CAS: 66323-03-3

Dimethyl 4,5-dihydroxyphthalate is a formaldehyde precursor that is used as an intermediate in the production of dimethyl phthalate. It is produced by the oxidation of phthalic anhydride with hydrogen peroxide. The reaction can be monitored by gas chromatography with a radiation detector. The efficiency of the oxidation process can be increased by using ion chromatography to monitor the concentration of hydroxyl ions. Spectrometry can be used to confirm that the product has been formed, and it can also be used to determine the purity of the product.

Dimethyl 4,5-dihydroxyphthalate