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HONGKUN / PRODUCT DIRECTORY

Phthalimide | CAS 85-41-6

A benzene-fused cyclic imide used in masked-amine chemistry, where the neutral N–H compound must be distinguished from preformed phthalimide salts and N-hydroxy derivatives.

CAS85-41-6
Molecular formulaC8H5NO2
Molecular weight147.13 g/mol

Product overview

Two carbonyl groups flank the imide nitrogen of phthalimide. This nitrogen-bearing ring provides a recognizable unit in Gabriel-type amine synthesis, allowing an alkyl group to be introduced before the imide unit is removed in a later transformation. CAS 85-41-6 identifies the neutral N–H compound, not potassium phthalimide. The difference affects molecular weight, base demand and the way material is charged to a route. Qualification should establish the cyclic imide identity and distinguish its assay from water, residual solvent and route-related aromatic impurities.

Chemical identity

Chemical name
Phthalimide
CAS number
85-41-6
Molecular formula
C8H5NO2
Molecular weight
147.13 g/mol

Application context

Phthalimide chemistry supports the preparation of primary amines through N-alkylated phthalimide intermediates. In a Gabriel-type sequence, the reactive phthalimide anion serves as the nitrogen nucleophile; potassium phthalimide is a separately identified reagent that may supply this species. A route starting with neutral phthalimide must account for the additional activation or salt-forming requirement. For sourcing, identify which form the process actually specifies. Phthalimide should also be distinguished from N-hydroxyphthalimide, whose N–O functionality gives a different reagent role.

Chemistry and synthetic role

The benzene-fused five-membered imide contains an N–H between two carbonyls; nitrogen substitution is central to its masked-amine role.

Quality review

Select neutral compound or salt

Match the purchase to the route’s required form and molecular-weight basis.

Distinguish N-hydroxy material

Confirm the N–H imide rather than an N–O derivative.

Review imide-related impurities

Use a suitable organic method to assess related aromatic compounds and report water separately.

Preparing a specification

Specify neutral phthalimide, organic assay method, relevant imide-related impurities and water. Define residual solvents or particle form if they affect the intended processing.

Packaging and storage

Packaging and net weight are agreed for the selected grade, order quantity and destination. Check the actual supplier SDS and label for storage and transport requirements.

Documentation

Request a batch COA, SDS and the analytical methods for the acceptance criteria below. Confirm which supporting chromatograms and identity data are available from the selected manufacturer.

Procurement questions

Is phthalimide the same as potassium phthalimide?

No. The potassium salt has a separate identity and a different mass and activation basis.

Can N-hydroxyphthalimide be treated as an equivalent?

Its additional oxygen and N–O functionality change its chemical role.

Why separate water from chromatographic purity?

A normalized organic chromatogram may not quantify water in the weighed material.

Technical sources
  1. PubChem CID 6809NCBI / PubChem
  2. Phthalimide CAS recordFisher Scientific
  3. BenzylphthalimideOrganic Syntheses