Tetramethylterephthalic acid was synthesized through bishydroxymethyl-durene by oxidation of bischloromethyl-durene with alkaline potassium permanganate. The compound, which was obtained by the similar oxidation of hexamethylbenzene, was identical in melting point, mixed melting point and infrared spectrum with tetramethylterephthalic acid. The corresponding dimethylester was prepared by the thionylchloride method.