Maleic Anhydride (MA)
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Maleic Anhydride (MA) – Versatile Building Block for Industrial Chemistry

Introduction

Maleic Anhydride (MA) is an essential industrial chemical used as a highly reactive intermediate in the production of a wide range of chemical products. It appears as a white crystalline solid with a pungent, acrid odor and is primarily manufactured by the oxidation of benzene or n-butane. With its chemical versatility, Maleic Anhydride serves as a key ingredient in the synthesis of unsaturated polyester resins, alkyd resins, copolymers, and lubricating oil additives.

Because of its unique chemical structure — a cyclic anhydride with two carbonyl groups — MA is highly reactive with water, alcohols, amines, and many organic compounds, making it an indispensable component in modern industrial applications.

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Description

Chemical Identity and Properties

  • Product Name: Maleic Anhydride (MA)

  • Chemical Formula: C₄H₂O₃

  • Molecular Weight: 98.06 g/mol

  • CAS Number: 108-31-6

  • EC Number: 203-571-6

  • Appearance: White crystalline flakes or needles

  • Odor: Pungent, acrid

  • Melting Point: 52.8 °C

  • Boiling Point: 202 °C (decomposes)

  • Solubility in Water: Reacts exothermically to form maleic acid

  • Density: 1.48 g/cm³

Specifications of Maleic Anhydride

 

Parameter Specification
Purity (MA content) ≥ 99.5%
Molten Color (APHA) ≤ 20
Ash Content ≤ 0.002%
Iron (Fe) ≤ 1 ppm
Solidification Point ≥ 52.4 °C
Maleic Acid Content ≤ 0.1%

Applications of Maleic Anhydride

🧪 Unsaturated Polyester Resins (UPR)

MA is a critical monomer in the manufacture of unsaturated polyester resins, widely used in automotive parts, marine coatings, fiberglass, and construction materials.

🏭 Copolymer Production

It is used as a comonomer in the synthesis of maleic anhydride copolymers like styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA), which are essential in adhesives, dispersants, and sizing agents for the paper industry.

🛢️ Additives in Lubricants

Maleic Anhydride is employed in the production of succinimide-based dispersants that improve the performance and longevity of engine oils and lubricants.

🌿 Agricultural Chemicals

It serves as a building block in the formulation of herbicides, plant growth regulators, and pesticide intermediates.

🧼 Surface Coatings and Plasticizers

MA is used in the production of alkyd resins, surface coating agents, and plasticizers, enhancing flexibility and durability in paints and plastics.

Safety and Handling

Maleic Anhydride is a corrosive substance and can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It should be handled with proper protective equipment, and storage should be in a cool, dry, and ventilated area, away from moisture, as it readily hydrolyzes to maleic acid.

Conclusion

Maleic Anhydride (MA) is a high-purity, multi-purpose chemical widely regarded as a backbone ingredient in polymer chemistry, coatings, lubricants, and agrochemicals. With its exceptional reactivity and broad application base, it plays a vital role in modern manufacturing and product development. As industries continue to innovate, Maleic Anhydride remains a cornerstone in ensuring product performance, chemical efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

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