Terephthalic acid Terephthalic acid Terephthalic acid is an organic compound with formula CH(COH). This white solid is a commodity chemical, used principally as a precursor to the polyester PET, used to make clothing and plastic bottles. Several million tonnes are produced annually. The common name is derived from the turpentine-producing tree "Pistacia terebinthus" and phthalic acid. Terephthalic acid was first isolated (from turpentine) by the French chemist Amédée Cailliot (1805–1884) in 1846. Terephthalic acid became industrially important after World War II. Terephthalic acid was produced by oxidation of "p"-xylene with dilute nitric acid. Air oxidation of "p"-xylene gives "p"-toluic acid, which resists
Pentafluorobenzoic acid Pentafluorobenzoic acid Pentafluorobenzoic acid (PFBA) is an organofluorine compound with the formula CFCOH. It is a white crystalline powder that has a high solubility in water. Its pK of 1.48 indicates that it is a strong acid. Pentafluorobenzoic acid is prepared by treating pentafluorophenyllithium (or pentafluorophenyl Grignard reagent) with carbon dioxide. These reagents are usually prepared in situ from pentafluorobenzene and bromopentafluorobenzene. It arises via the reaction of perfluorotoluene with trifluoroacetic acid and antimony pentafluoride. Substitution of fluoride occurs typically at the para position. This reaction has been used to anchor the −CFCOH group to surfaces. Magnesium methoxide results in