Biological process

phthalate metabolism, phthalic acid metabolic process, phthalic acid metabolism

The chemical reactions and pathways involving phthalate, the anion of phthalic acid. Phthalic acid diesters are used industrially in the production of a variety of household and consumer goods including plastic polymers, lubricating oils, and carriers for perfumes in cosmetics, while phthalic acid itself is used industrially as a plasticizer. Terephthalate is used in the synthesis of polyethylene terephthalate (polyethene terephthlate, abbreviated PET or PETE), a plastic polymer with many commercial uses.