Introduction
Trimesic Acid is an important aromatic carboxylic acid with versatile industrial value. Its unique molecular structure of three carboxyl groups attached to a benzene ring exhibits excellent stability, solubility, and reactivity. These characteristics make it widely used in pharmaceutical intermediates, plasticizers, polymer crosslinking agents, and advanced materials development.
In this article, we will explore the key properties, applications, and benefits of Trimesic Acid, highlighting why it has become an essential compound across multiple industries.
What is Trimesic Acid?
Trimesic acid (CAS 554-95-0), also known as 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid or benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, is a white crystalline aromatic carboxylic acid that has become increasingly important in modern industrial applications. This versatile chemical compound features a unique molecular structure with three carboxyl groups positioned at the 1, 3, and 5 locations of a benzene ring.
Chemical properties:
- Chemical Formula: C₉H₆O₆
- CAS Number: 554-95-0
- Molecular Weight: 210.14 g/mol
- IUPAC Name: Benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid
- Common Names: Trimesic acid, 1,3,5-Tricarboxybenzene
Key Properties of Trimesic Acid
High Purity and Stability
Trimesic acid is a white crystalline powder with high purity. It is chemically stable and has a high melting point of 380 °C, which allows it to be used in high-temperature applications without decomposing. This thermal stability is crucial for processes like polymerization and material synthesis.
Solubility Profile
Trimesic acid has a specific solubility profile that makes it useful for different reactions and formulations. It is soluble in ethanol, ether, and 40 parts of water at 23 °C. This allows it to be easily incorporated into both aqueous and organic solutions, which is important for its use in liquid formulations like fungicides and coatings.
Ability to Form Complex Molecular Structures
A key property of trimesic acid is its ability to form complex molecular structures. With a benzene ring and three carboxyl groups (-COOH) in a symmetrical arrangement, it can act as a crosslinking agent. The three carboxyl groups can bond with other molecules, creating strong, three-dimensional networks. This property is particularly valuable in the creation of durable plastics, hydrogels, and other advanced materials.
Eco-friendly and Biodegradable Potential
Compared to traditional petroleum-based chemicals, trimesic acid offers a more sustainable profile. It has biodegradable potential, meaning it can break down more easily in the environment. This makes it an attractive alternative for industries looking to reduce their environmental footprint, especially when used in products like bio-based plasticizers and more eco-friendly fungicides.
Synthesis Methods of Trimesic Acid
Mesitylene Liquid-Phase Air Oxidation Method
This widely used industrial method utilizes mesitylene as the raw material, which undergoes an air oxidation reaction in a liquid phase. A catalyst system composed of cobalt salts and bromide ions is added to enhance the oxidation efficiency. This method is valued for its low production cost, high product yield, and suitability for continuous industrial-scale production. As a result, it has become the mainstream process in the synthesis of trimesic acid.
Mesitylene Nitric Acid Oxidation Method
In this method, concentrated nitric acid serves as the oxidizing agent to convert mesitylene into trimesic acid. The reaction requires careful control over parameters such as temperature, acid concentration, and reaction time to ensure safety and maintain selectivity toward trimesic acid formation. While this method offers relatively rapid conversion, it involves handling strong acids and generates nitrogen oxides as by-products, necessitating proper environmental management practices.
Mesitylene Potassium Permanganate Oxidation Method
Using potassium permanganate as the oxidant, this method oxidizes mesitylene’s methyl groups to form trimesic acid. The reaction conditions are more rigorous compared to other methods and typically require low temperatures and constant stirring to prevent side reactions and over-oxidation. Despite its selectivity, the process must be carefully monitored due to the strong oxidative nature of potassium permanganate and the potential for by-product formation.
Application of Trimesic Acid
Pharmaceutical Industry
Trimesic acid serves as a crucial pharmaceutical intermediate used in the synthesis of various bioactive compounds, including antibacterial agents, anticancer drugs, and plant growth regulators. Its unique trifunctional carboxyl groups enable chemists to introduce specific functional groups through chemical modifications, allowing fine-tuning of drug activity and selectivity. For example, derivatives of trimesic acid can be engineered to improve drug-target interactions, pharmacokinetics, and reduce side effects. Additionally, trimesic acid-based polymers are used in advanced drug delivery systems that provide controlled, sustained release, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness.
Materials Science
Engineering Plastics Modification
Trimesic acid is widely employed in the production of plasticizers that enhance the flexibility, processability, thermal resistance, and mechanical strength of high-performance engineering plastics such as polyetherimide (PEI), polyimide (PI), and polyamide (PA). These improvements extend the application of such plastics in demanding environments like automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
Optical Materials
Due to its excellent optical properties and polymerization capabilities, trimesic acid is used in manufacturing optical films and lenses. It helps improve transparency, light transmission, and refractive indices, leading to high-performance optical devices used in cameras, display screens, and sensors.
Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
The three carboxyl groups of trimesic acid make it an ideal organic linker (ligand) for coordinating with metal ions to form metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These porous crystalline materials exhibit remarkable gas adsorption, separation, and catalytic properties. MOFs synthesized with trimesic acid are used in environmental applications like CO2 capture, hydrogen storage, and catalysis, benefiting clean energy and pollution control technologies.
Chemical Industry
Resin Synthesis
Trimesic acid is utilized in producing water-soluble alkyl resins and dendritic macromolecules. These advanced resins are employed in coatings, adhesives, and printing inks, providing excellent water resistance, adhesion, and durability. Their molecular architecture improves product performance in harsh environmental conditions.
Crosslinking Agent
In polymer chemistry, trimesic acid acts as an effective crosslinker to bond polymer chains into three-dimensional networks. This crosslinking enhances the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance of materials such as rubber and plastics. It is especially valuable in modifying elastomers and thermosetting resins used in automotive parts, electronic encapsulants, and protective coatings.
Other Applications
Fungicides and Mold Inhibitors
Derivatives of trimesic acid exhibit potent antimicrobial and antifungal activities, making them suitable for use in food packaging materials, construction coatings, and building materials. These compounds inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms and molds, improving product safety and indoor air quality.
Stationary Phase in Gas Chromatography
Trimesic acid is applied as a stationary phase coating in gas chromatography (GC). Its selective adsorption characteristics enable effective separation and analysis of organic compounds with different chemical properties. This application is vital in environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical quality control, and food safety testing.
Autech Industry: Trimesic Acid（CAS 554-95-0） Supplier
As a leading trimesic acid supplier, Autech Industry has extensive experience in producing high-purity trimesic acid. The company boasts strong production capabilities capable of meeting the demands of large-scale industrial customers. With a rigorous quality management system certified by ISO 9001 and full compliance with the EU REACH regulations, Autech ensures that its trimesic acid products meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
In addition, Autech offers customized packaging solutions tailored to customer requirements, supported by a comprehensive technical support team to assist with any application challenges. A well-established global distribution network guarantees timely delivery and reliable supply worldwide, making Autech a trusted professional supplier of trimesic acid.
Conclusion
Trimesic acid（CAS 554-95-0） is a highly versatile and important chemical compound due to its unique trifunctional structure. As we’ve explored, its ability to act as a precursor, crosslinking agent, and eco-friendly additive makes it indispensable across a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to materials science. It is a key ingredient in creating advanced materials with enhanced properties, like improved thermal stability and flexibility, while also playing a vital role in the synthesis of essential drugs.
FAQ
Q1: What is Trimesic Acid (TMC)?
Trimesic Acid (TMC), （CAS 554-95-0）also known as 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, is an aromatic carboxylic acid used in pharmaceuticals, polymers, plasticizers, and specialty chemicals.
Q2: What are the main applications of Trimesic Acid?
It is widely applied as a pharmaceutical intermediate, fungicide and mold inhibitor, bio-based plasticizer, and polymer crosslinking agent. It is also used in advanced materials and biomedical hydrogels.
Q3: Is Trimesic Acid environmentally friendly?
Yes. Compared with conventional petrochemical additives, TMC is considered more eco-friendly and biodegradable, making it suitable for sustainable material development.
Q4: Can Trimesic Acid replace traditional plasticizers?
Yes. Trimesic Acid-based plasticizers provide an eco-friendly alternative to phthalates, enhancing polymer flexibility, thermal stability, and recyclability without the health risks associated with conventional plasticizers.
Q5: Where can I buy high-purity Trimesic Acid?
You can source high-purity Trimesic Acid from Autech Industry, a professional Chinese manufacturer and supplier with over 15 years of experience. We provide competitive prices, global shipping, and free samples for qualified customers.
