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Isophthalic acid is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(CO2H)2. This colorless solid is an isomer of phthalic acid and terephthalic acid. The main industrial uses of isophthalic acid are for the production of polyethylene terephthalate resin and for the production of unsaturated polyester resin and other types of coating resins.
CAS NUMBER: 121-91-5
SYNONYM:
121-91-5; Benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid; 1,3-Benzenedicarboxylic acid; m-Phthalic acid; m-Benzenedicarboxylic acid; Acide isophtalique; Kyselina isoftalova; iso-phthalic acid; NSC 15310; UNII-X35216H9FJ; Acide isophtalique; Kyselina isoftalova; Isophthalic acid, 99%; MFCD00002516; meta-benzenedicarboxylic acid; HSDB 2090; EINECS 204-506-4; CHEBI:30802; X35216H9FJ; BRN 1909332; AI3-16107; DSSTox_CID_1485; DSSTox_RID_76179; DSSTox_GSID_21485; WLN: QVR CVQ; 4-09-00-03292 (Beilstein Handbook Reference; MLS001075180; 3-Carboxybenzoic acid; Isoterephthalic acid; NSC 15310; m-Benzenedicarboxylic acid; CAS-121-91-5; NSC15310; NCGC00164010-0; SMR000112097; isopthalic acid; CCRIS 8899; m-Dicarboxybenzene
Isophthalic acid is one of three isomers of benzenedicarboxylic acid, the others being phthalic acid and terephthalic acid. Isophthalic acid is produced on the billion kilogram per year scale by oxidizing meta-xylene using oxygen. The process employs a cobalt-manganese catalyst. The world's largest producer of isophthalic acid is Lotte Chemical Corporation. In the laboratory, chromic acid can be used as the oxidant. It also arises by fusing potassium meta-sulfobenzoate, or meta-bromobenzoate with potassium formate (terephthalic acid is also formed in the last case). The barium salt, as its hexahydrate, is very soluble in water. Uvitic acid, methylisophthalic acid, is obtained by oxidizing mesitylene or by condensing pyroracemic acid with baryta water.
Isophthalic acid is a white solid with a slight unpleasant odor. Isophthalic acid is a benzenedicarboxylic acid that is benzene substituted by carboxy groups at position 1 and 3. One of three possible isomers of benzenedicarboxylic acid, the others being phthalic and terephthalic acids. Isophthalic acid is a conjugate acid of an isophthalate. isophthalic acid is mainly used as an intermediate in the production of unsaturated polyester resins, followed by polyester and alkyd resins (mainly for surface coatings) and inks, reinforced plastics and packaging applications. Isophthalic acid’s fastest growing application is as a comonomer in the production of polyethylene terephthalate bottle resins. Isophthalic acid provides excellent hardness, corrosion and stain resistance, hydrolytic and thermal stability and low resin colour. Isophthalic acid is a colourless, crystalline powder that is insoluble in cold water but soluble in oxygenated solvents and alcohol. Isophthalic acid is combustible and finely dispersed particles will form explosive mixtures in air.
Isophthalic acid is an aromatic dicarboxylic acid industrially produced by the oxidation of m-xylene. Commercially, Isophthalic acid is used primarily as a component of polyethylene terephthalate copolymer, which is used in bottle resins and, to a much lesser extent, for fibers. Isophthalic acid reduces the crystallinity of polyethylene terephthalate, which serves to improve clarity and increase the productivity of bottle-making. Isophthalic acid’s second major use is as a component of high-quality alkyds and polyester resins for industrial coatings and unsaturated polyesters for fiberglass-reinforced plastics applications. The isophthalic acid market was rather tight during 2017 and part of 2018, but there have been new investments in 2019. At the same time, isophthalic acid demand growth is slowing, and the market is currently amply supplied. Of the Isophthalic acid produced in the U.S. in 1998, approximately 70% was used in coatings and resins, while the remaining 30% was used in packaging fibers and fabrics. Approximately 54% of the Isophthalic acid produced in the 1970s was reported to be used in the synthesis of isophthalic polyester resins, approximately 26% was used for alkyd resins production, approximately 1% as a chemical intermediate for the production of dioctyl isophthalate, and the remaining (approximately) 19% was used for other applications.
