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Maleic anhydride (cis-butenedioic anhydride, toxilic anhydride, dihydro-2, 5-dioxofuran) is an organic compound with the formula C2H2(CO)2O. In its pure state it is a colourless or white solid with an acrid odour. Maleic anhydride was traditionally manufactured by the oxidation of benzene or other aromatic compounds. As of 2006, only a few smaller plants continue to use benzene; Due to rising benzene prices, most maleic anhydride plants now use n-butane as a feedstock Product Feature The chemistry of maleic anhydride is very rich, reflecting its ready availability and bifunctional reactivity. It hydrolyzes, producing maleic acid, cis-HO2CCH=CHCO2H. With alcohols, the half-ester is generated, e. G., cis-HO2CCH=CHCO2CH3. Maleic anhydride is a potent dienophile in Diels-Alder reactions. It is also a ligand for low-valent metal complexes, examples being PT(PPh3)2(MA) and Fe(CO)4(MA). Product Specification/Models MA dimerizes in a photochemical reaction to cyclobutane tetracarboxylic dianhydride CBTA. This compound is used in the production of polyimides and as an alignment film for liquid crystal displays.