Dibutyl Maleate DBM, also known as di-n-butyl maleate and maleic acid dibutyl ester, is the cis diester of maleic acid with CAS 105-76-0 and formula C12H20O4, used as a comonomer, plasticizing ingredient and chemical intermediate. The unsaturated ester is selected for internal plasticization of suitable copolymers and for addition chemistry at its activated double bond. Its carbon-carbon double bond can participate in copolymerization or nucleophilic addition, while the butyl ester groups influence polarity, flexibility and compatibility.
CAS No: 105-76-0
EC No: 203-328-4
Molecular formula: C12H20O4
Molecular weight: Approximately 228.29 g/mol
Appearance: Clear, colorless to nearly colorless liquid
Odor: Ester-like
Density: Approximately 0.99 g/cm3 at 20 °C
Boiling point: Approximately 280 °C at atmospheric pressure
Freezing point: Approximately -85 °C
Water solubility: Approximately 0.17 g/L at 20 °C
WHAT IS DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM?
Dibutyl Maleate DBM (CAS 105-76-0) is an unsaturated maleate ester used in vinyl acetate copolymers, flexible resin systems and specialty chemical synthesis. DBM combines two n-butyl ester groups with a cis carbon-carbon double bond, providing both resin compatibility and a site for chemical conversion.
When incorporated into a copolymer, the maleate-derived unit can provide internal plasticization. This differs from blending free ester into a resin as an external plasticizer. Unreacted monomer and extractable low-molecular-weight species still require measurement, so bound units do not establish a migration-free finished product.
Production commonly involves esterification of maleic anhydride or maleic acid with n-butanol, followed by purification. Processing conditions influence remaining alcohol, acidic species and the amount of the trans isomer. No universal catalyst or purification recipe is implied by the product name.
Commercial specifications may define ester content differently from a chromatographic cis-maleate assay. Published manufacturer information describes fumarate and alkoxysuccinate by-products in some commercial material. A total ester result must therefore not automatically be interpreted as the same percentage of pure cis DBM.
The cis ester must be distinguished from dibutyl fumarate, monobutyl maleate, longer-chain maleate esters and organotin compounds. Similar names do not establish equivalent reactivity or safety.
COMMON PRODUCT & CHEMICAL NAMES OF DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM:
Dibutyl Maleate DBM
Dibutyl maleate
DBM
Di-n-butyl maleate
Maleic acid dibutyl ester
Maleic acid di-n-butyl ester
Dibutyl (Z)-but-2-enedioate
Dibutyl (2Z)-but-2-enedioate
Butyl maleate
DBM is the common abbreviation. The Z designation identifies the cis geometry of maleate, while the n-butyl name distinguishes straight-chain butyl groups. Butyl maleate is also used in regulatory naming, but the CAS number is needed to avoid confusion with half esters.
Dibutyl fumarate, CAS 105-75-9, is the trans isomer. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) maleate, CAS 142-16-5, has different alcohol groups, and dibutyltin maleate, CAS 78-04-6, is a separate organotin substance. These are not interchangeable synonyms for DBM.
CAS NO, EC / EINECS NO AND CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION OF DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM
Product name: Dibutyl Maleate DBM
Common abbreviation: DBM
Chemical name: Dibutyl (Z)-but-2-enedioate
CAS No: 105-76-0
EC / EINECS No: 203-328-4
Molecular formula: C12H20O4
Molecular weight: Approximately 228.29 g/mol
Condensed structure: n-C4H9OOC-CH=CH-COOC4H9-n, cis configuration
Chemical class: Unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diester
Main functions: Comonomer, plasticizing component, addition-reaction intermediate
The identifiers establish the maleate identity, not its assay method, isomer ratio or stabilizer content. ECHA identifies the substance as REACH registered, but that does not establish registration coverage for every source and use. For supply-specific information, please contact Ataman Kimya.
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND MOLECULAR PROPERTIES OF DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM
Two ester carbonyl groups withdraw electron density from the central double bond. The cis geometry distinguishes this molecule from the fumarate isomer even though their molecular formulas are the same.
The butyl chains contribute hydrophobic character. Ester oxygens can accept hydrogen bonds, but the ideal molecule contains no free hydroxyl or amino group. Limited water solubility is important when preparing aqueous polymerization feeds or measuring residual monomer.
HOW DOES DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM WORK AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL?
In suitable radical copolymerization, the double bond reacts and the maleate-derived unit becomes part of the growing polymer. The butyl ester substituents can modify chain interactions and soften the resulting material. The actual change in glass-transition temperature or film formation depends on incorporation, comonomers and molecular architecture.
Primary amines can add across the activated double bond to form N-substituted aspartic esters. Diamines can provide multifunctional aspartate products for further formulation. Bisulfite addition and hydrogenation provide other routes to sulfosuccinate and succinate derivatives.
