4-Hydroxy-isophthalic acid dimethyl ester (CAS 5985-24-0)

4-Hydroxy-isophthalic acid dimethyl ester is an organic compound where two methyl ester groups are attached to the 1 and 3 positions of a benzene ring, which also contains a hydroxyl group at the 4 position and a carboxyl group at the 2 position. This structure is particularly interesting in polymer chemistry and materials science due to its potential as a building block in the synthesis of various polymers and coordination compounds. The primary mechanisms of action of 4-Hydroxy-isophthalic acid dimethyl ester involve its reactivity as a monomer in the creation of polyesters and polyamides. The methyl ester groups react with nucleophiles such as amines or other acids in condensation reactions, forming polymeric chains. The hydroxyl group on the benzene ring can also participate in these reactions, providing a site for cross-linking or further functionalization, which is essential for modifying the physical and chemical properties of the synthesized polymers. In research, this compound has been used extensively to study the synthesis and properties of high-performance polymers. Its ability to form ester linkages while offering sites for additional chemical modifications makes it a valuable monomer in creating polymers with specific thermal, mechanical, and chemical resistance properties. Additionally, 4-Hydroxy-isophthalic acid dimethyl ester is used in the development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The carboxylate groups can coordinate with metal ions, forming the rigid, porous structures that MOFs are known for. These materials are of great interest in gas storage, separation technologies, and catalysis due to their high surface area and tunable pore sizes.