1,4-Cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid

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1,4-Cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid is a compound built on a cyclohexane ring with two carboxylic acid groups (CO2H) attached at opposite carbons (positions 1 and 4). The two groups can be on the same side of the ring (cis) or on opposite sides (trans).

Key facts
- Isomers: cis and trans
- Molecular formula: C8H12O4
- Molar mass: 172.18 g/mol
- Appearance: white solid
- Density: about 1.36 g/cm3

Form/shape details
- cis isomer: carboxyl groups on the same side; melting point around 168–170 °C
- trans isomer: carboxyl groups on opposite sides; melting point around 312.5 °C

How it’s made
- The compound can be produced by hydrogenating terephthalic acid (the benzene ring version with two carboxyl groups in the para position), which converts the aromatic ring to a cyclohexane ring while keeping the two carboxyl groups in place.

Why it matters
- The trans form has been studied as a building block for polycarbonates and metal-organic frameworks.
- Both isomers are of interest as starting materials in polymer chemistry and related research.