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
Benzenesulfonic acid sometimes called alkaline fusion, initially affords the phenoxide salt: The process has been largely displaced by the Hock process, which generates less waste. Benzensulfonic acid is commonly used as the active ingredient in laundry detergent used in clothes washing machines. Benzenesulfonic acid is often used to convert to other specialty chemicals. A variety of pharmaceutical drugs are prepared as benzenesulfonate salts and are known as besilates (INN) or besylates (USAN). In a diluted form, it is also used as a polymer remover stripping agent. Benzenesulfonic acid Benzenesulfonic acid (conjugate base benzenesulfonate) is an organosulfur compound with the formula CHOS. It