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Trimellitic acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C9H6O6
CAS number
528-44-9
IUPAC name
benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
State
State

Solid at room temperature, typically crystalline and white in appearance.

Melting point (Celsius)
216.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
489.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
250.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
523.00
General information
Molecular weight
210.14g/mol
Molar mass
210.1350g/mol
Density
1.5020g/cm3
Appearence

Trimellitic acid appears as a white crystalline solid at room temperature. It is typically found in a powdered form and can have a slight aromatic odor due to its relationship to benzene derivatives.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic Acid

Benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, commonly known as citric acid, exhibits noteworthy solubility characteristics:

  • Water Solubility: Citric acid is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 59.2 g/100 mL at 20°C.
  • Solvent Interaction: Its solubility in water is attributed to the presence of three carboxylic acid groups, which can hydrogen bond with water molecules, increasing its affinity.
  • Influence of pH: The solubility can also be affected by pH; as the pH increases, deprotonation of the carboxylic groups can enhance solubility.

It is interesting to note that:

  • Organic Solvents: While primarily soluble in water, citric acid shows limited solubility in non-polar organic solvents, such as hexane, due to its polar nature.
  • Applications: The high aqueous solubility plays a significant role in its utilization in food and beverage industries as a flavoring agent and preservative.

In summary, benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid's capacity to dissolve in water, while remaining insoluble in hydrocarbons, showcases the importance of molecular structure in determining solubility properties. This compound exemplifies the significance of polar functional groups in enhancing interactions with solvent molecules.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic Acid

Benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, commonly known as citric acid, is a fascinating organic compound that plays a crucial role in both nature and various industrial applications. Here are some captivating details about this compound:

  • Natural Occurrence: Citric acid is naturally found in citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges, contributing to their tart flavor. It is one of the key metabolic intermediates in the citric acid cycle, which is essential for energy production in living organisms.
  • Versatile Uses: In addition to its role in metabolism, citric acid is widely used as a food preservative, flavoring agent, and acidulant in beverages. Its ability to enhance flavor and stability makes it valuable in the food industry.
  • Biodegradability: As a naturally occurring acid, citric acid is biodegradable and considered environmentally friendly. It can be used as an alternative to synthetic acids in various applications, minimizing ecological impact.
  • Chelating Agent: Citric acid is an effective chelating agent, meaning it can bind and sequester metal ions. This property is advantageous in cleaning products and in preventing metal corrosion in various industrial settings.
  • Historical Significance: First isolated from lemon juice in 1784 by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele, citric acid has a rich history in both chemistry and culinary arts, as it has been used for centuries for its preservative and flavoring properties.
  • pH Regulation: Citric acid acts as a natural pH adjuster in cosmetics and personal care products, helping to maintain the desired acidity levels, which can be critical for product stability and efficacy.

In summary, benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid is not only a remarkable compound in chemical terms but also a compound deeply intertwined with biological systems and everyday life. Its multifunctionality and low environmental impact make it a compound of interest in both scientific research and practical applications.

Synonyms
Benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
569-51-7
1,2,3-Benzenetricarboxylic acid
HEMIMELLITIC ACID
CKU8PTZ7M8
Benzene 1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
EINECS 209-317-0
NSC 401092
NSC-401092
DTXSID901018142
1,2,3Tricarboxybenzene
1,2,3-benzyltricarboxylate
1,2,3benzenetricarboxylic acid
DTXCID701486
inchi=1/c9h6o6/c10-7(11)4-2-1-3-5(8(12)13)6(4)9(14)15/h1-3h,(h,10,11)(h,12,13)(h,14,15
1,2,3-Tricarboxybenzene
Benzenetricarboxylic acid
1,2,3-Tribenzoic acid
MFCD00002468
1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylate
UNII-CKU8PTZ7M8
3GQ
1,3-Tricarboxybenzene
benzene tricarboxylic acid
DSSTox_CID_1486
DSSTox_RID_76180
DSSTox_GSID_21486
SCHEMBL23288
YSWG650
1,3-Benzenetricarboxylic acid
GTPL4701
CHEMBL1161013
Benzene-1,2,3-tricarboxylicacid
1,a2,a3-aBenzenetricarboxylic acid
Tox21_200979
NSC401092
AKOS015889415
FH38090
GS-3056
NCGC00248891-01
NCGC00258532-01
AC-12649
PD051925
SY017131
CAS-36362-97-7
DB-018724
B0801
CS-0157247
H1592
NS00042819
Benzene-1,2,3-Tricarboxylatehemimellitic Acid
EN300-137827
Benzene-1 pound not2 pound not3-tricarboxylic acid
Q27070757