Terephthalic acid (TPA) is a white crystalline organic compound. Terephthalic acid is primarily used as a raw material to produce polyester, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is a popular material for plastic bottles and other packaging due to its strength, thermal stability, and transparency. This includes PET bottles used for water and soft drinks, and PET film used for packaging or electrical insulation. Additionally, TPA is used in the production of resins and textile fibers. It's also used in the manufacturing of alkyd resins which are used in paints and varnishes. As an interesting side note, research is being done on ways to recycle PET, and one proposed method involves chemically converting PET back into Terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, its constituent monomers. If feasible, this method could help to improve the environmental footprint of PET production and disposal.
Terephthalic acid
