Terephthalic acid (CAS 100-21-0)

Terephthalic acid (TPA) is a white crystalline solid organic compound. As a dicarboxylic acid, it represents the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid. Terephthalic acid finds its primary utilization in the production of two important polymers, namely polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Notably, it serves as a monomer in the synthesis of various polymers, including polyesters and polyurethanes. Within the scientific community, Terephthalic acid has seen extensive application across a diverse range of research endeavors. It has been instrumental in studying the impact of acidity and alkalinity on protein stability, the influence of pH on enzyme activity, and the pH-induced solubility of proteins. Moreover, researchers have utilized it to investigate the effect of pH on lipase activity and the solubility of polymers. The behavior of Terephthalic acid as a weak acid hinges on the pH of its surroundings. At low pH levels, Terephthalic acid becomes protonated, adopting its acidic form. Conversely, in environments with higher pH, Terephthalic acid undergoes deprotonation, transitioning into its base form. As a result, Terephthalic acid showcases its ability to function either as an acid or a base, contingent on the pH conditions it encounters.