Phthalic acid (Phthalic acid)

Other names: phthalic acid, phthalates

Phthalic acid, also known as phthalic acid or phthalates, is an organic acid belonging to the group of dicarboxylic acids of the aromatic type. It is a colourless solid of crystalline consistency which is slightly soluble in water under normal conditions. Phthalic acid can be obtained by oxidation of naphthalene in air using vanadium dioxide as a catalyst.

Phthalic acid and its derivatives play a vital role in industry, specifically in the chemical sector for the production of various materials. For example, phthalates are used as plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a material used in a number of products - for example, pipes, cable wrapping, toys, furniture and footwear. Phthalates are also used in paints, adhesives, printing inks and cosmetics. It should be stressed that phthalates are contained in these products in the form of esters, not in the free form of phthalic acid, which would be toxic to humans. As such, phthalic acid is used to a much lesser extent in industry, mainly in the production of synthetic resins and dyes.