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Chemists began tracking derivatives of terephthalic acid years ago, always searching for molecules with new angles. 2-Aminoterephthalic acid grew its roots in dye and polymer research, where folks wanted compounds willing to both lend color and take part in larger chain reactions. The amino group added to the terephthalic acid structure brought fresh reactivity. Industrial labs kept refining synthesis routes and mapping its uses—as the 20th century pressed on, alternative greener methods started rising, reflecting a shift in scientific responsibility. It’s been shaped by the hands of those chasing better materials for filters, catalysts, and biological sensors.
What grabs immediate attention is the crystalline, off-white to slightly yellowish powder that forms the bulk of both lab and commercial stocks. Its characteristic faintly acidic scent and sharp melting point—usually just north of 300°C—reveals how tightly packed its molecular structure stands. As a solid, storage comes easy: dry, dark bottles keep it stable, locking out moisture and too much light. A quick scan through the industry’s catalogs lists it as 2-aminobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, but names shift depending on the context.
2-Aminoterephthalic acid’s molecular formula, C8H7NO4, lays out its heritage clearly. Solubility sits low in cold water but picks up in hot, with far greater success in polar organic solvents like dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulfoxide. The dual carboxylic acid groups and amino group play well with bases and acids, making it a flexible intermediate for a range of modifications. As a crystalline solid, its density gives clues about packing efficiency and hydrogen bond networks. Its UV-Vis absorption profile finds use in research settings where quantifying trace presence matters. Analytical chemists often rely on its behavior in chromatography, whether the goal is purity or figuring out reaction yields.
Each container carries rigorous labeling, as regulations demand. Purity levels typically reach upwards of 98%, and specific lot analysis often tags along in the documentation. Safety datasheets highlight storage at ambient temperatures, away from oxidizing agents. Labs keep close watch on batch consistency through techniques like NMR, FTIR, and HPLC, as trace contaminants can undermine the compound’s role in sensitive applications. Regulation codes classify it for safe handling, and shipping labels spell out the need for caution should containers break or leak.
Traditional syntheses of 2-aminoterephthalic acid spring from nitration of terephthalic acid, forming the nitro derivative first. This step requires careful temperature control, as excessive heat leads to unwanted byproducts and potential decomposition. Next, reduction—often using iron filings and hydrochloric acid, or catalytic hydrogenation—converts the nitro group to an amino group. Modern labs increasingly opt for greener solvents, avoiding heavy metals to cut down on waste. Each route takes perseverance: stepwise crystallization and filtering become critical for high yields. Reaction scalability shapes the economic feasibility of wider production. As someone who’s spent late nights nursing reflux setups, the persistent off-gassing reminds you to respect the chemistry’s hazards.
This molecule doesn’t shy away from transformation. Its amino group opens the door to reactions like acylation, sulfonation, diazotization, and coupling—fueling a whole range of azo dyes and functional monomers. The acidic sites react with alcohols or amines to give esters and amides. In the growing field of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), 2-aminoterephthalic acid finds fame as a ligand, chelating with metals such as zinc and chromium to build porous architectures. Researchers engineer these frameworks for applications in CO2 capture, catalysis, and drug delivery. Modifying the aromatic ring further can adjust solubility, introduce fluorescence, or tune reactivity.
Trade and lab references differ in how they name this compound. Catalogs and chemical databases toss around names like 2-aminoterephthalic acid, 2-ATA, and 2-aminobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid. Less frequently, you might stumble upon terms such as para-aminoterephthalic acid or p-aminoterephthalic acid, reflecting older naming customs. Despite the mix, the CAS number (673-30-3) clears up confusion, ensuring the right substance lands on your bench.
Risk grows with scale, but even small batches deserve close care. Dust from 2-aminoterephthalic acid irritates respiratory passages, and direct contact with the powder can cause skin and eye irritation. Labs use fume hoods for transfers and cleanups, glove protocols prevent accidental exposure, and safety goggles keep splashes at bay. Regular training sessions reinforce first-aid steps for accidental contact or spills. Environmental compliance calls for responsible waste handling: spent solvents and rinse water must meet safe disposal criteria. Regulatory agencies like the EPA and OSHA keep a close watch on standards, and manufacturers publish up-to-date guidelines in their material safety data sheets.
