P-Toluic acid

p-Toluic acid (4-methylbenzoic acid) is a substituted benzoic acid with the formula CH₃C₆H₄CO₂H. It is a white solid that is poorly soluble in water but soluble in acetone. A laboratory route to p-toluic acid involves oxidation of p-cymene with nitric acid.

Role in production of terephthalic acid

p-Toluic acid is an intermediate in the conversion of p-xylene to terephthalic acid, a commodity chemical used in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate. It is generated both by the oxidation of p-xylene as well as the hydrogenolysis of 4-carboxybenzaldehyde. In related processes it is converted to methyl p-toluate, which is oxidized to monomethyl terephthalate.

See also

• o-Toluic acid
• m-Toluic acid

References

External links

Material Safety Data Sheet

1. Terephthalic acid
2. O-Toluic acid
3. M-Toluic acid
4. Toluic acid
5. Methyl p-toluate
6. 4-Methylsalicylic acid
7. Phenylacetic acid
8. C8H8O2
9. Amitraz
10. Misuse of Drugs Act (Singapore)
11. 6-Methylsalicylic acid
12. 3-Methylsalicylic acid
13. William Ramsay
14. DEET
15. Photochlorination
16. 5-Methylsalicylic acid