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
Carbamic acid while others are used as insecticides, for example aldicarb. Carbamic acid Carbamic acid is the compound with the formula HNCOOH. The attachment of the acid group to a nitrogen or amine (instead of carbon) distinguishes it from carboxylic acid and an amide. Many derivatives and analogues of carbamic acid are known. They are generally unstable, reverting to the parent amine and carbon dioxide. The deprotonated anion (or conjugate base) of this functional group is a carbamate. Carbamic acid is a planar molecule. Carbamic acid is an intermediate in the production of urea, which involves the reaction of carbon dioxide and