Name: China Supplier High Quality Best Price Trimesic acid CAS 554-95-0
Brand: Wuhan Fortuna Chemical Co., Ltd.

Items	Specifications	Results
Appearance	White Powder	White Powder
Assay(%)	≥99.0%	99.28%
Loss on Drying(%)	≤0.50%	0.13%
clarity	Clear and transparent, free of mechanical impurities	Qualified
Conclusion	It meets the testing standards of this enterprise and has passed the test.

Trimesic acid, systematically known as benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid, is an organic compound belonging to the class of benzenecarboxylic acids. As the name suggests, it consists of a central benzene ring with three carboxylic acid (–COOH) groups attached at the 1, 3, and 5 positions, creating a symmetrical, trigonal planar structure.

Its molecular formula is C₉H₆O₆, and it is a white, crystalline solid at room temperature.

Key Properties

Symmetry: Its most defining feature is its high degree of symmetry (it has a three-fold rotational axis). This symmetry is crucial for its applications in crystal engineering.
Functionality: It is a triacid, meaning it can donate three protons. It also has multiple hydrogen bond acceptors (carbonyl oxygens) and donors (acidic hydrogens).
Solubility: It has limited solubility in cold water but is more soluble in hot water and polar organic solvents like dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

Primary Applications and Significance

Trimesic acid is not a common industrial chemical but is immensely valuable in advanced materials research due to its unique molecular structure.

1. Reticular Chemistry and Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs):
This is the most significant application of trimesic acid. It is a classic tridentate ligand used to construct MOFs.

How it works: The three carboxylate groups can deprotonate and coordinate to metal ions (e.g., Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cr³⁺).
Role: It acts as a rigid, triangular "node" or "linker" that connects metal ions into an extensive, porous, and well-ordered two- or three-dimensional network framework.
Outcome: The resulting MOFs have incredibly high surface areas and tunable pore sizes. These properties make them promising materials for:
Gas Storage: Storing hydrogen or methane for clean energy applications.
Gas Separation: Separating CO₂ from industrial flue gases or purifying natural gas.
Catalysis: Providing a confined space for chemical reactions with high selectivity.
Drug Delivery: Encapsulating and releasing therapeutic molecules.

2. Supramolecular Chemistry and Crystal Engineering:
Even without metals, trimesic acid is famous for forming predictable hydrogen-bonded networks.

Its ability to both donate and accept multiple hydrogen bonds allows it to self-assemble into stable, porous 2D "chicken-wire" or "honeycomb" networks. This was one of the earliest and most studied examples of engineered supramolecular assemblies and organic frameworks.

3. Historical Context:
Trimesic acid has been known since the 19th century. It was first prepared by the French chemist Auguste Laurent in 1846 by oxidizing mesitylene (1,3,5-trimethylbenzene). Its well-defined crystalline structure made it a subject of early X-ray crystallography studies, helping scientists understand hydrogen bonding patterns.

Comparison to Other Benzene Carboxylic Acids

It's often compared to its isomers:

Phthalic acid (benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid): Used to make phthalate plasticizers.
Isophthalic acid (benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid): Used in resins (e.g., PET plastic).
Terephthalic acid (benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid): The primary monomer used to make PET plastic and polyester fibers.

Unlike these commercially mass-produced isomers, trimesic acid's value lies almost exclusively in its specialized role in research and materials science.

Safety and Handling

Trimesic acid is a relatively benign organic acid. However, as with many fine chemicals, standard laboratory precautions should be taken:

It may cause eye and skin irritation.
Avoid creating or inhaling dust.
It should be handled in a well-ventilated area, and personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and safety glasses should be worn.

Summary

In essence, trimesic acid is a symmetrical trifunctional organic compound that serves as a fundamental building block in modern materials science. Its primary importance lies in its role as a key organic linker for constructing highly porous Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and its classic example of engineered hydrogen-bonded networks in supramolecular chemistry. While not an industrial commodity, it is a vital tool in research labs worldwide for designing next-generation functional materials.