1 terephthalic acid | Definition of terephthalic acid
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terephthalic acid

noun
tere·​phthal·​ic acid | \ ËŒter-É™(f)-ˈtha-lik- How to pronounce terephthalic acid (audio) \

Definition of terephthalic acid

: a p-dicarboxylic acid C8H6O4 that is obtained especially by oxidation of xylene and is used chiefly in the synthesis of polyesters

Examples of terephthalic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 The researchers behind its discovery showed that the enzyme degrades PET into mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalic acid (MHET). — The Economist, "An enzyme that digests plastic could boost recycling," 16 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'terephthalic acid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of terephthalic acid

1857, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for terephthalic acid

International Scientific Vocabulary terebene, mixture of terpenes from distilled turpentine + phthalic acid

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More from Merriam-Webster on terephthalic acid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about terephthalic acid

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