Maleic Anhydride in Water

Maleic anhydride is a white crystalline solid that is commonly used in the chemical industry as an important intermediate in the production of many products, including unsaturated polyester resins, alkyd resins, and fumaric acid. One question that many people often ask is whether maleic anhydride is soluble in water or not.

Maleic anhydride has very poor solubility in cold water, with a solubility of only 0.023 g/100 mL water at 20℃. However, it is highly soluble in hot water and forms an acidic solution. Maleic anhydride is also soluble in many organic solvents, including acetone, ethanol, and benzene.

While maleic anhydride may not be completely soluble in water, it is still a highly useful and versatile chemical that is essential in many industrial processes. It is important to handle maleic anhydride with care, as it can be irritating to the skin and eyes and can cause respiratory problems if inhaled. However, when used properly and safely, maleic anhydride can help to produce many valuable products that benefit society in numerous ways.