phthalic acid
/ˈ(f)θalɪk
/noun Chemistry
A crystalline acid derived from benzene, with two carboxylic acid groups attached to the benzene ring.
- Chemical formula: C6H4(COOH)2; three isomers.
- A wide range of uses has been found for various phthalic acid esters, with the largest portion of these esters being used as plasticizing agents for polyvinyl chloride products.
- Capillaries were immersed in phthalic acid, which has an index of refraction that effectively eliminates optical refraction at the outer wall.
Origin
Mid 19th century: phthalic, shortening of naphthalic (see naphthalene).
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