Reaction CXXV.—Action of Alkyl Halides on Phthalimide Potassium Salt

—Almost theoretical M.P. 118°. (B., 19,2991 0. S., XIII., 82.) Reaction CXXV. Action of Alkyl Halides on Phthalimide (Potassium Salt). —When an alcoholic solution of phthalimide is treated with the theoretical quantity of caustic potash dissolved in alcohol, a crystalline compound—potassium phthalimide—separates out (see p. 427). 

When this salt is treated with alkyl halide, a derivative of phthalimide is formed. 

The reaction is used chiefly with alkyl halides, although when certain acidic groups are present in the nucleus in the o- or p-position to the halogen, the reaction gives satisfactory results with aryl halides. 

When the phthalimide derivative is hydrolysed, primary amines are formed, so that the reaction is useful for preparing certain aliphatic amines. 

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