Terephthalic acid

Terephthalic acid, also known by its systematic name benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, is an organic chemical compound. It is one of the most important dicarboxylic acids, used to make plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

 Production 
Terephthalic acid was first found by distillation of turpentine.

Most terephthalic acid today is made from p-xylene by oxidation. This is called the AMOCO process.

 Related compounds 
Terephthalic acid has two isomers, phthalic acid and isophthalic acid.

 References 

Category:Dicarboxylic acids
Category:Xylene derivatives
Category:Monomers