F

Fumaric acid

IUPAC: (E)-but-2-enedioic acid

C4H4O4 Acids CAS 110-17-8
Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H4O4
CAS Number110-17-8
Molecular Weight116.07
Melting Point572 to 576 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point329 °F at 1.7 mmHg ; sublimes (NTP, 1992)
Density1.635 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceFumaric acid appears as a colorless crystalline solid. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spread to the environment. Combustible, though m...
Also Known As(E)-but-2-enedioic acid; 110-17-8; trans-Butenedioic acid; Allomaleic acid; Lichenic acid; Boletic acid; (2E)-but-2-enedioic acid; Tumaric acid; trans-1,2-Ethylenedicarboxylic acid; (E)-2-Butenedioic acid
CategoryAcids

What is Fumaric acid?

Fumaric acid is a butenedioic acid in which the C=C double bond has E geometry. It is an intermediate metabolite in the citric acid cycle. It has a role as a geroprotector, a food acidity regulator and a fundamental metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a fumarate(1-).

Formula & Notation

C4H4O4

IUPAC Name: (E)-but-2-enedioic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: (E)-but-2-enedioic acid; 110-17-8; trans-Butenedioic acid; Allomaleic acid; Lichenic acid; Boletic acid; (2E)-but-2-enedioic acid; Tumaric acid; trans-1,2-Ethylenedicarboxylic acid; (E)-2-Butenedioic acid

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Fumaric acid appears as a colorless crystalline solid. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spread to the environment. Combustible, though m.... Molecular formula: C4H4O4. Molecular weight: 116.07 g/mol. Boiling point: 329 °F at 1.7 mmHg ; sublimes (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 572 to 576 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.635 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.000154 [mmHg]. LogP: -0.3.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point572 to 576 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point329 °F at 1.7 mmHg ; sublimes (NTP, 1992)
Density1.635 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight116.07
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceFumaric acid appears as a colorless crystalline solid. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spread to the environment. Combustible, though m...

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.

Safety Information

Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Fumaric acid
Formula C4H4O4
CAS Number 110-17-8
Molecular Weight 116.07
Category Acids
Synonyms (E)-but-2-enedioic acid; 110-17-8; trans-Butenedioic acid; Allomaleic acid; Lichenic acid; Boletic acid; (2E)-but-2-enedioic acid; Tumaric acid; trans-1,2-Ethylenedicarboxylic acid; (E)-2-Butenedioic acid

Frequently Asked Questions

Fumaric acid is a butenedioic acid in which the C=C double bond has E geometry. It is an intermediate metabolite in the citric acid cycle. It has a role as a geroprotector, a food acidity regulator and a fundamental metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a fumarate(1-).

More "F" Terms

View all "F" terms →
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.