Fumaric acid
General Product Information
| Article | Fumaric acid |
| Synonyms | (2E)-But-2-enedioic acid, trans-1,2-Ethylenedicarboxylic acid, 2-Butenedioic acid, trans-Butenedioic acid, Allomaleic acid, Boletic acid, Donitic acid, Lichenic acid |
| CAS No. | 110-17-8 |
| EEG No. | 607-146-00-X |
| EINECS No. | 203-743-0 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 29171990 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Fumaric acid is a white, crystalline and odorless organic acid that belongs to the group of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids. It is the trans-isomer of maleic acid. In nature, it is found in lichens, fungi and some plants, among others. Industrially, fumaric acid is synthesized from maleic acid or via fermentation of sugars with certain fungi. Its chemical stability, acidity and wide applicability make it a valuable raw material in various industrial sectors.
Characteristics
- Odor: Odorless.
- Hygroscopic: Yes.
- Color: White.
- Grade: Technical.
- Solubility: Reasonably soluble in water; highly soluble in alcohol and acetone.
- Shape: Crystalline powder.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | C4H4O4 |
| Molar Weight | 116.07 g/mol |
| Melting Point | Approx. 287 °C (decomposes). |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | 1.635 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH. | Approx. 2.0 – 2.5 (on 1% solution). |
Applications
Fumaric acid is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Industrial & Chemical Applications
It is used in detergents as a chelating agent and in coatings, adhesives and lubricants. It also plays a role in environmentally friendly plastics and as an intermediate in organic synthesis.
2. Plastics & Resins
Fumaric acid is a key raw material in the production of unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) used in the construction, automotive and marine industries. It attenuates the hardness, chemical resistance and durability of composite materials.
Interessing Links
- CAS Common Chemistry – Fumaric acid
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- PubChem – Fumaric acid – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Fumaric acid