title: Phthalide
text: # Phthalide
  
  Phthalide is an organic chemical compound with the molecular formula $C_8H_6O_2.$ It is a white solid and the simplest benzo lactone. It is prepared from hydroxymethylbenzoic acid.
  
  ## Phthalides
  
  The phthalide core is found a variety of more complex chemical compounds including dyes (such as phenolphthalein), fungicides (such as tetrachlorophthalide, often referred to simply as "phthalide"), and natural oils (such as butylphthalide).
  
  ## Examples
  
  * Phenolphthalein
  * Tetrachlorophthalide
  * Butylphthalide
  