Acids and bases

Isophthalic acid

Isophthalic acid

Abbreviation:PIA
CAS NO:121-91-5
DETAIL
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 purified isophthalic acid (PIA) 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.

Applications
Aromatic dicarboxylic acids are used as precursors (in form of acyl chlorides) to commercially important polymers, e.g. the fire-resistant material Nomex. Mixed with terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid is used in the production of PET resins for drink plastic bottles and food packaging. The high-performance polymer polybenzimidazole is produced from isophthalic acid. Also, the acid is used as an important input to produce insulation materials.