9162. Terephthalic Acid

Nomenclature

CAS number: 100-21-0
1,4-Benzenedicarboxylic acid; p-phthalic acid; Tephthol.
C8H6O4; mol wt 166.13.
C 57.84%, H 3.64%, O 38.52%.

Description and references

Prepd by oxidation of p-methylacetophenone: Koelsch, Org. Synth. coll. vol. III, 791 (1955). Manuf processes: US 3014961 (1959 to VEB Chemie Werke Buna); Sherwood, Chem. Ind. (London) 1960, 1096. Review: Faith, Keyes & Clark's Industrial Chemicals, F. A. Lowenheim, M. K. Moran, Eds. (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 4th ed., 1975) pp 807-813; A. G. Bemis et al., “Phthalic Acids” in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology vol. 17 (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 3rd ed., 1982) pp 732-777.

Chemical structure

Properties

Crystals. Sublimes at 402°. Practically insol in water, chloroform, ether, acetic acid; slightly sol in cold alcohol, more in hot alcohol; sol in alkalies.

Derivative

Dimethyl ester.

Nomenclature

Dimethyl terephthalate; DMT.
C10H10O4; mol wt 194.18.
C 61.85%, H 5.19%, O 32.96%.

Properties

White crystals, mp 140.6°. bp 288°.

Caution

Mild irritant.

Use

Forms polyesters with glycols which are made into plastic films and sheets; in analytical chemistry.