A short fragment of a polyester chain (one repeat unit, end groups shown) is drawn. This polymer is a crosslinked resin used in paints and lacquers. Which pair of compounds, shown as two molecules among the structures, is obtained on complete acid hydrolysis?

AStructure A
BStructure B
CStructure C
DStructure D

Answer: B

The ring is 1,2-disubstituted (ortho) and the diol is two carbons, so the polymer is glyptal, made from ethylene glycol and phthalic acid. Acid hydrolysis of the esters returns these two compounds. Terephthalic acid has a para ring, ethanol would imply a different ester and phthalic anhydride is the reagent used to make the polymer, not the hydrolysis product in water.

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A short fragment of a polyester chain (one repeat unit, end groups shown) is drawn. This polymer is a crosslinked resin used in paints and lacquers. Which pair of compounds, shown as two molecules among the structures, is obtained on complete acid hydrolysis?

Answer: B

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