Which of the following pairs of reagents is now used industrially to synthesize PET poly(ethylene terephthalate)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is synthesized industrially by the reaction between ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate, with the elimination of methanol. This process is known as transesterification. Option A, ethylene and dimethyl terephthalate, is incorrect since ethylene cannot react with a terephthalate and dimethyl terephthalate must be reacted with ethylene glycol. Option C, ethylene and terephthalic acid, is incorrect because terephthalic acid cannot be reacted with ethylene directly. Option D, ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, is also incorrect since terephthalic acid must be reacted with ethylene glycol and not just ethylene.

Which of the Following Pairs of Reagents Is Now Used