1,4-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, monoethyl ester

1,4-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, monoethyl ester (1,4-BDE) is a monomer that is used in the manufacture of polycarbonates and other plastics. 1,4-BDE is also used as a solvent for xylene and butanol. It has been shown to be useful in the production of polyester fibers. The monomer can be synthesized by reacting ethylene with terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). This reaction produces 1,4-BDE and methanol as byproducts. The process is carried out at temperatures of 250 °C to 300 °C and under atmospheric pressure. The purified product can be isolated using distillation or extraction with organic solvents such as benzene or butanol. The reaction can be carried out in the presence of ruthenium, which acts as a catalyst.