Isophthalic Acid is used primarily in unsaturated polyester resins. Isophthalic acid improves the property balance for coating resins and enhances clarity of PET bottle grade resins. Isophthalic Acid is used as an intermediate primarily for unsaturated polyester resins and alkyd and polyester coating resins; other applications include use in aramid fibers, as a component of copolyester resins and in high temperature polymers. Isophthalic acid is mainly used in production of bottle of Polyethylene terephthalate, unsaturated polyester resins, alkyds/polyesters, FRP polyurethane resins (insulation materials). Isophthalic Acid improves clarity of bottles, improves thermal/mechanical/chemical resistance of unsaturated polyester resins, increase resistance to water, overall durability & weatherability and hardness of Alkyds/Polyesters.
Isophthalic acid is used as an intermediate for high performance unsaturated polyesters, resins for coatings, high solids paints, gel coats and modifier of polyethylene terephthalate for bottles. It acts as precursors for the fire-resistant material nomex as well as used in the preparation of high-performance polymer polybenzimidazole. Isophthalic acid is also employed as an input for the production of insulation materials. Isophthalic acid is a carboxylic acid. Isophthalic acids donate hydrogen ions if a base is present to accept them. They react in this way with all bases, both organic and inorganic. Their reactions with bases, called "neutralizations", are accompanied by the evolution of substantial amounts of heat. Neutralization between an acid and a base produces water plus a salt. Isophthalic acid with six or fewer carbon atoms are freely or moderately soluble in water; those with more than six carbons are slightly soluble in water. Soluble Isophthalic acid dissociate to an extent in water to yield hydrogen ions. The pH of solutions of Isophthalic acid is therefore less than 7.0. Many insoluble Isophthalic acid react rapidly with aqueous solutions containing a chemical base and dissolve as the neutralization generates a soluble salt.
Isophthalic acid in aqueous solution and liquid or molten Isophthalic acid can react with active metals to form gaseous hydrogen and a metal salt. Such reactions occur in principle for solid carboxylic acids as well, but are slow if the solid acid remains dry. Even "insoluble" carboxylic acids may absorb enough water from the air and dissolve sufficiently in it to corrode or dissolve iron, steel, and aluminum parts and containers. Carboxylic acids, like other acids, react with cyanide salts to generate gaseous hydrogen cyanide. The reaction is slower for dry, solid Isophthalic acid. Insoluble carboxylic acids react with solutions of cyanides to cause the release of gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Flammable and heat are generated by the reaction of carboxylic acids with diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides. Isophthalic acid, especially in aqueous solution, also react with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates, dithionites, to generate flammable gases and heat. Their reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates generates a harmless gas but still heat. Like other organic compounds, carboxylic acids can be oxidized by strong oxidizing agents and reduced by strong reducing agents. These reactions generate heat. A wide variety of products is possible. Like other acids, Isophthalic acid may initiates polymerization reactions; like other acids, they often catalyze chemical reactions.
Isophthalic acid is one of three isomers of phthalic acids, which two others are named meta phthalic acid and para-phthalic acid. Isophthalic acid is a colorless solid organic compound that plays an important role as precursors to commercially polymers, e.g. the fire resistant material Nomex. Isophthalic acid is also used in the production of resins for drink bottles when mixed with terephthalic acid. The high performance polymer polybenzimidazole, for instance, is manufactured from isophthalic acid. Isophthalic acid is an organic compound. Isophtalic Acid, is an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, an isomer of phthalic acid and terephthalic acid. Together with terephthalic acid the isophthalic acid is used in the production of resins for drink bottles, PET resin. Isophthalic acid is produced starting from meta-xylene using oxygen, in the presence of a catalyst. Main application areas for Isophthalic acid are: PET Bottle Grade Resins, Fibres, Low-Melt Fibres, Polyamide Resins, UPR - Unsaturated Polyester Resins, Powder Coating Resins, Coil Coating Resins, Polymer Modifier, Adhesives, High-performance Polymerpolybenzimidazole.
Isophthalic acid is a colorless organic compound, which is an isomer of terephthalic acid and phthalic acid. Isophthalic acid is also available in a highly pure form, with a purity of 99% or more, which is referred to as Purified Isophthalic Acid. Isophthalic acid is extensively utilized in the production of various important polymers. For instance, polybenzimidazole, a high performance polymer, is produced by using isophthalic acid as a precursor. Properties of isophthalic acid, such as hydrolytic stability, hardness, stain resistance, glossiness, corrosion resistance and ability to easily process, make Isophthalic acid highly useful in a wide range of applications, such as the manufacture of corrosion resistant pipes, tanks, and fiberglass reinforced plastics, which is utilized in coatings, automotive, and marine industries. Isophthalic acid is highly preferred for coating by these industries, as polyester resins derived from isophthalic acid exhibit high thermal stability and also provide significant resistance against outdoor weathering.
