1,2,4-Benzenetricarboxylic acid

Colorless crystals.Partially soluble in DMF and alcohol; insoluble in benzene and carbon disulfide; slightly soluble in water.

1,2,4-Benzenetricarboxylic acid (trimellitic acid) is generally used as carboxylate ligand in the synthesis of a wide range of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). It can also be used to synthesize Ln³⁺ encapsulated nanocrystals which exhibit white-light luminescence.

Intermediate in the preparation of resins, plasticizers, dyes, inks, adhesives.

ChEBI: Benzene substituted at the 1,2, and 4 positions by carboxy groups.

Crystallise the acid from acetic acid or aqueous EtOH. [Beilstein 9 IV 3746.]