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185361

Sigma-Aldrich

Terephthalic acid

greener alternative

98%

Synonym(s):

Benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid

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About This Item

Linear Formula:
C6H4-1,4-(CO2H)2
CAS Number:
Molecular Weight:
166.13
Beilstein:
1909333
EC Number:
MDL number:
UNSPSC Code:
12162002
eCl@ss:
39024105
PubChem Substance ID:
NACRES:
NA.23

vapor pressure

<0.01 mmHg ( 20 °C)

Quality Level

Assay

98%

form

powder

autoignition temp.

925 °F

greener alternative product characteristics

Design for Energy Efficiency
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sustainability

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mp

>300 °C (lit.)

solubility

water: ~0.017 g/L at 25 °C

density

1.58 g/cm3 at 25 °C

greener alternative category

SMILES string

OC(=O)c1ccc(cc1)C(O)=O

InChI

1S/C8H6O4/c9-7(10)5-1-2-6(4-3-5)8(11)12/h1-4H,(H,9,10)(H,11,12)

InChI key

KKEYFWRCBNTPAC-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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General description

Terephthalic acid belongs to the class of monomers known as aromatic dicarboxylic acids. It is primarily used as a key monomer in the production of a high-performance polymer known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is also used to prepare other polymers such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polymer blends, and alloys. Terephthalic acid-based polymers are widely used in various industries including, packaging, textile fibers, polyester resins, polyurethane coatings, polyurethane foams, protective coatings, electrical components, and automotive applications due to their excellent properties such as high thermal stability, chemical resistance, lightweight, transparency, high strength, and durability. In the medical industry, terephthalic acid-based polymers may be used in the production of medical devices and equipment such as surgical sutures, tissue engineering scaffolds, and vascular grafts due to their biocompatibility, chemical resistance, and ease of processing.

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Application

Terephthalic acid can be used:
  • As a monomer in the synthesis of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT), a type of polyester, that is used in various fields including Automotive components, textile Industry, packaging materials, electrical and electronic components.
  • As an organic ligand in the synthesis of the cobalt(II) metal–organic framework (MOFs), which finds applications in electrochemical energy storage, catalysis, optoelectronics, and water treatment.
  • Terephthalic acid (TPA) can be synthesized from bio-based materials for a variety of applications, which include the production of polyester fiber, non-fiber field, PET bottles, synthetic perfumes and medicines.
  • Terephthalic acid is used as a linker molecule in the preparation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).

Storage Class Code

11 - Combustible Solids

WGK

WGK 1

Flash Point(F)

Not applicable

Flash Point(C)

Not applicable

Personal Protective Equipment

dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves

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Articles

Metal-organic frameworks, a subset of coordination polymers, represent a powerful new tool for a plethora of alternative energy applications. MOFs are readily available using simple synthetic strategies that supply tailored, high surface area materials.

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