Catalytic method for producing phenolphthalein compounds

1 112 2 112 1 112 2 112 A method of producing a phenolphthalein comprises reacting a phenolic compound of the formula: wherein Ris a hydrogen or a C-Chydrocarbyl group, with a phthalic anhydride compound of the formula: wherein Ris a hydrogen, a C-Chydrocarbyl group, or a halogen, in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst and a promoter to form a reaction mixture comprising a phenolphthalein compound of the formula: wherein each Ris independently a hydrogen or a C-Chydrocarbyl group, and Ris a hydrogen, a C-Chydrocarbyl group, or a halogen; wherein the heterogeneous catalyst comprises a metal oxide composition in combination with a porous support, wherein the metal is molybdenum, tungsten, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing metals.