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
Glutaconic acid can be used to make it: the "trans" form isomerizes under the reaction conditions. Glutaric, 3-hydroxyglutaric, and glutaconic acids are structurally related metabolites. In glutaric aciduria type 1, glutaconic acid accumulates, resulting in brain damage. Glutaconic acid "trans"-Glutaconic acid is an organic compound with formula HOCCH=CHCHCOH. This dicarboxylic acid exists as a colorless solid and is related to the saturated chemical glutaric acid, HOCC(CH)COH. Esters and salts of glutaconic acid are called glutaconates. The geometric isomer, "cis"-glutaconic acid, has a noticeably lower melting point (130–132 °C). It can be prepared by bromination of levulinic acid followed by treatment of the