Synthesis and thermal decomposition of zinc phthalate

Zinc phthalate was synthesized by the rheological phase reaction method, and the crystal structure was determined. Its thermal decomposition in argon was investigated. The thermal decomposition products were characterized by IR, XRD and GC–MS methods. Benzophenone, anthraquinone and nanoscale zinc oxide were chiefly obtained when zinc phthalate was pyrolyzed at 400–450°C in argon atmosphere. The free radical reaction mechanism of zinc phthalate in the thermal decomposition process was proposed. Fresh nanoscale ZnO plays a role as catalyst for the forming of benzophenone and anthraquinone.