phthalimide
/ˈ(f)θalɪmʌɪd/Chemistry
noun
A bicyclic compound, C6H4(CO)2NH, which is the imide analogue of phthalic anhydride, obtained by reacting the latter with ammonium hydroxide or ammonium carbonate and used in the manufacture of drugs (including thalidomide), pesticides, etc.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in William A. Miller (1817–1870), chemist. From phthal- + imide, after French phtalimide, shortened from naphtalimide.