Maleic anhydride

  • cis-Butenedioic anhydride
  • 2,5-Furanedione
  • 2,5-Dihydro-2,5-dioxofuran
  • 2,5-Furandione
  
Formula C4H2O3
Structure
Description Shipped both as a solid and in the molten state.
Uses In diels-alder syntheses (as a dienophile), in co-polymerization reactions, manufacture of alkyd-type of resins, dye intermediates, pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals (maleic hydrazide, malathion).

 

Registry Numbers.

CAS 108-31-6
EINECS 203-571-6
RTECS ON3675000
Std. Transport No. 4936330
RCRA U147
UN (DOT) 2215
Beilstein Reference 5-17-11-00055
Beilstein Number 106909
Merck Index 5744
108-31-6 is listed on the TSCA.

 

Chemical and physical properties.

Formula mass 98.06
Melting point, °C 52.8
Boiling point, °C 202
Vapor pressure, mmHg 5x10-5
Vapor density (air=1) 3.4
Specific gravity/density 1.43
Solubility in water Reacts
Odor threshold 1.84 mg/m3

 

Hazards and protection.

Storage Store in a cool, dry place. Store in a tightly closed container. Corrosives area. Do not store in metal containers.
Handling Wash thoroughly after handling. Use only in a well ventilated area. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Do not ingest or inhale.
Protection Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.
Small spills or leaks Sweep up or absorb material, then place into a suitable clean, dry, closed container for disposal. Avoid generating dusty conditions.
Stability Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Incompatibilities Strong oxidizing agents, stong alkalies, amines, water, steam.
Hazardous Decomposition Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.
Other hazards Corrosive to metals when in contact with water.

 

Fire related information.

NFPAHealth 3  
 Flammability1 
 Reactivity1 
  Special- 
Flash Point,°C 102
Autoignition temp., °C 477
Upper exp. limit, % 7.1
Lower exp. limit, % 1.4
Fire fighting Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Vapors may be heavier than air. They can spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Extinguishing media: Water or foam may cause frothing. For large fires, use water spray or fog. Do NOT use straight streams of water. For small fires, use carbon dioxide, dry chemical, dry sand, or alcohol-resistant foam.
Fire potential Slightly flammable. Combustion requires preheating.
Hazards When heated above 300¡F in the presence of various materials may generate heat and carbon dioxide. Will explode if confined.
Combustion products Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

 

Health related information.

Exposure limit(s) TLV: 0.25 ppm; 1.0 mg/m3 (as TWA) (ACGIH 1997).
MAK: 0.1 ppm; 0.4 mg/m3; (1996)
OSHA PEL: TWA 1 mg/m3 (0.25 ppm)
NIOSH REL: TWA 1 mg/m3 (0.25 ppm)
NIOSH IDLH: 10 mg/m3

Exposure effects

 
  Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. Repeated exposure may cause allergic respiratory reaction (asthma).
Ingestion Harmful if swallowed. May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause burns to the gastrointestinal tract.
Inhalation May cause asthmatic attacks due to allergic sensitization of the respiratory tract. Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract. Inhalation of dust causes irritation of the nose and throat, coughing and sneezing.
Skin May cause severe irritation and possible burns. Exposure may cause dermatitis and sensitization.
Eyes Contact with eyes may cause severe irritation, and possible eye burns. Exposure to high fume concentrations cause photophobia, double vision, and "halo" vision.
First aid 
Ingestion Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT induce vomiting. If conscious and alert, rinse mouth and drink 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water.
Inhalation Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Skin Get medical aid immediately. Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Destroy contaminated shoes.
Eyes Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT allow victim to rub or keep eyes closed. Extensive irrigation is required (at least 30 minutes).

 

Shipping information.

DOT (UN) Transportation Information
UN number 2215
Response guide 156
Hazard class 8
Packing GroupIII