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

Baeyer, the eminent chemist who subsequently synthesised indigo, published the first of a series of investigations describing the compounds produced by heating phthalic anhydride with phenols.

From Project Gutenberg

A notable example is provided by the phthaleins, which result by the condensation of phthalic anhydride with phenols.

From Project Gutenberg

Notes Several smaller runs of 25 g. of phthalic anhydride gave the same percentage yield.

From Project Gutenberg

It is prepared by heating gallic acid with benzoic and sulphuric acids, or with phthalic anhydride and zinc chloride, and is a brown dye known as “anthragallol” or “anthracene-brown.”

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg