phthalic acid

noun

1. Chemistry.,  any of three isomeric acids having the formula C 8 H 6 O 4 , especially the ortho isomer orthophthalic acid, a colorless, crystalline, slightly water-soluble solid used chiefly in the manufacture of dyes, medicine, and perfume.

2. isophthalic acid.

3. terephthalic acid.

phthalic acid

/ ˈfθæl-, ˈθælɪk /

noun

1. a soluble colourless crystalline acid used in the synthesis of dyes and perfumes; 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid. Formula: C 6 H 4 (COOH) 2

phthalic acid

1. A colorless, crystalline organic acid prepared from naphthalene and used in the synthesis of dyes, perfumes, and other organic compounds. Chemical formula: C ₈ H ₆ O ₄ .

Word History and Origins

Origin of phthalic acid¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Word History and Origins

Origin of phthalic acid¹

C19 phthalic, from phthal- (see _phthalein ) + _-ic