Dimethyl terephthalate CAS#120-61-6

Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) is an important organic chemical intermediate primarily used in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a widely used polymer in the manufacture of plastic bottles, synthetic fibers, and films. It plays a significant role in the polyester industry and serves as a valuable raw material for various plastic and textile applications.

In industrial and academic research, DMT has attracted considerable attention for its potential applications in chemical transformation and sustainable material production. For example, its catalytic hydrogenation to dimethyl cyclohexanedicarboxylate (DMCD) using bimetallic catalysts has demonstrated a conversion rate of approximately 80% and a selectivity of up to 95% under optimized reaction conditions. Additionally, innovative PET recycling technologies involving copper-supported catalysts have been investigated to recover high-value DMT monomers from waste PET materials, contributing to more sustainable plastic recycling processes.

Dimethyl terephthalate typically has a melting point ranging from 139°C to 142°C and is classified as a combustible solid, with a reported flash point of approximately 154°C. Owing to its important role in polyester manufacturing, versatile chemical properties, and potential in advanced recycling technologies, DMT remains an essential raw material in the chemical industry and the development of sustainable polymer materials.