Trade name of the product: maleic anhydride

Chemical name of the compound: furano-2,5-dion

Synonyms: 2,5-furandione; toxilic anhydride; maleic acid anhydride; maleic anhydride; cis-butenedioic anhydride;

Chemical and physical properties: The anhydride appears in form of colorless or white crystalline needles, flakes, granules, rods, briquettes, nodules or – after being melted – a colorless transparent liquid. It has an irritating strong odor. Dissolves among others in water, alcohols, ether, acetone, dioxane and phenanthrenes.

Application of the substance: Maleic anhydride is applied among others in the production of paints, varnishes (in copolymers with vinyl acetate), (unsaturated) polyester and alkyd resins and plastics (monomers – specifically in the polymerization reactions) and plastifiers, as well as solvents for plastics, also in the production of elastic fibers, softeners, fragrance, fungicides, as an agent modifying unsaturated oils, colophony and terpene resins. The anhydride is also one of the components in the production of such substances as tetrahydrofurane, 1.4-butanediol or fumaric acid.

Health safety: Inhaling causes coughing, sneezing and irritation of the throat. Skin contact causes irritation and redness. Vapors can cause serious irritation of mucous membranes and eyes: photophobia and double vision (diplopy) can occur.