IUPAC NAME:
1,3 Benzene dicarboxylic acid; 1,3 benzene dicarboxylic acid; 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid; Benzene-1,3- dicarboxylic acid; Benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid; benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid; Isophthalic Acid; Isophthalic acid; isophthalic acid; ISOPHTHALIC ACID; Isophthalic Acid; Isophthalic acid; isophthalic acid
TRADE NAME:
AGIC PIA; Fomrez Series; IPA; Isophthalic acid; PIA; WITCOBOND SERIES
OTHER NAME:
121-91-5; 2088100-84-7; 2088100-84-7; 55185-18-7; 55185-18-7
Isophtalic acid is obtained by oxidation of m-Xylene. When used in unsaturated polyester and alkyd formulations instead of phtalic anhydride, resins are obtained with better thermal and chemical resistance and mechanical strength. Isophthalic acid is an aromatic organic compound and meta conformation. The molar mass of this compound is 166 g / mol. Isophthalic acid also occurs as a colorless solid compound. Isophthalic acid is an isomer of phthalic acid and terephthalic acid. When evaluating the manufacturing process, we can produce isophthalic acid by oxidizing meta-xylene in the presence of oxygen. This is an industrial scale production process. In addition, this process requires a catalyst such as a cobaltmanganese catalyst. However, we can produce isophthalic acid in the laboratory by fusing potassium meta sulfobenzoate with potassium formate in the presence of chromic acid. Also, isophthalic acid is an aromatic compound. Isophthalic acid consists of a benzene ring with two carboxylic acid groups substituted on the ring. Here, one carboxylic acid group is in the meta position compared to the other carboxylic acid group. Therefore, the two functional groups are separated from one carbon atom of the ring.
Also, isophthalic acid is insoluble in water. The main use of this compound is in the production of PET or polyethylene terephthalate polymer material useful as a resin. Also we can use it for production of unsaturated polyester resin.
Isophthalic acid, benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, a structural isomer of benzene dicarboxylic acids. Isophthalic acid forms needle-shaped, colorless crystals; F. 348 ° C. Isophthalic acid can be sublimated without decomposition. I. is practically insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and glacial acetic acid. Isophthalic acid belongs to the group of aromatic dicarboxylic acids or benzene dicarboxylic acids. Isophthalic acid is produced by the oxidation of m-xylene and is based on the raw material metaxylene, Isophthalic acid is used for the production of aramids, polyesters, synthetic resins for highly temperature-resistant electrical insulating varnishes and oil-free alkyd resins.
The main industrial uses of purified Isophthalic Acid are for the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin and for the production of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and other types of coating resins. Isophthalic Acid is one of three isomers of benzenedicarboxylic acid, the others being phthalic acid and terephthalic acid. Isophthalic Acid is produced on the billion kilogram per year scale by oxidizing meta-xylene using oxygen. The process employs a cobalt-manganese catalyst. The world's largest producer of Isophthalic Acid is Lotte Chemical Corporation.In the laboratory, chromic acid can be used as the oxidant. Isophthalic acid also arises by fusing potassium meta-sulfobenzoate, or meta-bromobenzoate with potassium formate. The barium salt, as its hexahydrate, is very soluble in water. Uvitic acid, 5-methylIsophthalic Acid, is obtained by oxidizing mesitylene or by condensing pyroracemic acid with baryta water.
Isophthalic Acid is a carboxylic acid. Isophthalic Acid is sensitive to exposure to extreme heat. Isophthalic Acid reacts violently with nitric acid. Isophthalic Acid is incompatible with sodium nitrite. Phthalic acid is also incompatible with oxidizers. Isophthalic Acid is produced by the catalytic oxidation of naphthalene directly to phthalic anhydride and a subsequent hydrolysis of the anhydride. Isophthalic Acid was first obtained by French chemist Auguste Laurent in 1836 by oxidizing naphthalene tetrachloride. Believing the resulting substance to be a naphthalene derivative. After the Swiss chemist Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac determined its correct formula, Laurent gave it its present name. Manufacturing methods in the nineteenth century included oxidation of naphthalene tetrachloride with nitric acid, or, better, oxidation of the hydrocarbon with fuming sulfuric acid, using mercury or mercury(II) sulfate as a catalyst.
