tereftalát

Tereftalát is the name given to the anion derived from terephthalic acid, a dicarboxylic aromatic acid with the chemical formula C6H4(CO2H)2. In its anionic form, it has the formula C6H4(CO2)2^2-. Tereftalát is a key component in the production of polyester, a widely used synthetic polymer. The most common polyester made using tereftalate is polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

PET is formed through a polymerization reaction between tereftalate (or its ester derivative, dimethyl terephthalate) and ethylene glycol. This process creates long chains of repeating ester units, resulting in a material with excellent strength, clarity, and barrier properties. PET is extensively used in the manufacturing of beverage bottles, food packaging, synthetic fibers for clothing and carpets, and films.

The production of tereftalate primarily involves the oxidation of p-xylene. This is a large-scale industrial process to meet the global demand for polyester. Tereftalate itself is a stable compound, and its properties make it an ideal building block for robust and versatile polymers. Beyond PET, tereftalate can also be used in the synthesis of other polyesters and polyamides, although these applications are less widespread. The recyclability of PET has also made tereftalate a focus in sustainable materials research, with efforts to develop more efficient recycling methods and bio-based alternatives.