Hazardous Substance Ecological Fact Sheet and Ecotoxicity Profile Phthalic anhydride

Abstract

Phthalic anhydride is a solid compound, and is the principal commercial form of phthalic acid. It is used mainly in the manufacture of phthalic plasticizers, unsaturated polyester resins, and alkyd resins. Other uses are in the manufacture of dyes, saccharin, flame retardants, phenol­ phthalein, pesticides, and anthranilic acid. It is highly soluble in water, and may enter the aquatic environment via industrial effluents from chemical plants where it is manufactured or used, and spills.