phthalic anhydride

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, slightly water-soluble solid, C 8 H 4 O 3 , used chiefly in the manufacture of dyes, alkyd resins, and plasticizers.

phthalic anhydride

noun

1. a white crystalline substance used mainly in producing dyestuffs. Formula: C 6 H 4 (CO) 2 O

phthalic anhydride

1. A white crystalline compound prepared by oxidizing naphthalene and used in the manufacture of phthaleins and other dyes, resins, plasticizers, and insecticides. Chemical formula: C 8 H 4 O 3 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of phthalic anhydride¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The phthaleïn formed from gallic acid and phthalic anhydride really results from the union of the latter with pyrogallol.

From Project Gutenberg

It condenses with phthalic anhydride to form rhodamine, and with succinic anhydride to rhodamine S.

From Project Gutenberg