Main functions:
Introducing maleate-derived units into copolymers
Providing formulation-dependent internal plasticization
Serving as an acceptor in amine-addition chemistry
Providing access to other specialty ester derivatives
Temperature, catalysts, pH and impurities affect reaction selectivity. Heat and acidic or basic conditions can promote maleate-fumarate isomerization, while ester hydrolysis can form acidic species and butanol. DBM must not be treated as an inert solvent under every process condition.
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM
Representative published properties:
Appearance: Clear, virtually colorless liquid
Odor: Ester-like
Molecular formula: C12H20O4
Molecular weight: Approximately 228.29 g/mol
Density: Approximately 0.99 g/cm3 at 20 °C
Boiling point: Approximately 280 °C at atmospheric pressure
Freezing point: Approximately -85 °C
Refractive index: Approximately 1.445-1.446 at 20 °C
Vapor pressure: Approximately 0.0027 mbar at 20 °C
Water solubility: Approximately 0.17 g/L at 20 °C
Organic-solvent compatibility: Published examples include methanol, ethanol, acetone, ether and toluene
A published commercial specification requires at least 99.0% ester content, at most 0.1% moisture and at most 0.1 mg KOH/g acid value. Those are grade-specific limits rather than universal cis-maleate purity values. Laboratory products are also offered at lower declared chromatographic assay levels.
Published flash points differ between grades and documents, with reviewed product listings reporting approximately 138-140 °C. Confirm the actual value and test method for the delivery instead of treating one figure as universal. High flash point does not mean non-combustible.
The low freezing point does not establish permission for uncontrolled outdoor storage. Conversely, the high boiling point can make removal of residual DBM from a dispersion difficult, so low volatility is not proof of complete conversion.
Water, acid value, butanol, color and fumarate content should be evaluated separately. Where a stabilizer or inhibitor is specified, confirm its identity and level rather than assuming that every grade contains the same package. For current batch criteria and storage life, please contact Ataman Kimya.
These reference properties are not an independent contractual specification.
USE OF DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM IN VINYL ACETATE COPOLYMERS
Copolymerizing the maleate ester with vinyl acetate provides a route to softer films without relying exclusively on an externally blended plasticizer. Performance must be related to incorporated composition rather than the initial feed alone.
Compare conversion, residual monomer, glass-transition temperature, minimum film-forming temperature and film properties. Increased water resistance, adhesion or lower coalescent demand are possible application outcomes, not automatic results at every DBM level.
Feed strategy and reaction completion need validation. A monomer blend ratio is not a reactor operating procedure or proof that all DBM has reacted.
SECTORS AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM
Main application areas:
Copolymer dispersions for coatings and adhesives
Paper, textile and nonwoven binders
Selected vinyl resin plasticization
Aspartic ester and other specialty intermediate synthesis
Sulfosuccinate and succinate derivative manufacture
DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM IN COPOLYMER DISPERSIONS
Purpose: Adjust film flexibility and formation.
Function: Act as a reactive comonomer.
Performance effect: Can provide internal plasticization after incorporation.
Limitations: Residual monomer, colloidal stability and final-film behavior require testing.
DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM IN EXTERNAL PLASTICIZATION
Purpose: Adjust the flexibility of a compatible resin blend.
Function: Remain as a blended ester component rather than a polymer-bound unit.
Performance effect: Can soften the material where compatible.
Limitations: Migration, extraction and permanence differ from the copolymer route.
DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM IN ASPARTIC ESTER SYNTHESIS
Purpose: Prepare amine-functional intermediates.
Function: Accept addition of primary amine groups.
Performance effect: Produce a different amine environment for subsequent coating chemistry.
Limitations: Conversion, amine equivalent weight, viscosity and isomerization must be assessed. Pot life with isocyanates cannot be guaranteed from the maleate name alone.
DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM IN FOOD-CONTACT MATERIAL APPLICATIONS
The FDA indirect-additive inventory lists CAS 105-76-0 under butyl maleate and cites provisions including 21 CFR 175.105 for adhesives and 176.180 for certain paper and paperboard applications. Other listed provisions concern defined material uses and conditions.
An indirect-material listing is not permission to add industrial DBM to food. Compliance depends on the applicable provision, composition, residuals, intended contact and finished material. Industrial monomer grade does not establish cosmetic or pharmaceutical suitability.
WHICH PROBLEMS CAN DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM HELP SOLVE?
Films that are too rigid
Suitable copolymer incorporation can adjust flexibility, but the change needs measurement in the actual binder.
Dependence on external plasticizers
An internal plasticization route can reduce reliance on a separately blended softener. Residual monomer and extractables still need control.
Insufficient reactive functionality for specialty intermediates
The activated double bond offers a route to addition products with appropriate nucleophiles.
