Maleic anhydride is colorless crystal with strong pungent smell. Its freezing point is 52.8 ºC, boiling point is 202 ºC, and it is easy to sublimate. It is mainly prepared by oxidation of n-butane or butene in benzene or C4 fraction. It is the raw material for unsaturated polyester production and organic synthesis. 

Product nature 
Colorless orthogonal acicular crystal or white crystalline powder. Soluble in water, acetone, benzene, chloroform and other organic solvents. Solubility in the following solvents at 25 ºC (gloog): acetone 227, ethyl acetate 112, chloroform 52.5 I benzene 50 I toluene 23.4; O-xylene 19.4; Carbon tetrachloride 0 60; Petroleum ether 0.25. Dissolve in alcohol to form ester. Soluble in dioxane. Sublimation by heat. In case of high heat, open fire or contact with oxidant, it may cause combustion. Corrosive. Slowly hydrolyze in cold water to form maleic acid. Contact with strong oxidants can cause combustion and explosion. If the temperature exceeds 66 ºC, polymerization will occur in contact with amines or alkali metals.