Product Manager: Selina Zhang; Email: selina@coreychem.com
| Product Name | DIETHYL TEREPHTHALATE |
| Synonyms | diethyl1,4-benzenedioate;diethylp-phthalate;terephthalicacie,diethylester;TEREPHTHALIC ACID DIETHYL ESTER;RARECHEM AL BI 0108;DIETHYL BENZENE-1,4-DICARBOXYLATE;DIETHYL TEREPHTHALATE;Diethylterephthalate,95% |
| CAS NO | 636-09-9 |
| Purity |
99% |
| Appearance |
pale yellow liquid |
| MF | C12H14O4 |
| MW | 222.24 |
| Contact | selina@coreychem.com |
DIETHYL TEREPHTHALATE (CAS: 636-09-9) is a fundamental diester-based monomer widely used in polymer synthesis, materials science, and industrial chemistry research. Featuring a symmetric terephthalate core with two reactive ethyl ester groups, it offers excellent thermal stability, high purity, and well-characterized transesterification and polycondensation reactivity. Its primary applications are outlined below:
1. Polymer Synthesis & Materials Science
Key Monomer for Polyester Production
This compound serves as a critical monomer in the synthesis of high-performance polyesters, particularly poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and its copolyesters. The diethyl ester groups undergo transesterification with diols (e.g., ethylene glycol) under mild catalytic conditions, enabling controlled polymer chain growth. Researchers utilize this monomer to investigate structure-property relationships, including thermal behavior (Tg, Tm), crystallinity, and mechanical properties of resultant polymers.
Specialty Copolyester Development
By copolymerizing with other diacids, diols, or functional monomers, scientists tailor the properties of polyesters for specific applications such as engineering plastics, films, fibers, and adhesives. The compound allows systematic variation of monomer feed ratios to optimize gas barrier properties, hydrolytic stability, or biodegradability in sustainable material research.
2. Industrial Chemistry & Process Optimization
Transesterification Studies
Diethyl terephthalate is a model substrate for studying transesterification kinetics, catalyst screening (e.g., metal acetates, titanium alkoxides, enzymes), and reaction mechanism elucidation. Its well-defined reactivity supports the optimization of industrial PET manufacturing processes, including continuous polymerization, recycle chemistry, and energy-efficient synthesis routes.
Plasticizer and Additive Intermediate
Beyond polymer synthesis, the compound serves as an intermediate for producing terephthalate-based plasticizers (e.g., dioctyl terephthalate, DOTP), which are safer alternatives to phthalate plasticizers in flexible PVC applications. Researchers employ it to evaluate plasticizer migration, thermal stability, and compatibility in polymer blends.
3. Research & Development Applications
Model Compound for Degradation Studies
The diethyl ester functionality makes this molecule a convenient model for studying polyester hydrolysis, enzymatic degradation, and environmental fate. Scientists monitor ester cleavage under accelerated aging, composting, or marine conditions to predict the long-term behavior of PET-based materials and develop biodegradable alternatives.
Analytical Method Development
Owing to its high purity, volatility, and distinctive GC/MS or HPLC-UV signature, this compound is used as a reference standard for quantifying terephthalate derivatives in recycled plastics, food-contact materials, and environmental samples. It supports method validation, calibration curve generation, and interlaboratory comparison studies.
Building Block for Functional Polyesters
Organic chemists utilize this diester to prepare functionalized terephthalates by transesterification with specially designed diols containing pendant groups (e.g., PEG chains, ionic liquids, UV-absorbing moieties). These advanced materials find applications in drug delivery coatings, shape-memory polymers, and optoelectronic devices.
4. Handling & Storage
Storage Conditions
Store as supplied in tightly sealed, dry containers at room temperature (15–25 °C), protected from moisture and strong oxidizing agents. The compound is stable under recommended conditions but may undergo slow hydrolysis in humid or alkaline environments. Stock solutions in anhydrous solvents (e.g., toluene, DMF) should be prepared fresh for long-term experiments.
Intended Use
This compound is intended for laboratory research, process development, and industrial chemical synthesis only. It is not for human therapeutic, diagnostic, or food applications without appropriate regulatory approval. Standard personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used during handling.
Summary
The value of Diethyl terephthalate lies in its symmetric diester structure, high thermal stability, and versatile transesterification reactivity, making it an indispensable monomer for PET and copolyester synthesis, plasticizer intermediate development, and polymer degradation studies. Its consistent quality, well-understood chemistry, and industrial relevance support polymer engineering, sustainable materials research, and recycling technology innovation.
For more information, please contact: selina@coreychem.com
