Maleic anhydride, abbreviated as maleic anhydride, also known as "maleic anhydride", is the acid anhydride of maleic acid. It is a colorless or white solid with acidic smell at room temperature, molecular formula C4H2O3, molecular weight 98.06, obtained from chloroform or ethyl ether as needle-like crystals. Melting point 60 ℃, boiling point 82 ℃ (1.Chemicalbook8665kPa), relative density 1.31460. soluble in acetone, chloroform, ether, slightly soluble in petroleum ether. Dissolved in water to generate cis-butenedioic acid, dissolved in alcohol to form esters, and can contain conjugated double bond compounds for diene synthesis reaction. Toxic, strong irritation of mucous membrane.