MALEIC ANHYDRIDE Meaning and
Definition
-
Maleic anhydride is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C4H2O3. It is an organic compound that exists as a colorless crystalline solid at room temperature. Maleic anhydride is derived from maleic acid through the process of dehydration, during which one molecule of water is eliminated from two adjacent carboxylic acid groups. This results in the formation of a cyclic anhydride structure.
Maleic anhydride is highly reactive and is commonly used as a precursor for various chemical reactions and industrial processes. It is primarily utilized in the manufacture of resins, polymers, and coatings. Due to its unsaturated nature, maleic anhydride is often employed as a monomer in the production of copolymers, particularly with styrene and other monomers. These copolymers possess excellent heat resistance, adhesion, and chemical resistance properties, making them suitable for applications in paints, adhesives, and plastics.
Furthermore, maleic anhydride finds application as a vital intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals, such as fumaric acid, 1,4-butanediol, and tetrahydrofuran. It is also used as a cross-linking agent in the manufacturing of paper, textiles, and synthetic fibers. Additionally, maleic anhydride exhibits reactivity towards a variety of nucleophilic compounds, allowing it to partake in various organic reactions, including esterification, amidation, and Diels-Alder reactions.
Due to its reactivity and potential for hazardous effects, maleic anhydride should be handled with caution, utilizing proper protective measures and equipment to ensure safety during its handling, storage, and transportation.
Common Misspellings for MALEIC ANHYDRIDE
- naleic anhydride
- kaleic anhydride
- jaleic anhydride
- mzleic anhydride
- msleic anhydride
- mwleic anhydride
- mqleic anhydride
- makeic anhydride
- mapeic anhydride
- maoeic anhydride
- malwic anhydride
- malsic anhydride
- maldic anhydride
- malric anhydride
- mal4ic anhydride
- mal3ic anhydride
- maleuc anhydride
- malejc anhydride
- malekc anhydride
- maleoc anhydride
Etymology of MALEIC ANHYDRIDE
The word "maleic" in "Maleic Anhydride" is derived from the name of malic acid, which was first isolated from apple juice in 1785. Malic acid is named after the Latin word for apple, "malum", because it was first discovered in apples.
The term "anhydride" comes from the Greek words "an" meaning without, and "hydor" meaning water. Anhydride refers to a compound that is formed by removing water from another compound. In the case of Maleic Anhydride, it is an anhydride of maleic acid, meaning it is formed by removing water from maleic acid.