Batch variation in polymerization
Controlling isomer profile, acidic impurities and stabilizer content can improve process comparison, alongside feed and temperature control.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN USING DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM
The main conceptual mistake is equating monomer charged with monomer incorporated. Measure residual DBM before making permanence or exposure claims.
Specify cis assay separately from total ester content where needed.
Track fumarate, butanol, water and acid value.
Validate feed, heat removal and reaction completion.
Assess additions to amines as reactive operations.
Confirm stabilizer and storage requirements for the chosen grade.
Prevent skin contact and environmental release.
Use closed handling where practical, suitable chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection and ventilation. Review the finished mixture's hazards rather than assuming that a water-based dispersion has the same exposure profile as a fully converted polymer film.
INITIAL FORMULATION APPROACHES FOR DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM
These mass-balanced examples are laboratory development concepts, not validated commercial products or operating procedures. Percentages are by mass of the complete stated charge. The first illustrates DBM at 20% of the monomer fraction. The second uses a calculated amine-addition balance. Actual grade assay and process performance require confirmation.
EXAMPLE 1: DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM IN A VINYL ACETATE COPOLYMERIZATION SCREEN
Components:
Deionized water: 43.90%
Partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol solution, 10% by mass: 5.00%
Vinyl acetate: 40.00%
Dibutyl Maleate DBM: 10.00%
Ammonium persulfate solution, 20% by mass: 1.00%
Sodium bicarbonate: 0.10%
Total: 100.00%
The monomer ratio is 80:20 vinyl acetate to DBM. The charge contains nominally 0.50% polyvinyl alcohol and 0.20% persulfate before reaction. It is a total material balance, not an instruction to charge or initiate everything together. The initiator, stabilizer and buffer choices need optimization with a validated feed and heat-removal design.
Evaluation criteria:
Conversion and residual vinyl acetate and DBM
Particle size, coagulum and storage stability
Glass-transition and minimum film-forming temperatures
Film flexibility, adhesion and water response
Viscosity and actual non-volatile content
Safety note: Vinyl acetate is volatile and flammable, persulfate is an oxidizing initiator, and polymerization is exothermic. Use appropriately engineered laboratory equipment and process assessment, not uncontrolled bulk mixing.
EXAMPLE 2: DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM IN A CALCULATED ASPARTIC ESTER REACTANT SCREEN
Components:
Dibutyl Maleate DBM: 68.46%
4,4'-Diaminodicyclohexylmethane: 31.54%
Total: 100.00%
Using approximate molecular weights of 228.29 and 210.36 g/mol respectively gives about two moles of DBM per mole of diamine, or one maleate double bond per primary amino group. The rounded percentages assume pure starting materials and must be corrected for actual assay and amine equivalent weight. This describes a reactant balance, not a ready-to-use curative or an isocyanate mixing ratio.
Evaluation criteria:
Residual maleate and primary amine
Amine value and equivalent weight
Viscosity, color and storage evolution
Fumarate formation and side products
Subsequent coating performance only after intermediate characterization
Safety note: The diamine introduces its own corrosive or sensitizing hazards, and addition chemistry may release heat. Reaction conditions and scale require professional assessment before processing.
SIMILAR PRODUCTS AND ALTERNATIVES TO DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM
Choose alternatives according to copolymerization, plasticization or synthesis needs, with safety and final-product requirements included.
DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM AND DIBUTYL FUMARATE
The trans isomer has the same formula but different geometry and reaction behavior. It is not automatically an equal replacement.
DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM AND LONGER-CHAIN MALEATES
Changing the alcohol groups alters hydrophobicity, molar mass and polymer or intermediate properties. Compare at the relevant molar or formulation basis.
DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM AND DIETHYL MALEATE
The shorter ester is another building block for aspartic ester chemistry. Its reaction products have different equivalent weights and formulation behavior.
DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM AND OTHER SOFT COMONOMERS
Suitable acrylates or other vinyl comonomers provide alternative binder designs. Reactivity and required feed control may differ, so a softening comparison alone is insufficient.
Validate substitution through synthesis or application trials.
QUALITY CONTROL AND PURCHASING CRITERIA FOR DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM
Define the assay basis and intended reaction before comparing offers.
Information to review before purchase:
CAS 105-76-0 and EC 203-328-4
Cis-maleate assay and total ester definition
Fumarate and residual butanol limits
Water, acid value and color
Any inhibitor or stabilizer requirement
Batch traceability, packaging and storage conditions
Current TDS, local SDS and COA
Applicable registration and end-use documents
A COA reports batch acceptance, a TDS describes technical characteristics and an SDS gives safety and transport information. Registration or food-contact claims require documentation for the supplied source and use.
Purity, isomer control, packaging, quantity and logistics affect cost. For current specifications and quotations, please contact Ataman Kimya.