Isophthalic Acid is mainly used in production of bottle of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), unsaturated polyester resins, alkyds/polyesters, FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics), polyurethane resins (insulation materials).PIA improves clarity of bottles, improves thermal/mechanical/chemical resistance of unsaturated polyester resins, increase resistance to water, overall durability & weatherability and hardness of Alkyds/Polyesters.Isophthalic Acid is an aromatic dicarboxylic acid industrially produced by the oxidation of m-xylene. Commercially, Isophthalic acid is used primarily as a component of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) copolymer, which is used in bottle resins and, to a much lesser extent, for fibers. Isophthalic Acid reduces the crystallinity of PET, which serves to improve clarity and increase the productivity of bottle-making. Isophthalic Acid’s second major use is as a component of high-quality alkyds and polyester resins for industrial coatings and unsaturated polyesters for fiberglass-reinforced plastics applications.
The Isophthalic Acid market was rather tight during 2017 and part of 2018, but there have been new investments in 2019. The best prospects for growth in Isophthalic Acid consumption are Asian countries such as China; however, India and Thailand will also show good growth predominantly as a result of increases in PET bottle resin manufacture.In North America, consumption of PIA will continue to grow, driven primarily by the start of a new large-scale PET bottle resin facility in the United States. In Europe, consumption growth will be more limited, as PET bottle resin production in the region faces strong competition from material coming from Turkey or the Middle East in general. Coatings and unsaturated polyester resins will show moderate growth, following limited GDP growth expected for the region.
With only seven major producers worldwide, the Isophthalic Acid business can be considered very global. Trade also plays a significant role in the global supply/demand pattern of this chemical, as the transport of Isophthalic Acid is easy and not cost-intensive. The Isophthalic Acid market is becoming competitive and product integration is gaining in importance. Indorama has developed into a large globally integrated PIA producer vertically integrated along the polyester business chain. It owns a number of PX, PTA, MEG, and PET facilities in Europe and the AmericasThe global market for Isophthalic Acid will show positive growth over the next five years; however, the market situation is expected to remain amply supplied. Significant volumes of new capacity for both m-xylene and Isophthalic Acid are ready to operate at the beginning of 2020 in South Korea. India’s Reliance Industry is also studying the conversion of an existing PTA production unit to produce PIA. As a result, some restructuring might occur.Isophthalic Acid is a non-toxic organic. This colorless solid is an isomer of phthalic acid and terephthalic acid. These aromatic dicarboxylic acids are used as precursors to commercially important polymers. The high-performance polymer polybenzimidazole is produced from Isophthalic Acid. Isophthalic Acid is produced on the billion kilogram/year scale by oxidizing meta-xylene using oxygen. The process employs a cobalt-manganese catalyst.
Isophthalic Acid is the meta form of phthalic acid. Isophthalic acid is a white crystalline solid subliming at 345°C. Isophthalic acid is slightly soluble in water, alcohol and acetic acid (insoluble in benzene). Isophthalic Acid is obtained by oxidizing meta-xylene with chromic acid, or by fusing potassium meta-sulphobenzoate, or meta-brombenzoate with potassium formate. Isophthalic Acid is a key ingredient in FRP markets for such products as marine, automotive, and corrosion resistant pipes and tanks. Polyesters containing Isophthalic Acid are also used extensively in industrial coatings applications for home appliances, automobiles, aluminum siding, and metal office furniture. Applications Isophthalic Acid has three major uses: PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) copolymer, which is used in bottle resins and to a much lesser extent, for fibers. Isophthalic Acid reduces the crystallinity of PET, which serves to improve clarity and increase the productivity of bottle-making.Unsaturated polyester resins, where the addition of Isophthalic Acid improves thermal resistance and mechanical performance, as well as resistance to chemicals and water.Polyester/alkyd surface coating resins, where Isophthalic Acid increases resistance to water, overall durability and weatherability.
