Maleic Acid, also known as cis-butenedioic acid, is a colorless crystalline organic dicarboxylic acid used primarily as a chemical intermediate and precursor in industrial manufacturing. Its chemical formula is C₄H₄O₄ and its CAS number is 110-16-7. Maleic acid is widely used in the production of fumaric acid, unsaturated polyester resins, and surface coatings, and serves as an adhesion promoter, corrosion inhibitor, and anti-scaling agent across a broad range of industrial applications.
Maleic Acid is typically supplied as a white crystalline solid and is available in bulk quantities, as well as bags, drums, and custom packaging options depending on application requirements.
Contact The Chemical Company for current packaging options, lead times and supply chain updates.
Maleic Acid (C₄H₄O₄) is a colorless, crystalline solid with a faint acidulous odor and a characteristic astringent taste. It is a cis-isomer of butenedioic acid, distinguishing it from its trans-isomer counterpart, fumaric acid. Maleic acid is a dicarboxylic acid, meaning it contains two carboxyl groups, with the molecular structure HO₂CCH=CHCO₂H.
Maleic acid is primarily produced by the hydration of maleic anhydride, which is itself derived from the catalytic oxidation of benzene or butane. It is highly soluble in water and soluble in acetone and dioxane, but sparingly soluble in benzene and toluene.
Maleic acid is combustible, though difficult to ignite, and is considered toxic, causing extreme irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Appropriate personal protective equipment should be used when handling the material.
In industrial applications, maleic acid serves as a key precursor to fumaric acid through catalytic isomerization. It is used as an adhesion promoter for substrates including nylon and zinc-coated metals, and functions as a corrosion inhibitor and anti-scaling agent in water treatment and industrial systems. It also serves as a reactive intermediate in the synthesis of resins, coatings, plasticizers, and agricultural chemicals.
Maleic acid is used in the textile industry for dyeing and finishing naturally occurring fibers, and finds application in the production of malic acid through hydration.
Maleic Acid is used across several industries and applications, including:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Maleic Acid |
| CAS Number | 110-16-7 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₄O₄ |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Odor | Faint acidulous odor |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water; soluble in acetone and dioxane |
| Melting Point | 130–131°C |
| Boiling Point | 135°C (decomposes) |
| Density | 1.59 g/cm³ |
| Stability | Combustible; irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory system |
Maleic Acid is available in a range of packaging formats to meet your operational needs:
Custom packaging and supply solutions are available based on your application and volume requirements.
Maleic Acid is primarily used as a chemical intermediate in the production of fumaric acid, unsaturated polyester resins, plasticizers, and agricultural chemicals. It is also used as an adhesion promoter, corrosion inhibitor, anti-scaling agent, and in the dyeing and finishing of textile fibers.
Maleic Acid and Fumaric Acid are geometric isomers of butenedioic acid. Maleic Acid is the cis-isomer, meaning both carboxyl groups are on the same side of the double bond, while Fumaric Acid is the trans-isomer. Fumaric acid is more stable and less soluble in water. Maleic acid is commonly converted to fumaric acid through catalytic isomerization.
The CAS number for Maleic Acid is 110-16-7.
Yes. Maleic Acid is considered toxic and causes extreme irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. It is combustible, though difficult to ignite. Appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection should be worn when handling the material.
Maleic Acid is produced commercially by the hydration of maleic anhydride, which is itself derived from the catalytic oxidation of benzene or butane. It can also be produced as a byproduct in the manufacture of phthalic anhydride.
Maleic Acid is available in bags, drums, and bulk quantities depending on your volume and application requirements. Contact The Chemical Company for current packaging options, lead times, and supply chain updates.
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