Synthetic chemists and materials scientists both value this molecule. It’s a lynchpin in building novel polymers, often functioning as a monomer that brings extra rigidity and chemical resistance. MOF development has surged, with this compound used to lock in frameworks equipped to sift out contaminants or trap greenhouse gases. Dye and pigment manufacturing taps into its ability to anchor chromophoric groups, extending absorption bands and improving durability. Biomedical researchers see potential in using it as a scaffold for advanced imaging probes or as precursors for drug candidates, where the amino functionality allows for diverse chemical attachment. Electronics developers investigate its film-forming ability for sensor and battery projects, especially as new functional materials emerge.
R&D teams team up across universities, startups, and corporations, chasing both incremental improvements and big breakthroughs. New catalysts and reaction conditions help boost yields and lower energy demands. Custom derivatives—bearing extra substitutions or linked to other aromatic systems—keep surfacing in the literature. In MOF research, laboratories compete to tune the pore size and chemical affinity for targeted sensing or separation tasks. The drive toward renewable chemistry shapes efforts to swap out toxic reagents for more benign tools. Patents file in for new polymer blends and application-specific formulations. Experiences in contract research show how batch-to-batch reproducibility can make or break a developmental program, pushing teams to refine both process and quality control.
Animal studies and in vitro screens set the baseline for risk assessment. Acute toxicity ranks low compared to many aromatic amines, but long-term data demand caution. Research looks for potential mutagenicity and possible effects on organ systems when inhaled or ingested. Workplace exposure guidelines factor in such findings, shaping daily allowable limits. Environmental fate gets scrutiny—while the molecule lacks persistent bioactivity, breakdown in wastewater might produce amines or other reactive intermediates. Ongoing monitoring helps maintain community and worker safety, while third-party assessments add extra layers of confidence.
As emerging industries put pressure on raw materials, demand for 2-aminoterephthalic acid won’t loosen anytime soon. Cleaner production technologies become more important, both for price and environmental reasons. Growth in MOF research promises new ways to tackle pressing issues like climate change and clean water. Developers hope to unlock biomedical applications, provided that the toxicity profile continues to check out. Regulatory landscapes will shape the options on the table, as global standards evolve. With every new application, detailed understanding of sourcing, reactivity, and safety underpins informed decisions. My own time in research circles taught me that progress in specialty chemicals comes down to the quality of questions asked—and in the case of 2-aminoterephthalic acid, new questions keep arriving.
People familiar with chemistry labs or material science research will likely spot 2-aminoterephthalic acid on the shelf. On the surface, it looks like yet another powder, another compound in a big world of chemicals. Yet, once you start digging, this small molecule works its way into some of the most advanced technology under development today.
Researchers and companies lock on 2-aminoterephthalic acid for a clear reason: its structure. By attaching an amino group to terephthalic acid, you set up all sorts of possible reactions. Its main claim to fame stands out in the world of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). These frameworks function like molecular sponges, soaking up gases, filtering pollutants, or helping store energy. MOFs need molecules that easily connect to metals, and 2-aminoterephthalic acid does the job well. I've watched colleagues wrestle with different linkers for MOF creation—finding the right fit often means the difference between success and a project lost to the waste bin. When 2-aminoterephthalic acid enters play, its amino group introduces new bonding spots, letting scientists tweak the MOF’s structure, strength, and chemical activity.
In my experience, this level of control is important. Take the climate crisis. People worldwide notice how the air feels different in big cities and manufacturing hubs due to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. MOFs built with 2-aminoterephthalic acid can trap these gases. Some studies out of Germany and the US highlight how frameworks using this acid grab onto CO2, making it easier to remove from the air or capture at smokestacks before it ever reaches the atmosphere.
Drug delivery sits on another side of its usefulness. Medical researchers always want new carriers that ferry medicines to the right place in the body. MOFs crafted with 2-aminoterephthalic acid guide drugs with precision. The amino group boosts reactivity, opening up the chance to bond bioactive molecules or create compartments that release drugs slowly. The past few years, journals covering pharmaceutical science keep bringing up MOFs as futuristic options for cancer therapies. Using 2-aminoterephthalic acid, researchers can fine-tune the release profiles of treatment so healthy tissue stays protected.
