4-Hydroxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid (CAS number 320-32-1) has hydroxyl, carboxylic acid and trifluoromethyl functional groups on the benzene ring. The carboxylic acid and hydroxyl groups are in the para-position, enabling it to synthesis linear molecules. Polyesters with segments of 4-hydroxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid self-assemble to form spherulite crystals for the fabrication of optical vortex beam generator. 4-Hydroxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid reacts with alkylated acyl chloride for the synthesis of smectic C liquid crystals.
Additionally, 4-hydroxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid can be attached to molecular scaffolds, such as benzofuran derivatives, through esterification and amide synthesis for producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) as antitubercular agents.