments, including xanthene dyes and anthraquinone dyes. It also serves as a curing agent for epoxy resins and is employed in the manufacture of unsaturated polyester resins, alkyd resins, and certain pharmaceuticals. Its reactivity stems from the electrophilic nature of its carbonyl carbons, making it susceptible to nucleophilic attack. The hydrolysis of ftaalihappoanhydridi in the presence of water regenerates ftaalihappo.