Phthalaldehyde

o-Phthalaldehyde or ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) is the chemical compound with the formula C₆H₄(CHO)₂. Often abbreviated OPA, the molecule is a dialdehyde, consisting of two formyl (CHO) groups attached to adjacent carbon centres on a benzene ring. This pale yellow solid is a building block in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds and a reagent in the analysis of amino acids. OPA dissolves in water solution at pH < 11.5. Its solutions degrade upon UV illumination and exposure to air.