Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Turning phenolphtalein into phtalic anhydride

Huk40 - 31-12-2011 at 03:07

Is it possible to convert phenolphtalein into phtalic anhydride/acid?And if yes,how?

zoombafu - 31-12-2011 at 12:05

I believe that phenolphtalein is usualy made by combining phenol and phtalic anhydride with an acid, however I am not sure that this synthesis can be reversed. If you are looking to make phtalic anhydride you can watch this video by nurdrage on making luminol (phtalic anhydride is produced in one of the steps on the way to make luminol)

Make Luminol

[Edited on 31-12-2011 by zoombafu]