1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid, commonly known as trimesic acid, plays a significant role in everyday life as a key component in the production of various materials and products. This organic compound is utilized in the manufacturing of polymers, including polyimides and metal-organic frameworks, which have a wide range of applications such as in electronics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, trimesic acid is employed in the synthesis of coordination polymers and as a building block in the creation of novel materials with diverse properties. Its versatility and importance in the chemical industry highlight its relevance to everyday life.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid, also known as trimesic acid, has various commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used as a precursor for the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks, which have diverse applications in gas storage, catalysis, and sensing. Trimesic acid is also utilized in the production of polyester resins, which are used in manufacturing coatings, adhesives, and moldings.
In terms of drug and medication applications, 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid is not commonly employed. However, there is ongoing research into its potential use in pharmaceuticals due to its ability to form coordination complexes with metal ions, which may have therapeutic properties. Despite this, trimesic acid is primarily recognized for its role in the fields of chemistry, materials science, and industrial manufacturing.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid, also known as trimesic acid, appears as a white crystalline powder with no distinctive odor. It is commonly used in the production of coordination polymers and metal-organic frameworks due to its unique chemical structure.
With a molar mass of 192.13 g/mol and a density of 1.618 g/cm3, 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid falls within the range of common household items in terms of molar mass and density. It is similar in weight to a medium-sized apple and has a density comparable to various plastic materials.
1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid has a melting point of 294-300°C and a boiling point of 338-340°C, making it significantly higher than most common household items. For comparison, water has a melting point of 0°C and a boiling point of 100°C, highlighting the high thermal stability of trimesic acid.
In terms of solubility, 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid is sparingly soluble in water but exhibits high viscosity due to its large molecular size. This contrasts with common household items like table salt, which is highly soluble in water, and vegetable oil, which has low viscosity.
🏭 Production & Procurement
1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid, also known as trimesic acid, is commonly produced through the oxidation of m-xylene or isophthalic acid. This process involves the use of strong oxidizing agents such as nitric acid or potassium permanganate to convert the starting materials into trimesic acid. The reaction typically takes place under elevated temperatures to facilitate the oxidation reaction.
In order to procure 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid, it is commonly purchased from chemical manufacturers or suppliers. The compound is typically available in both liquid and solid forms, depending on the specific requirements of the end user. Once procured, the material can be transported in sealed containers or drums to ensure its integrity and prevent any contamination during transit.
Transportation of 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid is typically done using specialized chemical transportation services that comply with regulatory requirements for the handling and transportation of hazardous materials. These services ensure that the compound is transported safely and securely to its destination without any risk to human health or the environment. Proper labeling and documentation are also required to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid are crucial due to its potential hazards. It is important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling this compound, including gloves, goggles, and a lab coat. Proper ventilation should be maintained to prevent inhalation of vapors, and spillages should be cleaned up promptly to avoid skin contact or ingestion.
In terms of pharmacology, 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid is a tricarboxylic aromatic acid that has been studied for its potential applications in drug delivery systems. It has been shown to exhibit low toxicity in certain cell lines, making it a promising candidate for biomedical research. Further studies are needed to determine its full pharmacological profile and potential therapeutic uses.
The hazard statements associated with 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid include “Causes skin irritation” and “Causes serious eye irritation.” These hazards highlight the importance of handling this compound with care and taking necessary precautions to minimize exposure. It is essential to follow proper safety protocols when working with this substance to prevent any adverse effects on health.
Precautionary statements for 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid include “Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection” and “IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.” These statements emphasize the need for appropriate safeguards to be in place when using this compound to ensure the safety of individuals handling it. Adhering to these precautionary measures can help prevent accidents and minimize the risks associated with 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid exposure.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid involves its use as a precursor for the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks. These frameworks have shown promise in applications such as gas storage and separation, catalysis, and drug delivery.
Another avenue of research could focus on the development of new materials incorporating 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid for use in electronic devices or sensors. By tailoring the structure of these materials, researchers may be able to optimize properties such as conductivity, stability, or sensitivity to specific analytes.
Furthermore, investigations into the environmental fate and behavior of 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid could provide valuable insights into its potential impact on ecosystems and human health. By studying its degradation pathways, bioaccumulation potential, and reactivity with other compounds, researchers can assess the risks associated with its presence in the environment.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid is 1,2,4-Benzenetricarboxylic acid. This compound also contains three carboxylic acid groups attached to a benzene ring, but the positions of the carboxylic acid groups differ from 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid. The arrangement of the carboxylic acid groups in 1,2,4-Benzenetricarboxylic acid can lead to different chemical properties and reactivities compared to 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid.
Another similar compound to 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid is Trimesic acid. Trimesic acid is also known as 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid and has the same molecular structure as 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid. This compound is commonly used in the synthesis of coordination polymers and metal-organic frameworks due to its ability to coordinate with metal ions through its carboxylic acid groups.
A third compound similar to 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid is Isophthalic acid. Isophthalic acid is a structural isomer of 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid, meaning it has the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of atoms. Isophthalic acid also contains carboxylic acid groups attached to a benzene ring, but the positions of these groups vary from those in 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic acid. Isophthalic acid is commonly used in the production of polymers and resins due to its ability to form strong bonds with other molecules.
