What is Dimethyl Terephthalate DMT CAS 120-61-6?

Dimethyl Terephthalate, commonly abbreviated DMT, is the dimethyl ester of terephthalic acid and is also known as dimethyl 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate. It is an aromatic diester supplied as a polyester-grade intermediate for polymerization rather than as a finished polymer.

Can DMT be used interchangeably with purified terephthalic acid?

No. DMT is used in transesterification polyester routes, while purified terephthalic acid is used in direct esterification routes. The choice depends on the plant monomer feed, catalyst system and process design, so the two are not directly interchangeable.

What are the main applications of Dimethyl Terephthalate?

DMT is mainly used to produce polyethylene terephthalate for fibre, film and container plastics, and polybutylene terephthalate with 1,4-butanediol. It also supports specialty copolyesters, engineering plastics and polyester coating resins.

What purity and specification points matter for polyester manufacture?

Polyester-grade DMT normally has high purity, low acid number, low moisture and controlled melt colour and trace-metal levels. Tight limits on these parameters help avoid side reactions, colour drift and inconsistent polymerization behaviour.

What physical form and storage conditions should be expected?

DMT is typically a white crystalline solid with a melting point around 140-142 C and density around 1.2 g/cm3. It should be kept dry and protected from moisture because moisture can interfere with ester stoichiometry and downstream polymerization.

Dimethyl Terephthalate (DMT) CAS 120-61-6

Dimethyl Terephthalate, commonly abbreviated DMT, CAS 120-61-6, is a crystalline aromatic diester supplied for DMT-based polyester manufacture. Confirm the required grade, then request a quotation with COA/TDS/SDS for bulk supply.

CAS: 120-61-6
Synonyms: Dimethyl Terephthalate, DMT, Dimethyl 1,4-Benzenedicarboxylate
Einecs: 204-411-8
Molecular Formula: C10H10O4
Grade: Polyester Grade
Package: 25 kg bags; 500 kg / 1000 kg FIBC bulk bags

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Product Description

Dimethyl Terephthalate (DMT) CAS 120-61-6 is dimethyl 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, with EC 204-411-8 and molecular formula C10H10O4.

Synonyms: Dimethyl Terephthalate; DMT; Dimethyl 1,4-Benzenedicarboxylate.

CAS: 120-61-6.

Molecular formula: C10H10O4.

It is supplied as white crystalline flakes or powder.

It is positioned as a crystalline aromatic diester for DMT-based polyester manufacture.

It is a process raw material and is not a finished polymer or additive.

It is used in PET manufacture for fibre, film, container plastics and selected specialty-polyester grades.

It is used in PBT production with 1,4-butanediol for engineering-polyester resin manufacture.

It is used in polyester film, fibre and moulding-compound supply chains based on a DMT transesterification process.

It is used in specialty copolyester and polyester coating-resin manufacture requiring a terephthalate ester intermediate.

It is used in transesterification polyester routes, distinct from direct esterification with purified terephthalic acid.

It has a melting point around 140-142 C and a density around 1.2 g/cm3.

Polyester-grade DMT normally has high purity, low acid number, low moisture and controlled melt colour and trace-metal levels.

It should be kept dry because moisture can interfere with ester stoichiometry and downstream polymerisation.

Confirm colour, acid, ash, moisture and trace-metal limits against the stated polymerisation process and test method.

Store dry in well-closed packaging, use suitable PPE when handling, and follow the current SDS.

The page is an RFQ entry point and does not state stock, price, MOQ, or fixed lead time.

For an RFQ, state the intended application, required grade, quantity, packaging, destination, and document needs.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Dimethyl Terephthalate DMT CAS 120-61-6?

A: Dimethyl Terephthalate, commonly abbreviated DMT, is the dimethyl ester of terephthalic acid and is also known as dimethyl 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate. It is an aromatic diester supplied as a polyester-grade intermediate for polymerization rather than as a finished polymer.
Q:
Can DMT be used interchangeably with purified terephthalic acid?

A: No. DMT is used in transesterification polyester routes, while purified terephthalic acid is used in direct esterification routes. The choice depends on the plant monomer feed, catalyst system and process design, so the two are not directly interchangeable.
Q:
What are the main applications of Dimethyl Terephthalate?

A: DMT is mainly used to produce polyethylene terephthalate for fibre, film and container plastics, and polybutylene terephthalate with 1,4-butanediol. It also supports specialty copolyesters, engineering plastics and polyester coating resins.
Q:
What purity and specification points matter for polyester manufacture?

A: Polyester-grade DMT normally has high purity, low acid number, low moisture and controlled melt colour and trace-metal levels. Tight limits on these parameters help avoid side reactions, colour drift and inconsistent polymerization behaviour.
Q:
What physical form and storage conditions should be expected?

A: DMT is typically a white crystalline solid with a melting point around 140-142 C and density around 1.2 g/cm3. It should be kept dry and protected from moisture because moisture can interfere with ester stoichiometry and downstream polymerization.

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