Synthesis of N-Phenylphthalimide by Using TBAB as Catalyst

N-phenylphthalimide was synthesized from aniline and phthalic anhydride in the solvent THF by using tetrabutyl ammonium bromide(TBAB) as catalyst.The effect of reaction time,molar ratio and catalyst dosage on the yield of N-phenylphthalimide was studied.The optimal reaction conditions were obtained as follows: n(phthalic anhydride)/n(aniline)/n(TBAB) = 1∶1.2∶0.3,THF solvent 15 mL,reaction time 3 h.Under above conditions,the yield of product was 85.0%.