terephthalic acid

noun

tere·phthal·ic acid | \ ˌter-ə(f)-ˈtha-lik-

\

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.

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The first known use of terephthalic acid was in 1857

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