M

Maleic acid

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

C4H4O4 Acids CAS 110-16-7
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H4O4
CAS Number110-16-7
Molecular Weight116.07
Melting Point266 to 268 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point275 °F at 760 mmHg (decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Density1.59 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceMaleic acid is a colorless crystalline solid having a faint odor. It is combustible though it may take some effort to ignite. It is soluble in water. It is used to make other chemicals and for dyei...
Also Known As(Z)-but-2-enedioic acid; 110-16-7; cis-butenedioic acid; Toxilic acid; Maleinic acid; Malenic acid; (2Z)-but-2-enedioic acid; (Z)-Butenedioic acid; cis-1,2-Ethylenedicarboxylic acid; 2-Butenedioic acid (Z)-
CategoryAcids

What is Maleic acid?

Maleic acid is a butenedioic acid in which the double bond has cis- (Z)-configuration. It has a role as a mouse metabolite, a plant metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a maleate and a maleate(1-).

Formula & Notation

C4H4O4

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

Other Names / Synonyms: (Z)-but-2-enedioic acid; 110-16-7; cis-butenedioic acid; Toxilic acid; Maleinic acid; Malenic acid; (2Z)-but-2-enedioic acid; (Z)-Butenedioic acid; cis-1,2-Ethylenedicarboxylic acid; 2-Butenedioic acid (Z)-

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Maleic acid is a colorless crystalline solid having a faint odor. It is combustible though it may take some effort to ignite. It is soluble in water. It is used to make other chemicals and for dyei.... Molecular formula: C4H4O4. Molecular weight: 116.07 g/mol. Boiling point: 275 °F at 760 mmHg (decomposes) (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 266 to 268 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.59 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: Negligible (NTP, 1992). LogP: -0.3.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point266 to 268 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point275 °F at 760 mmHg (decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Density1.59 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight116.07
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceMaleic acid is a colorless crystalline solid having a faint odor. It is combustible though it may take some effort to ignite. It is soluble in water. It is used to make other chemicals and for dyei...

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 Maleic acid
Formula C4H4O4
CAS Number 110-16-7
Molecular Weight 116.07
Category Acids
Synonyms (Z)-but-2-enedioic acid; 110-16-7; cis-butenedioic acid; Toxilic acid; Maleinic acid; Malenic acid; (2Z)-but-2-enedioic acid; (Z)-Butenedioic acid; cis-1,2-Ethylenedicarboxylic acid; 2-Butenedioic acid (Z)-

Frequently Asked Questions

Maleic acid is a butenedioic acid in which the double bond has cis- (Z)-configuration. It has a role as a mouse metabolite, a plant metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a maleate and a maleate(1-).

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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.