Dimethyl Terephthalate

Dimethyl Terephthalate

• Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(CO2CH3)2. It is the diester formed from terephthalic acid and methanol. It is a white solid that melts to give a distillable colourless liquid.
• DMT is used in the production of polyesters, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polytrimethylene terephthalate.
• It is a building block for an assortment of products from X-ray and video films to polyester fibers and electrical capacitors. 
• Dimethyl terephthalate is recovered from polymer mixtures containing polymers of terephthalic acid & glycol & a chloride polymer, by adding base to neutralize the hydrochloric acid formed by the degradation of the chloride polymer.