M

Maleic anhydride

IUPAC: furan-2,5-dione

C4H2O3 Organic Compounds CAS 108-31-6
Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H2O3
CAS Number108-31-6
Molecular Weight98.06
Melting Point127 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point387 to 390 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.43 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
SolubilitySoluble; decomposes in hot solvent (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceMaleic anhydride appears as colorless crystalline needles, flakes, pellets, rods, briquettes, lumps or a fused mass. Melts at 113 °F. Shipped both as a solid and in the molten state. Vapors, fumes...
Also Known Asfuran-2,5-dione; 2,5-Furandione; 108-31-6; Toxilic anhydride; Maleic acid anhydride; cis-Butenedioic anhydride; Dihydro-2,5-dioxofuran; Maleinanhydrid; RCRA waste number U147; 2,5-Furanedione
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Maleic anhydride?

Maleic anhydride is a cyclic dicarboxylic anhydride that is the cyclic anhydride of maleic acid. It has a role as an allergen. It is a member of furans and a cyclic dicarboxylic anhydride.

Formula & Notation

C4H2O3

IUPAC Name: furan-2,5-dione

Other Names / Synonyms: furan-2,5-dione; 2,5-Furandione; 108-31-6; Toxilic anhydride; Maleic acid anhydride; cis-Butenedioic anhydride; Dihydro-2,5-dioxofuran; Maleinanhydrid; RCRA waste number U147; 2,5-Furanedione

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Maleic anhydride appears as colorless crystalline needles, flakes, pellets, rods, briquettes, lumps or a fused mass. Melts at 113 °F. Shipped both as a solid and in the molten state. Vapors, fumes.... Molecular formula: C4H2O3. Molecular weight: 98.06 g/mol. Boiling point: 387 to 390 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 127 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.43 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: Soluble; decomposes in hot solvent (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.2 mmHg (NIOSH, 2024). LogP: -0.1.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point127 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point387 to 390 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.43 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight98.06
SolubilitySoluble; decomposes in hot solvent (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceMaleic anhydride appears as colorless crystalline needles, flakes, pellets, rods, briquettes, lumps or a fused mass. Melts at 113 °F. Shipped both as a solid and in the molten state. Vapors, fumes...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

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

Key Facts

Term Maleic anhydride
Formula C4H2O3
CAS Number 108-31-6
Molecular Weight 98.06
Synonyms furan-2,5-dione; 2,5-Furandione; 108-31-6; Toxilic anhydride; Maleic acid anhydride; cis-Butenedioic anhydride; Dihydro-2,5-dioxofuran; Maleinanhydrid; RCRA waste number U147; 2,5-Furanedione

Frequently Asked Questions

Maleic anhydride is a cyclic dicarboxylic anhydride that is the cyclic anhydride of maleic acid. It has a role as an allergen. It is a member of furans and a cyclic dicarboxylic anhydride.

More "M" Terms

View all "M" 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.