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Product Line: Pharmaceutical Chemicals

Maleic anhydride

CAS 108-31-6

Molecular structure of Maleic anhydride

CAS · 108-31-6

01

Product Overview

Maleic anhydride is a high-purity pharmaceutical-intermediates supplied for industrial and specialty chemical applications. Contact our team for specifications, packaging options and lead times.

02

Product Specifications

Appearance: White to slightly yellow blocky or flaky crystals
Purity: 99.6% min.
Melt colority (Platinum-cobalt): 20 Hazen max
Crystallization point: 52.5℃ min
Residue on ignition: 0.005% max
Iron (as Fe): 1.5 µg/g max
03

Applications

 

 

1. Polymer and Resin Industry

Production of Unsaturated Polyester Resins (UPR):

Maleic anhydride is widely used as a co-monomer with styrene and other vinyl monomers to produce unsaturated polyester resins used in fiberglass-reinforced plastics, automotive parts, and construction materials.

Alkyd Resins:

Reacts with polyols to form alkyd resins used in coatings, paints, and varnishes.

Maleic Copolymers:

Used in the synthesis of copolymers such as maleic anhydride-styrene and maleic anhydride-vinyl acetate, which serve as dispersants, adhesives, and compatibilizers.

2. Agricultural Chemicals

Fungicides and Herbicides:

Maleic anhydride derivatives are used in the synthesis of several agrochemicals.

Plant Growth Regulators:

Some maleic anhydride-based compounds function as growth regulators and soil conditioners.

3. Additives and Surfactants

Dispersants:

Maleic anhydride copolymers act as dispersants in detergents and water treatment chemicals.

Emulsifiers and Surfactants:

Modified maleic anhydride polymers are used to stabilize emulsions and suspensions.

4. Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals

Intermediate in Drug Synthesis:

Maleic anhydride is a building block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other specialty chemicals.

5. Food and Beverage Industry

Food Packaging:

Maleic anhydride copolymers are used in barrier films and packaging materials to improve durability and shelf life.

04

Benefits

 

High Reactivity:

The anhydride functional group readily undergoes ring-opening reactions with nucleophiles, enabling versatile chemical modifications.

Polymer Compatibility:

Enhances adhesion, cross-linking, and compatibilization in polymer blends.

Cost-Effective Raw Material:

Readily available and relatively inexpensive, supporting large-scale industrial use.

Versatility:

Suitable for a wide range of chemical processes from large-scale polymer manufacturing to fine chemical synthesis.

05

Conclusion

Maleic anhydride (CAS 108-31-6) is a versatile and widely used industrial chemical with critical applications in polymer production, agriculture, additives, and pharmaceuticals. Its strong electrophilic nature and ease of chemical modification enable its use in synthesizing a broad array of products, from unsaturated polyester resins to agrochemicals and fine chemicals. With its combination of reactivity, availability, and cost-effectiveness, maleic anhydride remains a cornerstone raw material for diverse manufacturing sectors.

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