Isophthalic Acid Isophthalic Acid is a colorless crystalline solid. Isophthalic acid is used as an intermediate primarily for unsaturated polyester resins and alkyd and polyester coating resins; other applications include use in aramid fibers, as a component of copolyester resins and in high-temperature polymers. Nearly Isophthalic Acid has a purity of >99.8%. This material is called Isophthalic Acid.Currently, there is significant global overcapacity for Isophthalic Acid, with sufficient spare capacity for the next five years.Isophthalic Acid is the meta form of phthalic acid. Isophthalic acid is a white crystalline solid subliming at 345°C. Isophthalic acid is slightly soluble in water, alcohol and acetic acid (insoluble in benzene). Isophthalic Acid is obtained by oxidizing meta-xylene with chromic acid, or by fusing potassium meta-sulphobenzoate, or meta-brombenzoate with potassium formate. Isophthalic Acid has excellent performance characteristics including exceptional hardness, corrosion and stain resistance, hydrolytic stability of coatings and gel coats, outstanding thermal stability and low resin color in coatings industry.
Isophthalic Acid is a key ingredient in FRP markets for such products as marine, automotive, and corrosion resistant pipes and tanks. Polyesters containing Isophthalic Acid are also used extensively in industrial coatings applications for home appliances, automobiles, aluminum siding, and metal office furniture. Isophthalic acid used as an intermediate for polyesters, polyurethane resins, plasticizers. Isophthalic Acid is mainly used as an intermediate in the production of unsaturated polyester resins, followed by polyester and alkyd resins and inks, reinforced plastics and packaging applications. Its fastest growing application is as a comonomer in the production of polyethylene terephthalate bottle resins. Isophthalic Acid provides excellent hardness, corrosion and stain resistance, hydrolytic and thermal stability and low resin colour. Isophthalic Acid is produced by the catalytic oxidation of metaxylene in aqueous acetic acid. BP was one of the first companies to commercialise Isophthalic Acid technology, which can be used on either a dedicated plant or a ‘swing’ purified terephthalic acid unit.In the BP process, a mixture of acetic acid, water, metaxylene, catalyst and air are fed into a reactor.
The resulting Isophthalic Acid is crystallised in situ to facilitate mechanical separation from the solvent. To further purify the acid, Isophthalic acid is mixed with a solvent and preheated and the resulting solution is fed to a reactor. Again, the reactor effluent is crystallised and mechanically separated from the solvent. The purified acid is then dried and sampled for purity. Isophthalic Acid is a colourless, crystalline powder that is insoluble in cold water but soluble in oxygenated solvents and alcohol. Isophthalic acid is combustible and finely dispersed particles will form explosive mixtures in air. Inhalation or ingestion can slightly irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.World demand for Isophthalic Acid is expected to rise at an annual rate of 6-8%, boosted by the fast-growing PET sector. PET demand is tipped to grow at about 8-9%/year in Europe driven by new markets in eastern Europe. The US and South America will also see PET consumption climb by 8-9%/year, while Asia will see growth at double-digit rates.
Isophthalic Acid is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(CO2H)2. This colourless solid is an isomer of phthalic acid and terephthalic acid. These aromatic dicarboxylic acids are used as precursors to commercially important polymers, e.g. the fire-resistant material Nomex. Mixed with terephthalic acid, iso phthalic acid is used in the production of resins for drink bottles. The high-performance polymer poly benzimidazole is produced from iso phthalic acid. Isophthalic Acid is a white crystalline powder or needle-like crystals and it’s an isomer of phthalic acid and terephthalic acid. Isophthalic acid is insoluble in cold water but soluble in oxygenated solvents and alcohol. It is combustible and finely dispersed particles will form explosive mixtures in air. Isophthalic Acid is mainly used in the production of bottle PET, also used in the production of alkyd resin, polyester resin, also used in the production of photosensitive materials, pharmaceutical intermediates and so on. One of the largest applications for Isophthalic Acid is in unsaturated polyester resins for high-quality gel coats.
