Polyethylene Terephthalate

(C₁₀H₈O₄)ₙ

IUPAC: Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

CAS: 25038-59-9

Overview

PET is one of the most recycled plastics worldwide. It is clear, strong, and lightweight, making it ideal for beverage bottles. As a fiber, it is known as polyester and dominates the textile industry. It is the only plastic that has a truly circular recycling economy.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 8 1.0080
Carbon C 10 12.0110
Oxygen O 4 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×8
4.2%
C
Carbon ×10
62.5%
O
Oxygen ×4
33.3%

Uses

  • • Beverage bottles
  • • Polyester textile fibers
  • • Food packaging
  • • 3D printing filament (PETG)

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Recycling symbol #1 — the most commonly recycled plastic
  • ✦ About 60% of PET production goes into synthetic fibers, only 30% into bottles

Safety

  • ⚠ Generally safe for food contact
  • ⚠ Antimony trioxide catalyst residues are a concern

Properties

Type
polymer
State
solid
Molar Mass
192.17 g/mol
Density
1.3800 g/cm³
Melting Point
260.0 °C
Solubility
insoluble

Also Known As

PET PETE Polyester

Related Compounds

Cellulose

(C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ

Epoxy Resin DGEBA

C₂₁H₂₄O₄

Kevlar

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nomex

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nylon-6,6

(C₁₂H₂₂N₂O₂)ₙ

Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin

(C₇H₆O₂)ₙ

Polyacrylonitrile

(C₃H₃N)ₙ

Polycarbonate

(C₁₆H₁₄O₃)ₙ

Polyethylene

(C₂H₄)ₙ

Polyhydroxybutyrate

(C₄H₆O₂)ₙ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polyethylene Terephthalate?
Polyethylene Terephthalate ((C₁₀H₈O₄)ₙ) is a polymer compound with the IUPAC name Poly(ethylene terephthalate).
What is the molecular weight of Polyethylene Terephthalate?
Polyethylene Terephthalate has a molar mass of 192.17 g/mol.
What state is Polyethylene Terephthalate at room temperature?
Polyethylene Terephthalate is a solid at room temperature.
Is Polyethylene Terephthalate organic or inorganic?
Polyethylene Terephthalate is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Polyethylene Terephthalate?
Polyethylene Terephthalate ((C₁₀H₈O₄)ₙ) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).