Xylic Acid
What is Xylic Acid?
Xylic acids are a group of six isomeric aromatic acids derived from xylene (dimethylbenzene) by oxidation of one methyl group to a carboxyl group (COOH), with the resulting compounds having the molecular formula CH₃-C₆H₄-COOH (methylbenzoic acids or toluic acids). They are white crystalline solids used as intermediates in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceutical compounds, and polyester resins. The three principal isomers are 2-, 3-, and 4-methylbenzoic acid (ortho-, meta-, and para-toluic acid), differing in the relative positions of the methyl and carboxyl groups.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Xylic acids are a group of six isomeric aromatic acids derived from xylene (dimethylbenzene) by oxidation of one methyl group to a carboxyl group (COOH), with the resulting compounds having the molecular formula CH₃-C₆H₄-COOH (methylbenzoic acids or toluic acids). They are white crystalline solids used as intermediates in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceutical compounds, and polyester resins. The three principal isomers are 2-, 3-, and 4-methylbenzoic acid (ortho-, meta-, and para-toluic acid), differing in the relative positions of the methyl and carboxyl groups.