The hardness, stain and detergent resistance characteristics of Isophthalic Acid are ideal for polyester solid-surface countertops that are an inexpensive alternative to acrylics. Purified Isophthalic Acid is mainly used as intermediate for high performance UPR, resins for coatings, high solids paints, gel coats, modifier of PET for bottles.Isophthalic Acid is a carboxylic acid. Carboxylic acids donate hydrogen ions if a base is present to accept them. They react in this way with all bases, both organic and inorganic. Their reactions with bases, called "neutralizations", are accompanied by the evolution of substantial amounts of heat. Neutralization between an acid and a base produces water plus a salt. Carboxylic acids with six or fewer carbon atoms are freely or moderately soluble in water; those with more than six carbons are slightly soluble in water. Soluble carboxylic acid dissociate to an extent in water to yield hydrogen ions. The pH of solutions of carboxylic acids is therefore less than 7.0. Many insoluble carboxylic acids react rapidly with aqueous solutions containing a chemical base and dissolve as the neutralization generates a soluble salt. Carboxylic acids in aqueous solution and liquid or molten carboxylic acids can react with active metals to form gaseous hydrogen and a metal salt. Such reactions occur in principle for solid carboxylic acids as well, but are slow if the solid acid remains dry. Isophthalic acid is a white crystalline powder or needle-like crystals and it’s an isomer of phthalic acid and terephthalic acid.It is insoluble in cold water but soluble in oxygenated solvents and alcohol. Isophthalic acid is combustible and finely dispersed particles will form explosive mixtures in air.
Isophthalic Acid is mainly used in the production of bottle PET, also used in the production of alkyd resin, polyester resin, also used in the production of photosensitive materials, pharmaceutical intermediates and so on. One of the largest applications for Isophthalic acid is in unsaturated polyester resins for high-quality gel coats. The hardness, stain and detergent resistance characteristics of Isophthalic acid are ideal for polyester solid-surface countertops that are an inexpensive alternative to acrylics.
Isophthalic Acid is mainly used as intermediate for high performance UPR, resins for coatings, high solids paints, gel coats, modifier of PET for bottles. so phthalic acid is produced on the billion kilogram per year scale by oxidizing meta xylene using oxygen . The process employs a cobalt-manganese catalyst. In the laboratory, chromic acid can be used as the oxidant. Isophthalic acid also arises by fusing potassium meta-sulpho benzoate , or meta brom benzoate with potassium formate. The barium salt is very soluble. Uvitic acid, methylisophthalic acid, is obtained by oxidizing mesitylene or by condensing pyroracemic acid with baryta water.
Isophthalic Acid is mainly used for the production of poly. Also production of plasticizer dioctyl phthalate and polyester plasticized agents. Isophthalic Acid and polyhydric alcohols have a condensation reaction withd iethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, etc. preparation of the polyester plasticizer. Virtually the entire world's supply of Isophthalic Acid is consumed as precursors to polyethylene terephthalate (PET). World production in 1970 was around 1.75 million tones. By 2006, global Isophthalic Acid demand had exceeded 30 million tonnes. There is a smaller, but nevertheless significant, demand for Isophthalic Acid in the production of poly butylene terephthalate and several other engineering polymers. Isophthalic Acid is produced by oxidation of p-xylene by oxygen in air: This reaction proceeds through a p-toluic acid intermediate which is then oxidized to Isophthalic Acid. In p-toluic acid, deactivation of the methyl by the electron withdrawing carboxylic acid group makes the methyl one tenth as reactive as xylene itself, making the second oxidation significantly more difficult . The commercial process utilizes acetic acid as solvent and a catalyst composed of cobalt and manganese salts, with a bromide promoter.
Isophthalic Acid, phthalic acid and other benzene-carboxylic acids in the form of alkali-metal salts, comprise the chargestock. In a first step, the alkali-metal salts are converted to terephthalates when heated to a temperature exceeding 350 °C (662 °F). The dried potassium salts of Isophthalic Acid are heated in anhydrous form to approximately 420 °C (788 °F) in an inert atmosphere and in the presence of a catalyst. The corresponding zinc compounds also have been used as catalysts. In a following step, the reaction products are dissolved in H2O and the terephthalic acid precipitated out with dilute H2SO4. The yield of Isophthalic Acid ranges from 95 to 98%.
Isophthalic Acid is a carboxylic acid. Isophthalic Acid donates hydrogen ions if a base is present to accept them. This "neutralization" generates substantial amounts of heat and produces water plus a salt. Insoluble in water but even "insoluble" carboxylic acids may absorb enough water from the air and dissolve sufficiently in Isophthalic Acid to corrode or dissolve iron, steel, and aluminum parts and containers. May react with cyanide salts to generate gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Will react with solutions of cyanides to cause the release of gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Flammable gases and heat are generated by reaction with diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides. React with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates, dithionites, to generate flammable gases and heat. Reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates generates a harmless gas but still heat. can be oxidized by strong oxidizing agents and reduced by strong reducing agents. These reactions generate heat. May initiate polymerization reactions; may catalyze chemical reactions.
