OC6H4COOCH2CH2O

The chemical formula OC6H4COOCH2CH2O represents a diester compound derived from phthalic acid and ethylene glycol. Specifically, it is the monoester of phthalic acid with ethylene glycol, where one carboxyl group of phthalic acid is esterified with the hydroxyl group of ethylene glycol, and the other carboxyl group remains as a free acid. This structure can also be interpreted as a cyclic ester formed between phthalic anhydride and ethylene glycol, where only one alcohol group of ethylene glycol reacts to form an ester linkage, leaving the other hydroxyl group unreacted.

This compound's properties are influenced by both the aromatic phthalate moiety and the aliphatic ethylene glycol chain. The presence of the ester linkage and the hydroxyl group suggests potential for further chemical reactions, such as transesterification or esterification. It may exhibit solubility in various organic solvents due to the ester group, while the free hydroxyl group could impart some degree of water solubility or hydrogen bonding capabilities. Its exact physical and chemical properties would depend on its purity and specific isomeric form, if applicable. Such compounds can find applications as intermediates in the synthesis of polymers, plasticizers, or other specialty chemicals, depending on their reactivity and structural characteristics.