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What is the optimal reaction condition, i.e. temperature, pressure, and catalyst type, for synthesizing polyethylene terephthalate from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol to achieve the highest yield and quality of the product?

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The optimal reaction conditions for synthesizing polyethylene terephthalate  PET  from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol involve a two-step process: esterification and polycondensation.1. Esterification: In this step, terephthalic acid reacts with ethylene glycol to form bis 2-hydroxyethyl  terephthalate  BHET . The optimal reaction conditions for this step are:   - Temperature: 220-260C   - Pressure: Atmospheric pressure   - Catalyst: Typically, an acid catalyst like zinc acetate, antimony trioxide, or titanium IV  butoxide is used.2. Polycondensation: In this step, BHET undergoes polymerization to form PET. The optimal reaction conditions for this step are:   - Temperature: 270-290C   - Pressure: Reduced pressure  0.1-2 mmHg  to facilitate the removal of ethylene glycol formed during the reaction   - Catalyst: Antimony trioxide  Sb2O3  is the most commonly used catalyst, but other catalysts like germanium dioxide  GeO2  or titanium IV  butoxide can also be used.These conditions should result in a high yield and quality of polyethylene terephthalate. However, it is important to note that the specific conditions may vary depending on the reactor setup and the desired properties of the final product.

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