Dimethyl maleate

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Dimethyl maleate
Dimethyl maleate
IUPAC name dimethyl (Z)-2-Butenedioate
Identifiers
CAS number [624-48-6]
EINECS number 210-848-5
Properties
Molecular formula C6H8O4
Molar mass 144.13 g/mol
Appearance clear, colorless, oily liquid
Density 1.15 g/cm³
Melting point

-17 °C

Boiling point

204 - 207 °C

Solubility in water slightly soluble
Hazards
EU classification Harmful (H)
NFPA 704
1
1
0
 
Flash point 95 °C
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Dimethyl maleate is an organic compound with the formula C6H8O4. It is the (Z)-isomer of the dimethyl ester of maleic acid.

Contents

[edit] Synthesis

Dimethyl maleate can be synthesized from maleic anhydride and methanol, with sulfuric acid acting as acid catalyst, via a nucleophilic acyl substitution for the monomethyl ester, followed by a Fischer esterification reaction for the dimethyl ester. The mechanism is as follows:

Maleate synth part I
Mechanism-dimethyl-maleate-synthesis

[edit] Applications

Dimethyl maleate is used in many organic syntheses as a dienophile for diene synthesis. It is used as an additive and intermediate for plastics, pigments, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products. It is also an intermediate for the production of paints, adhesives and copolymers.[1]

Dimethyl maleate has also found use in applications where improvements in the hardness and toughness of polymer films are desired. This includes, in particular, the improvement of anti-blocking properties of copolymers of vinyl acetate with DMM. It is also used as an internal modifier to increase the glass transition temperature of styrene or vinyl chloride polymers.[2]

[edit] Chemistry

Hydrolysis of dimethyl maleate gives maleic acid, or possibly the maleic acid monomethyl ester. Hydration of the same compound gives malic acid.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Dimethyl maleate." June 18, 2006. Chemical Land 21. March 22, 2008 <http://chemicalland21.com/specialtychem/perchem/DIMETHYL%20MALEATE.htm >
  2. ^ "Dimethyl maleate." Bimax. June 18, 2006. Bimax Chemicals Ltd. March 22, 2008 <http://www.bimax.com/dmm.htm>