N-Phenylmaleimide, CAS number 941-69-5, is an organic compound belonging to the maleimide class that is widely used as a building block in organic synthesis in chemistry laboratories. The compound carries a reactive maleimide group with a benzene ring attached to the nitrogen atom, making it a versatile reagent for a broad range of chemical transformations. In the laboratory, N-phenylmaleimide is commonly employed as a dienophile in Diels-Alder reactions, as a Michael acceptor, and as a monomer in radical polymerization to produce functional polymers. Its role is essential in designing intermediates and target compounds that are difficult to obtain through conventional synthetic routes. Its presence on the laboratory chemical shelf indicates that the facility handles research in organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and materials chemistry.
Researchers select N-phenylmaleimide because it combines high reactivity with adequate stability under normal reaction conditions. The double bond in the maleimide ring is electron-deficient, which makes it highly responsive to nucleophilic attack and cycloaddition reactions. The phenyl structure attached to the nitrogen adds further versatility, contributing steric and electronic effects that can be exploited when tuning the reactivity of the resulting products and intermediates. This balanced profile allows the reagent to perform reliably across diverse experimental setups, from small-scale screening to preparative synthesis, without requiring unusually stringent handling conditions. The compound is therefore regarded as a dependable and practical choice for chemists working on complex molecular architectures and functional material design.
In Indonesian research laboratories, N-phenylmaleimide is typically found in the inventory of organic synthesis groups, polymer science units, and materials chemistry teams. It is routinely applied in the preparation of cyclic intermediates, functional monomers, and polymer systems, supporting academic studies, thesis projects, and applied research at universities and research institutions across the country. The reagent is also used in the synthesis of fine chemicals and in method development, where its well-documented reactivity helps researchers establish reproducible procedures. Because it is a widely referenced building block, it also appears in teaching laboratories as a standard example of dienophile and Michael acceptor chemistry, giving students hands-on experience with fundamental organic transformations.
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- Diels-Alder dienophile: Serves as a dienophile in Diels-Alder cycloadditions, where its electron-deficient double bond reacts readily with conjugated dienes to form six-membered ring intermediates.
- Michael acceptor: Acts as a Michael acceptor in conjugate addition reactions, enabling the introduction of the phenylmaleimide moiety into a wide variety of nucleophilic substrates and building blocks.
- Radical polymerization monomer: Functions as a monomer in radical polymerization, incorporating maleimide units into polymer backbones to produce functional polymers with tailored properties for materials research.
- Intermediate synthesis: Used in the design and preparation of synthetic intermediates and target molecules that are difficult to access through conventional synthetic routes, supporting multi-step organic synthesis.
- Research and teaching: Employed in both research and teaching laboratories across Indonesia as a model compound for demonstrating nucleophilic addition and cycloaddition chemistry in organic synthesis courses.
| Brand | TCI (Tokyo Chemical Industry) |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 941-69-5 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Chemistry > Building Blocks > Non-Heterocyclic Building Blocks |
| Pack sizes | available in standard laboratory quantities as listed in the manufacturer's catalog |
| Physical form | as supplied by the manufacturer; refer to the product label or certificate of analysis for the specific batch |
| Storage | — |
- Product code: P0900
Store N-phenylmaleimide in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the original container clearly labelled with the product name and CAS number, and use the original glass or compatible laboratory bottles for any transfer; avoid placing the material into unlabelled or incompatible containers. When handling, wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as laboratory gloves, safety goggles, and a laboratory coat, and work in a fume hood to avoid inhaling dust. Avoid skin and eye contact, wash hands thoroughly after handling, and keep the chemical away from incompatible substances and open flames.
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