Sensors and catalysts draw on this compound too. The structure you get with 2-aminoterephthalic acid can sense toxins, pollution, or chemical leaks—with changes in color, conductivity, or even light output. That information could warn water treatment centers when dangerous substances get into the supply, giving time to react. In industry, these MOFs speed up chemical reactions, cutting down on waste and energy bills. It’s the kind of progress that matters whether you’re running a small lab or a huge factory.
Scaling up the use of 2-aminoterephthalic acid doesn’t just rest on research. Synthesis and supply challenge the field, too. Many small labs still buy in gram quantities, with costs staying high due to tight regulation and tricky production methods. Making the synthesis more eco-friendly and accessible could help push MOF-based solutions into real world use. I see real benefit in governments supporting pilot plants for new production methods, along with academics sharing techniques openly.
Every time a new MOF brings down the price of captured carbon, or a breakthrough sensor picks up early signs of danger, compounds like 2-aminoterephthalic acid form the hidden link in the chain. That’s reason enough to keep watching where this molecule goes next.
2-Aminoterephthalic acid, often labeled as a key player in the world of organic chemistry, brings together a benzene ring with several active groups. Its molecular formula is C8H7NO4, which paints a picture but doesn’t show the full story. If you've ever stared at a skeletal structure in a textbook, you might have seen six carbon atoms locked in a ring—think of a simple hexagon—with side chains poking out like branches on a tree. Place a carboxylic acid group (COOH) at carbon 1, plant another carboxylic acid at carbon 4, and settle an amino group (NH2) at carbon 2. The rest of the spots on the ring hold hydrogen atoms. It’s basic on paper, but that arrangement creates opportunities chemists have capitalized on for years.
In practical terms, this isn’t just a pretty structure for the sake of chemistry trivia. The position of its amino group and those carboxylic acids turns this molecule into a workhorse when it’s time to build metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). MOFs have changed the way we think about gas storage, sensors, and even drug delivery. That same structure hoists open spaces for metals to bind, which create those crystalline frameworks chemists chase. The layout keeps things predictable, which makes scaling up in the lab less nerve-wracking. You want reproducibility, not surprise explosions or goopy messes.
Years spent as a lab student taught me that one functional group in the wrong spot sends whole experiments sideways. In 2-aminoterephthalic acid, the amino group at the second carbon paves the way for hydrogen bonding and complexation, especially with transition metals. I remember the frustration of working with related compounds that had their amino and carboxyl groups too far apart; they just can’t grab onto metal ions as tightly or build frameworks as neatly. With the right arrangement, chemists avoid backtracking and wasting resources. This is how foundational lessons in structure-directs-function make research progress possible.
Manufacturing or sourcing pure 2-aminoterephthalic acid gets expensive and finicky. Side reactions like over-oxidation, byproduct formation, or incomplete nitration can lead to low yield. Even in well-funded research settings, every misstep chips away at budgets and patience. Several researchers have studied greener synthesis methods—using catalysts that run on less heat and fewer toxic chemicals. These approaches not only help protect the environment but also keep costs in check. Encouraging industry and academia to work together on these methods will make the compound accessible for both large-scale applications and educational labs.
As industries lean further into energy storage, pollution control, and novel catalysis, the importance of 2-aminoterephthalic acid rises. I’ve watched as students, educators, and startup founders all seek out compounds like this for their utility and reliability. Sharing open data on synthesis routes and partnering with chemical suppliers to improve purity standards builds trust and speeds progress. Clear, honest communication between researchers and manufacturers pays off. Future gains depend on collaboration, not secrecy. Creating easier, cleaner access to building blocks like 2-aminoterephthalic acid drives not just better science, but better solutions for society’s biggest problems.
Every lab worker picks up a kind of sixth sense for risk, after enough years at the bench. Never underestimate an innocuous-looking white powder. 2-Aminoterephthalic acid comes with its own story that ends badly if people cut corners on safety. I’ve seen lab mistakes: a mislabelled jar, a half-sealed lid, a forgotten beaker—these little lapses let moisture or unwanted reactions creep in. Sometimes, people get lucky. Other times, a ruined batch shuts down research, or someone lands in the infirmary for breathing something they shouldn’t have.
This acid isn’t volatile, but that doesn’t mean you toss it on any shelf and forget about it. A dry environment is key—humidity leads to clumping and chemical changes over time. Leaving it exposed means air and water vapor eventually sneak in, altering its properties. Glass or tightly sealed plastic containers, clearly labeled, usually keep the product in good shape. Clear labeling helps avoid accidental misuse, which is more common than experts admit in crowded storerooms.
