trimeˈllitic, a. Chem.
[f. tri- 5 + mellitic.]
In trimellitic acid, a colourless compound, C6H3(COOH)3, unsymmetrical benzene-tricarboxylic acid, obtained by the oxidation of colophony by means of nitric acid. So named in 1870, by Baeyer, who prepared it from mellitic acid.
| 1872 Watts Dict. Chem. VI. 813 Trimellitic Acid..is moderately soluble in water.., and crystallises..by slow evaporation in nodular groups of indistinct crystals. |