| Agent Name |
Maleic anhydride |
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| CAS Number |
108-31-6 |
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| Formula |
C4-H2-O3 |
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| Major Category |
Plastics & Rubber |
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| Synonyms |
cis-Butenedioic anhydride; 2,5-Furanedione; Maleic acid anhydride; Toxilic anhydride; [NIOSH] |
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| Category |
Acid Anhydrides |
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| Description |
Colorless needles, white lumps, or pellets with an irritating, choking odor; [NIOSH] Deliquescent; [CHEMINFO] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used in Diel-Alder syntheses; copolymerization reactions; and manufacturing of alkyd-type resins, dye intermediates, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides (Malathion). [Merck Index # 5704] |
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| Comments |
Solid form causes first degree burns on short exposure; [CHRIS] Maleic anhydride is a skin irritant. [Quick CPC] Maleic anhydride is a severe eye irritant; [HSDB] Pulmonary edema may result from inhalation of high concentrations. [NJ-HSFS] Causes occupational asthma: a 34 year old male developed asthma 1 month after starting work in a plant manufacturing polyurethane products. The patient showed a dual asthmatic response after specific inhalation challenge with maleic anhydride. [PubMed reference] Maleic anhydride is a skin sensitizer. [Occupational allergic contact urticaria from maleic anhydride. Kanerva L, et al. Contact Dermatitis. 2000 Mar;42(3):170-2. No abstract available.] |
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| Reference Link |
Occupational asthma due to maleic anhydride |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
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| TLV (ACGIH) |
0.1 ppm |
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| PEL (OSHA) |
0.25 ppm |
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| MAK |
0.1 ppm |
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| IDLH (NIOSH) |
2 ppm |
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| Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Human data: In volunteers, 6 to 8 mg/m3 caused nasal irritation within 1 minute and ocular irritation after 15 to 20 minutes [Gervais 1967]. In another study, concentrations of 10 mg/m3 and higher were found to be extremely irritating [IHFA 1969] |
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| Vapor Pressure |
0.2 mm Hg |
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| Odor Threshold Low |
0.25 ppm |
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| Odor Threshold High |
0.32 ppm |
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| Explanatory Notes |
Odor threshold from AIHA; IDLH = 10 mg/m3 or 2.49 ppm; |
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| Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
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| Flammability (NFPA) |
1: must be preheated |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Asthma |
Yes |
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| Toxic Pneumonitis |
Yes |
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| Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
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| Skin Sensitizer |
Yes |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: MALEIC ANHYDRIDE
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