Routine says to store chemicals at room temperature, but “room temperature” means different things in different places. Heat accelerates breakdown, even in compounds that seem stable. My experience—especially in summer, or in workspaces without reliable air conditioning—shows that temperature swings cause trouble faster than most expect. A consistent environment protects both the acid and the people around it. Dedicated storage cabinets, designed for chemicals, matter far more than cutting costs. Fewer accidents, less waste, less stress all around.
Even solid powders become airborne, given a little bump or the wrong scoop. No one likes the tickle in their throat after a dusty transfer, and inhaling particles from organic acids can be rough on lungs. Handling 2-aminoterephthalic acid in a fume hood keeps exposure low. Simple habits—gloves, lab coats, the right mask when weighing out powder—cut risk to almost zero. Sometimes people skip these steps, especially under time pressure. Every health and safety incident I’ve witnessed started with someone saying, “I’ll just be quick.”
Chemical waste piles up, and 2-aminoterephthalic acid doesn’t belong in the regular trash or poured down the drain. Every researcher ought to know the guidelines for disposal. Waste collection points or special containers prevent accidental mixing, which could react unpredictably. Labs following strict protocols cut environmental risks and avoid fines. Clean-up crews and water treatment plants deal with enough already. Following disposal procedures—because others depend on it—has real-world impact beyond the lab walls.
Sticking to storage and handling requirements shows respect for science, people, and the environment. Shortcuts just invite disaster. Most accidents come from overconfidence or forgetfulness, not evil intent. If you’ve spent time in a chemistry lab, you recognize the value of double-checking storage, logging every move, and teaching new staff how to handle these solids responsibly. These habits protect research integrity, save money, and keep colleagues healthy. Good handling isn’t an abstraction; it’s a daily habit worth keeping.
Many people don’t think twice about chemicals with long names. The name alone can sound intimidating. Facts often get drowned by either alarm or indifference. So let’s strip away confusion. 2-Aminoterephthalic acid exists as a white to faint yellow powder, often used in labs and as a building block for certain metal-organic frameworks. It doesn’t turn up in household products or foods, so most folks don’t run into it outside research or specialized industry.
People want assurance that handling new substances won’t create hidden health problems. Health comes first for those working in chemistry labs or manufacturing. If we look at the safety sheets for this compound, they generally flag irritation to the eyes and skin. The dust, like many fine powders, can stir up coughing or sneezing if inhaled in quantity. No strong evidence links it directly to cancer or reproductive harm—at least not in the studies researchers have published so far.
On the toxicity scale, 2-aminoterephthalic acid doesn’t show the drama of old-school chemicals like benzene or lead. There’s no suggestion it acts as an acute poison. Still, assuming a substance is “totally safe” just because it’s not marked deadly doesn’t cut it. Chronic effects take time to show up. Most scientific data fall short on long-term exposure in humans because this substance rarely makes it outside the lab.
Lab veterans know some powders deliver nasty surprises—think of certain aromatic amines that earned their reputation as toxins or allergens. In my own time working in shared research facilities, I watched colleagues suit up with gloves and goggles when transferring 2-aminoterephthalic acid. That’s not just habit. Even though danger seems mild, nobody wants eye or skin irritation when it can be prevented. It reflects a “better safe than sorry” approach often adopted by responsible teams.
Material safety data sheets place restrictions on how to handle and store this acid. There’s a standard call for ventilation, skin protection, and careful cleanup of spills. This looks similar to many organic acids or aromatic compounds that can’t be guessed at from the structure alone. It’s less about panic and more about avoiding repeated careless exposure.
Staying healthy isn’t just about avoiding what’s deadly—it’s about using judgment for everyday risks. The reality with most chemical work is that complacency, not acute danger, ends up causing trouble. Even after thousands of bench hours, I still paused to check the most recent data sheets. Good habits and up-to-date training work much better than hoping for luck.
One solution involves wider access to up-to-date hazard research. Most new graduate students or technicians benefit from orientation routines, but seasoned workers can slip into old practices. Teams could push for periodic peer reviews or check-ins that focus on the actual handling of chemicals—especially newer or lesser-known substances. Access to full toxicological information, instead of only the bare bones provided in a basic SDS, builds real confidence.
