Process for the production of N-(hydroxyphenyl) maleimides

Abstract

N-(hydroxyphenyl) maleimides of the general formula ##STR1## where R' stands for H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5, F, Cl, Br or I and n is an integer of 1-5 are produced by treating the corresponding maleamic acid or by treating the ester of said N-(hydroxyphenyl) maleimide at a temperature of 0-150.degree. C. in the presence of at least one dehydrating agent selected from the group consisting of oxides and oxyacids of sulfur or phosphorus and alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts of the said oxyacids. The corresponding maleamic acid can be obtained by reacting an aminophenol having one or more hydroxyl groups on its phenyl nucleus with maleic anhydride. The esters of the N-(hydroxyphenyl maleimide) can be obtained by reacting said aminophenol and said maleic anhydride in the presence of a conventional acid anhydride dehydrating agent and a conventional imide-forming cyclization catalyst.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.