SUPPORTED CATALYST FOR SYNTHESIS OF N-PHE NYLMALEIMIDE

A nem supported catalyst system Mas proposed to produce N-phenylmaleim ide (PMI) from N-phenylmaleamic acid (PMA) in an improved yield. Follo wings are important factors to affect the yield of PMI according io co nsideration of the details of dehydration process of PMA. 1) interfaci al area between the organic solvent phase and the catalyst phase. 2) T hickness of the catalyst phase. 3) Agitation. The supported catalyst i mproved considerably the yield of PMI under optimum conditons or I) an d 2). It Nas proved that a suppress of the hydrolysis of PMA in former half of the reaction brought about the high yield.