Maleic Acid, 98%

Product Introduction

Maleic Acid is an organic dicarboxylic acid and a cis-isomer of fumaric acid. Compared with fumaric acid, Maleic Acid has higher water solubility and different chemical reactivity due to its cis configuration and intramolecular hydrogen-bonding characteristics.

Maleic Acid is commonly investigated as:

• Organic synthesis intermediate
• pH adjustment reagent
• Buffer component
• Polymer modification monomer
• Crosslinking-related reagent
• Pharmaceutical intermediate

It is supplied as a white crystalline solid, with a molecular formula of C₄H₄O₄, molecular weight of 116.07 g/mol, and melting point around 130–140 °C.

Mechanism / Principle

The functional properties of Maleic Acid mainly originate from its two carboxyl groups and activated cis-alkene structure.

• Acid-base regulation
  The two carboxyl groups provide proton-donating ability, allowing Maleic Acid to function in buffer and pH-control systems.
• Chemical modification capability
  Carboxyl groups can participate in esterification, amidation, and salt formation reactions.
• Polymerization and copolymer modification
  The carbon-carbon double bond enables participation in polymer-related reactions and functional polymer synthesis.
• Metal-ion interaction
  Carboxyl groups can coordinate with metal ions, supporting research in coordination chemistry and functional materials.
• Intermediate synthesis function
  Maleic Acid serves as a building block for preparing pharmaceutical intermediates, polymers, and specialty chemicals.

Key Research Applications

1. Organic Synthesis & Chemical Intermediates

Maleic Acid is widely used as an intermediate in organic synthesis due to its reactive carboxyl groups and alkene functionality.

Applications include:

• Ester synthesis
• Amide formation
• Organic molecule modification
• Specialty chemical synthesis
• Pharmaceutical intermediate preparation

2. Polymer Materials

Maleic Acid is relevant to polymer and materials research due to its ability to introduce carboxyl functionality into polymer systems.

Applications include:

• Functional polymer modification
• Polymer crosslinking studies
• Surface modification
• Adhesive materials
• Polymer compatibility improvement

3. Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Research

Maleic Acid is used in pharmaceutical research as an organic acid component and intermediate.

Applications include:

• Pharmaceutical salt formation
• Drug-intermediate synthesis
• Buffer systems
• Biomedical formulation studies

4. Functional Materials & Coatings

Maleic Acid-containing structures are investigated in coatings, adhesives, and functional material systems.

Applications include:

• Water-based coatings
• Adhesive formulation
• Surface functionalization
• Composite material development

Advantages

• Reactive dicarboxylic acid structure suitable for chemical modification.
• High water solubility compared with fumaric acid, supporting aqueous reaction systems. 
• Versatile intermediate for organic synthesis and polymer chemistry.
• Compatible with multiple functionalization reactions, including esterification and salt formation.
• Broad application potential in pharmaceutical, polymer, coating, and specialty chemical research.

Storage & Handling

• Store in a tightly closed container.
• Keep in a cool and dry environment.
• Protect from moisture.
• Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases.
• Use appropriate laboratory protective equipment during handling.

Recommended storage conditions vary by supplier; many reagent grades recommend room-temperature storage in a dry environment.

Research Areas

• Dental Materials – Organic acid modifiers, dental formulation systems, and polymer-based dental material research.
• Polymer Materials – Functional polymers, polymer modification, and crosslinking research.
• Pharmaceutical Research – Pharmaceutical intermediates and salt formation studies.
• Biomedical Materials – Functional polymer systems and biomaterial formulation research.
• Coatings & Adhesives – Water-based coatings, adhesive modification, and surface functionalization.
• Organic Synthesis – Esterification, amidation, and specialty chemical synthesis.
• Functional Materials – Composite materials and chemical modification research.
• Chemical Engineering – Process optimization and industrial chemical development.

Q1. What is Maleic Acid?
Maleic Acid is a cis-unsaturated dicarboxylic acid widely used as an organic synthesis intermediate and functional chemical reagent.

Q2. What is the difference between Maleic Acid and Fumaric Acid?
Maleic Acid is the cis-isomer of fumaric acid. The different molecular configurations result in differences in solubility, melting point, and chemical behavior.

Q3. Is Maleic Acid water soluble?
Yes. Maleic Acid has good water solubility compared with fumaric acid.

Q4. What are the main applications of Maleic Acid?
Applications include organic synthesis, polymer modification, pharmaceutical research, coatings, adhesives, and functional materials.

Q5. Can Maleic Acid be used in polymer research?
Yes. Its reactive carboxyl groups make it useful for polymer functionalization and modification studies.

Q6. What is the physical form of Maleic Acid?
Maleic Acid is typically supplied as a white crystalline powder or crystals.

Q7. How should Maleic Acid be stored?
Maleic Acid should be stored sealed in a cool, dry place and protected from moisture.