2,5-Furandione, commonly known as Maleic Anhydride, is an important cyclic unsaturated dicarboxylic acid anhydride widely used as an intermediate in the manufacture of resins, polymers, coatings, lubricants, agricultural chemicals, and specialty chemicals.
2,5-Furandione is one of the most important industrial building blocks for producing unsaturated polyester resins and various chemical intermediates.
CAS No.70247-90-4
Chemical Name:2,5-Furandione, homopolymer, sodium salt
CBNumber:CB61210295
Molecular Formula:C4H2O3
Molecular Weight:98.06
Synonyms: 2,5-Furandione, homopolymer, sodium salt,Polymaleic anhydride,hydrolyzed,sodium salt,Maleic anhydride homopolymer,diphenyl terminated,sodium salt,Polymaleic anhydride, hydrolyzed, sodium salt 2,5-Furandione,homopolymer,sodium salt,2,5-Furandione, homopolymer, sodium salt Maleic anhydride homopolymer, diphenyl terminated, sodium salt
2,5-Furandione is an organic chemical compound consisting of two carboxylic acid groups attached to a central furan ring.
2,5-Furandione was first reported as dehydromucic acid by Rudolph Fittig and Heinzelmann in 1876, who produced 2,5-Furandione via the action of concentrated hydrobromic acid upon mucic acid.
2,5-Furandione can be produced from certain carbohydrates and as such is a renewable resource, 2,5-Furandione was identified by the US Department of Energy as one of 12 priority chemicals for establishing the "green" chemistry industry of the future.
Furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) has been suggested as an important renewable building block because 2,5-Furandione can substitute for terephthalic acid (PTA) in the production of polyesters and other current polymers containing an aromatic moiety.
Properties
Appearance: Colorless needles, white lumps, briquettes, or pellets with a choking, irritating odor
Melting Point: ~52.8 °CBoiling Point: 202 °C
Solubility: Soluble in water (forms maleic acid), acetone, benzene, and alcohol.
Key Applications
Resins: Production of unsaturated polyester resins and alkyd coatings.
Organic Synthesis: Acts as a powerful dienophile in Diels-Alder reactions.
Agrochemicals & Polymers: Used to manufacture copolymers (such as styrene-maleic anhydride), agricultural chemicals, and surface-active agents.
Key Characteristics
Highly reactive cyclic anhydride.
Readily hydrolyzes in the presence of moisture to form maleic acid.
Excellent chemical intermediate for polymer modification.
Highly reactive toward alcohols, amines, and epoxy compounds.
Improves adhesion, flexibility, and chemical resistance in polymer systems.
Used extensively in grafting reactions for polyolefins.
Industrial Applications
Manufacture of unsaturated polyester resins (UPR).
Production of alkyd resins.
Epoxy resin modifiers.
Lubricant additives and dispersants.
Production of fumaric acid and malic acid.
Agricultural chemicals and pesticide intermediates.
Paper treatment chemicals.
Water treatment chemicals.
Surface coatings and adhesives.
Plastic additives and polymer compatibilizers.
Advantages
Highly versatile chemical intermediate.
Excellent reactivity toward a wide range of functional groups.
Enhances mechanical and thermal properties of polymers.
Improves compatibility between different polymer systems.
Widely available and cost-effective for industrial-scale production.
Safety Information
Harmful if inhaled.
Causes severe eye irritation and skin irritation.
May cause allergic skin reactions.
May cause respiratory sensitization or asthma symptoms.
Dust may irritate the respiratory tract.
Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture and incompatible materials.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during handling.
Typical End Uses
Unsaturated polyester resins
Fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP)
Alkyd coatings
Epoxy resin formulations
Adhesives and sealants
Lubricant additives
Agricultural chemicals
Paper sizing agents
Plastic modifiers
Specialty chemical manufacturing
Storage Recommendations
2,5-Furandione should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Protect the material from moisture, water, heat, and direct sunlight, as 2,5-Furandione readily hydrolyzes to maleic acid upon exposure to humidity.
Proper storage helps maintain product quality and prevents unwanted reactions.