Terephthalic acid (TA), known by its CAS number 100-21-0, is a fundamental organic compound whose chemical structure dictates its widespread industrial utility. As a benzene dicarboxylic acid, with carboxyl groups positioned at opposite ends of the benzene ring (para position), its molecular formula is C8H6O4. This specific arrangement is key to its function as a difunctional monomer, enabling it to form long polymer chains through esterification reactions. The primary manifestation of this property is its use in creating polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polymer ubiquitous in bottles, textiles, and films.

The terephthalic acid chemical properties are critical for its performance. It exists as a white, crystalline solid, characterized by a high melting point of approximately 300°C, indicating strong intermolecular forces. Its solubility is limited in water and common organic solvents, but it readily dissolves in alkaline solutions and polar organic solvents like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and formic acid. This limited solubility in many common media influences its industrial processing and purification methods, including the hydropurification of crude terephthalic acid (CTA) to produce purified terephthalic acid (PTA).

The industrial synthesis of terephthalic acid primarily relies on the oxidation of p-xylene. This complex process, often catalyzed by cobalt and manganese compounds in the presence of bromide promoters, transforms the methyl groups of p-xylene into carboxyl groups. Mastering the p-xylene oxidation to terephthalic acid process is crucial for manufacturers to control product quality and minimize byproducts. The efficiency of this terephthalic acid synthesis process directly impacts the cost and availability of TA as a PET precursor chemical.

The applications stemming from these chemical properties are extensive. In the polymer industry, terephthalic acid is not only vital for PET but also for polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), offering enhanced mechanical and thermal properties for engineering applications. In the coatings sector, terephthalic acid is a key component in polyester resins, contributing excellent hardness, chemical resistance, and weatherability to paints and varnishes. This makes it a sought-after material when companies decide to buy terephthalic acid online for resin production.

Furthermore, terephthalic acid finds its way into specialized applications, such as the production of plasticizers, which are essential for modifying the properties of plastics like PVC. In the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of various drug compounds. Its involvement in creating metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) showcases its utility in advanced materials science, enabling porous structures with potential applications in gas storage and catalysis.

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