NEW PRODUCTION OF MALEIMIDE COMPOUND

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a maleimide compound in a high yield by subjecting a maleamic acid compound or a maleamic acid ester compound to a ring-closing reaction in the presence of a solid adsorbent. SOLUTION: This method for producing a maleimide compound (for example, a compound of formula V) comprises subjecting a maleamic acid compound of formula I [R1 is a (substituted) alkyl, an aryl or a heterocyclic group; R2, R3 are each H, a halogen or the like; R4 is H, a (substituted) alkyl or an aryl] (for example, a compound of formula II) or a bismaleamic acid of formula III (A is a divalent connection bond) (for example, a compound of formula IV) to a ring-closing reaction in the presence of a powdery solid adsorbent (for example, silica gel, activated alumina or acid white clay) having a particle diameter of 10 μm to 0.5 mm preferably at temperatures of 30-300 deg.C. Therein, the solid adsorbent is preferably used in a amount of 0.01-1,000 pts.wt., per pt.wt. of the compound of formula I or III.