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.[2]
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.[3]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Oxidation_of_p-xylene_to_terephthalic_acid.svg/600px-Oxidation_of_p-xylene_to_terephthalic_acid.svg.png)
See also
References
- ^ a b Merck Index, 12th Edition, 9673
- ^ W. F. Tuley; C. S. Marvel (1947). "p-Toluic Acid". Org. Synth. 27: 86. doi:10.15227/orgsyn.027.0086.
- ^ Tomas, Rogerio A. F.; Bordado, Joao C. M.; Gomes, Joao F. P. (2013). "p-Xylene Oxidation to Terephthalic Acid: A Literature Review Oriented toward Process Optimization and Development". Chemical Reviews. 113 (10): 7421–7469. doi:10.1021/cr300298j. PMID 23767849.