STORAGE AND HANDLING OF DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM
Keep in closed compatible packaging, protected from contamination, excessive heat and oxidizing agents. Contact with acids, bases or amines can change the material's chemistry and should occur only in a controlled intended process.
Confirm the grade's temperature range, stabilizer requirements and shelf life. Low freezing point does not replace a storage specification, and a laboratory supplier's conditions should not be copied automatically to every industrial grade. For the offered product's requirements, please contact Ataman Kimya.
Reviewed supplier documents include transport as UN 3082, environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s., Class 9, Packing Group III. Confirm mode, package and any applicable exceptions for the actual shipment.
Contain spills, absorb with compatible inert material and collect in labeled containers. Do not allow the monomer or contaminated cleanup water to enter drains or surface waters.
SAFETY INFORMATION OF DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM
Reviewed EU-style supplier SDS documents report Skin Sens. 1, H317, STOT RE 2, H373, and Aquatic Acute 1, H400. These mean that the material may cause an allergic skin reaction, may damage organs through prolonged or repeated exposure, and is very toxic to aquatic life. Some supplier descriptions specify kidney effects and the oral route for repeated exposure. Use the current local SDS for the exact classification and wording of the supplied grade, as documents and jurisdictions differ.
Prevent skin contact, inhalation of mist and accidental ingestion. Use gloves selected for chemical permeation resistance, eye protection and suitable ventilation. Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed skin. Rinse eyes with water and obtain medical advice for irritation, rash or significant exposure. Move affected persons to fresh air after inhalation and seek appropriate assistance.
The liquid is combustible despite its high flash point. Fire response needs suitable extinguishing media, protection against combustion fumes and containment of contaminated firefighting water.
Collect residues and contaminated packaging through appropriate hazardous-waste procedures. Chemical incorporation into a polymer does not excuse handling controls for the starting monomer or residual material.
SUPPLY OF DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM FROM ATAMAN KIMYA
Contact Ataman Kimya with the intended polymerization or synthesis application to evaluate supply. Confirm the offered assay basis, isomer profile, documentation, packaging and delivery conditions.
Useful quotation information includes:
Application and target market
Required maleate assay and fumarate limit
Water, acid value, alcohol and color requirements
Stabilizer requirement and current product specification
Quantity, packaging and document needs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM
What is Dibutyl Maleate DBM?
It is the cis dibutyl ester of maleic acid, used as a comonomer and chemical intermediate.
What is the CAS number?
105-76-0.
What is the EC number?
203-328-4.
What are the formula and molecular weight?
C12H20O4 and approximately 228.29 g/mol.
What does DBM mean?
DBM abbreviates dibutyl maleate.
Is DBM the same as dibutyl fumarate?
No. Maleate is cis and fumarate is trans.
Does internal plasticization guarantee zero migration?
No. Bound units and residual free monomer are different, and extractables still need measurement.
Does a 99% ester result prove 99% cis DBM?
Not necessarily. Confirm the analytical definition and isomer-specific assay.
Is DBM freely soluble in water?
No. A representative value is approximately 0.17 g/L at 20 °C.
Does low volatility prove complete polymerization?
No. Residual monomer must be measured.
Can DBM form aspartic esters?
Yes. Primary amine addition provides N-substituted aspartic ester derivatives.
Is it the same as dibutyltin maleate?
No. The organotin compound is a different substance.
Is DBM a skin sensitizer?
Reviewed supplier SDS documents report H317. Use the supplied grade's current local classification.
What transport identity is reported?
Reviewed documents include UN 3082, Class 9, Packing Group III, subject to shipment-specific requirements.
Does an FDA indirect-material listing permit food addition?
No. It concerns defined material applications and conditions, not unrestricted addition to food.
What documents should be requested?
Current technical and safety information, a batch COA and source- and application-specific conformity documents.
DIBUTYL MALEATE DBM - TECHNICAL SUMMARY
DBM is the cis di-n-butyl ester of maleic acid, identified by CAS 105-76-0, EC 203-328-4 and formula C12H20O4. Its double bond provides a reactive site for copolymerization and addition chemistry.
Internal plasticization follows incorporation into a polymer. It must be distinguished from external plasticization and from residual unreacted monomer in the finished material.
Assay basis, fumarate, alcohol, water and acid value determine whether deliveries meet a particular process need. A total ester result and cis-specific purity are not automatically equivalent.
Applications include flexible copolymer binders and specialty intermediates. The two initial formulations illustrate complete charge balances and require process development rather than direct production adoption.
Skin sensitization, repeated-exposure and aquatic hazards require appropriate controls and waste management. Ataman Kimya can clarify current grade, documentation and supply conditions.
Dibutyl Maleate DBM can be sourced from ATAMAN KİMYA. For further information and supply inquiries about Dibutyl Maleate DBM, please contact ATAMAN KİMYA.