Dimethyl Terephthalate

Dimethyl Terephthalate (DMT) is a white crystalline organic compound with the chemical formula C₆H₄(CO₂CH₃)₂ and a molecular weight of 194.18 g/mol. It is the dimethyl ester of terephthalic acid, primarily used as an intermediate in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins, fibers, and films. DMT offers excellent purity, thermal stability, and ease of handling, making it ideal for high-performance polyester applications. It is synthesized via direct esterification of terephthalic acid with methanol or through oxidation and esterification of p-xylene. DMT is favored in closed-loop manufacturing systems due to its recyclability and compatibility with continuous polymerization processes. Its applications span textiles, packaging, engineering plastics, and industrial coatings. In India, DMT production is supported by both domestic and imported feedstocks, with compliance to ISO and REACH standards. Its versatility and clean-burning profile also make it a preferred choice in sustainable polymer development.