Chemical safety rides on more than just printed warnings and hazard ratings. The culture inside the lab or factory shapes how people respond. Respect for even the least glamorous compounds goes a long way toward preventing problems down the road.
I’ve spent years watching researchers and manufacturers facing setbacks because of impurities in their raw materials. Especially in specialty chemicals, such as 2-aminoterephthalic acid, every decimal point in purity can impact scientific and commercial outcomes. In the lab, using a less-than-clean batch means unrepeatable data or failed experiments. Out on the production floor, the wrong grade can shrink yields and balloon costs. Nobody wants to see months of work ruined just because someone cut corners on sourcing or skipped a certificate of analysis.
Most suppliers offer 2-aminoterephthalic acid at “purified” or “analytical” grades, often above 98% purity. Not all sources stick to the same benchmarks—one company’s “high purity” might clock in at 97%, another’s at 99.5%. Researchers making fluorescent sensors lean toward higher grade options, since trace metals or organics can block the very reactions they rely on. Factories making pigments, polymers, or specialty plastics don’t want off-colors or side products ruining batches.
Reputable sources provide an official certificate with every shipment, spelling out major impurities and moisture content. This isn’t a luxury. Laboratories supporting published research or medical device prototyping need those details for regulatory audits or patent filings. Small differences in measurement technique—even something as simple as drying time—can change the official “purity” quoted on that page.
I've seen buyers assume that every bottle labeled “analytical grade” matches the next, even when it ships from across the world. Reality doesn’t always match expectations. Scrutiny over the last decade shows not all suppliers have tight internal controls. Unexpected contaminants or cross-contamination still crop up, especially if suppliers juggle multiple products in the same facility. There’s a genuine difference between a long-standing supplier with third-party audits and one offering bottom-dollar rates harvested from old inventory.
The pain points come out clearest in quality control records. Labs discover strange peaks in their chromatograms. Manufacturers notice off-smells or discolored product. It costs far more to fix these problems after the fact than to prevent them through careful sourcing. Supplier transparency, and a willingness to answer questions about manufacturing methods, really sets apart the dependable from the risky.
Ask for certificates of analysis for every lot. Check for test methods: HPLC and NMR both shed light on identity and purity, but not every analysis catches the same class of impurities. Consistent quality comes from a real partnership. Pick vendors who update you about raw material origins and changes in production. If anything feels off—shifts in physical appearance, lingering odors, even changes in solubility—report these to the supplier and halt use until you know what’s changed.
Shortcuts can cost more than a bit of lost margin; they chip away at trust in a company’s output, waste time, and even pose safety risks if contamination spikes or new untested substances creep in. Sourcing pure, well-characterized 2-aminoterephthalic acid is less about ticking a box than about stewardship of results and safety for everyone downstream. In research, industry, and beyond, purity can’t be treated as an afterthought or an empty guarantee; it’s the backbone of real, reliable progress.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-aminobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid |
| Other names |
2-Aminoterephthalic acid 2-ATA 2-Aminobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid 2-Aminoterephthalate |
| Pronunciation | /tuː əˈmiːnoʊ tɛrˌɛfˈθælɪk ˈæsɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 2942-59-8 |
| Beilstein Reference | 86194 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:28505 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL183856 |
| ChemSpider | 77385 |
| DrugBank | DB04230 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.128.848 |
| EC Number | 220-812-0 |
| Gmelin Reference | 273284 |
| KEGG | C06814 |
| MeSH | D000071243 |
| PubChem CID | 25220013 |
| RTECS number | AU8400000 |
| UNII | X2M1D5S665 |
| UN number | 3463 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID4044375 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C8H7NO4 |
| Molar mass | 211.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light yellow powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.65 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | slightly soluble in water |
| log P | -0.7 |
| Acidity (pKa) | 2.09 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 3.85 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -38.7×10^-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.692 |
| Dipole moment | 2.8 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 229.8 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -702.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3245 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause respiratory irritation. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07 Warning H315-H319-H335 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: "P261, P264, P270, P271, P301+P312, P304+P340, P312, P330, P405, P501 |
| Flash point | > 220 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 400 °C (752 °F) |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): >5000 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | Not Listed |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 1 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Terephthalic acid Isophthalic acid Phthalic acid 2-Nitroterephthalic acid 2,5-Diaminoterephthalic acid 2-Aminobenzoic acid 4-Aminobenzoic acid |
