Maleic Anhydride

Maleic anhydride is produced by oxidation of benzene or a C4 hydrocarbon such as butane in the presence of a vanadium oxide catalyst. Maleic anhydride can be converted to maleic acid by hydrolysis and to esters by alcoholysis.

  • CAS: No. 108-31-6 (T)
  • EINECS: No. 203-571-6
  • Japan, Chemical Substances Control Law: METI-No. 2-1101
  • Japan, Industrial Safety and Health Law: ID No. 554 (SDS required)
  • Japan, Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law: Not applicable.
  • Japan, Fire Services Law: Not applicable.

Inquiries

Characteristics

[Close]

Since maleic acid molecule has a double bond and two carbonyl groups, it is rich in reactivity and has good biodegradability.

Common Names Maleic Anhydride,
Maleic Acid Anhydride,
2,5-Dihydrofuran-2,5-dione,
Furane-2,5-dione,
2,5-dioxofuran,
Toxilic Anhydride
Structure
CAS No. 108-31-6
Japan Chemical Substances Control Law METI-No. (2)-1101
Japan, Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law Not applicable
Japan, Fire Services Law Not applicable
Molecular Weight 98.1
Appearance White crystals
Odor Pungent smell
Specific Gravity (70/4℃) 1.3
Boiling Point (℃) 202
Melting Point (℃) 52.8
Solubility Readily soluble in water and methanol
Vapor Specific Gravity 3.4
Flash Point (℃) 102
Autoignition Temperature (℃) 477

Since 1971, our Mizushima plant (Kurashiki-shi Okayama-ken) has had industrial production of maleic anhydride starting from the C4 fraction.  Currently, butane is the starting material.

Applications

[Close]

Maleic anhydride has a very broad range of uses from food additives to industrial applications.

  • Synthetic resin raw material (unsaturated polyesters)
  • Paints and coatings
  • Resin modifiers
  • Vinyl chloride stabilizers
  • Food additives (fumaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid)
  • Agricultural chemicals
  • Paper sizing agents
  • Imides
  • Surfactants
  • Plasticizers (DOM, DBM, DEM)
  • Other (GBL, 14BG, THF)

Storage and Handling

The Japan Fire Service Law does not apply to maleic anhydride.  When handling, avoid contact with eyes and skin by using proper protective equipment such as goggles and gloves.  If skin contact occurs, wash immediately with soap and water.

Specifications/Quantities

[Close]

Product Specifications

Item Specification
Appearance White crystals
Water-soluble form Clear colorless
Melting Point (℃) >52
Purity (%) >99.5
Dissolution Test (Hazen) <20
Iron (%) <0.0005

Available Quantities

Liquid Product Tanker Truckload(Lorry)/Container 10ton/13ton

Inquiries Concerning Products


Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
C4 & PBT Dept.

View the products of C4 & PBT Dept., Mitsubishi Chemical[Open in a new window]