tereftalico

Tereftalico is the Spanish term for terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(CO2H)2. It is a white solid and is one of three isomers of phthalic acid, the other two being isophthalic acid and orthophthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is a dicarboxylic acid, meaning it contains two carboxyl functional groups.

The primary use of terephthalic acid is in the production of polyesters, most notably polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is a widely used plastic found in beverage bottles, food containers, and synthetic fibers for clothing and textiles. Terephthalic acid is reacted with ethylene glycol to form PET through a process called esterification. The vast majority of industrially produced terephthalic acid is used for this purpose.

Terephthalic acid can be produced through the oxidation of p-xylene. This process typically involves using a catalyst, such as cobalt or manganese salts, in the presence of air or oxygen. Crude terephthalic acid is then purified to remove impurities, often through a process of hydrogenation followed by crystallization.

Beyond PET production, terephthalic acid also finds applications in the manufacturing of other polymers, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), which is used in engineering plastics and electrical components. It can also be a precursor for certain dyes and pharmaceuticals, though these applications are less significant in terms of volume compared to polyester production.