Maleic acid
Description
Maleic acid (CAS 110-16-7), also known commercially as Toxilic acid, is an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid used across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care manufacturing. It functions primarily as an acidulant, pH buffer, and flavoring agent in finished formulations.
In food and beverage production, maleic acid adjusts tartness and acidity profiles in beverages, confectionery, and fruit-flavored products where a sharp, clean acid note is required. This versatile chemical ensures consistent flavor profiles across various batches.
Pharmaceutical formulators use it to form maleate salts with active ingredients, improving stability and solubility of oral dosage forms. This process is critical for enhancing the bioavailability of certain medications in the healthcare sector.
In personal care, it is incorporated into hair treatment products, particularly bond-repair and straightening systems, where it helps restore and cross-link damaged hair structure. It is a key component in modern professional hair care lines.
It also functions as a pH regulator in topical formulations, ensuring product stability and compatibility with skin-contact applications. Maintaining the correct pH is essential for the shelf life and safety of cosmetic emulsions.
Maleic acid is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granule. Standard commercial grades include food-grade (FCC) and pharmaceutical-grade (USP/BP) specifications, with technical grade available for industrial applications.
Packaging typically ranges from 25 kg bags to bulk quantities depending on grade and application requirements. Our logistics team ensures that all shipments meet the necessary safety and quality standards for global distribution.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 131 °C |
| Boiling Point | 138 °C |
| Density | 1.590 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 127 °C |
| Appearance | Maleic acid is a white crystalline solid. Faint, acid like odor. |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Faint odor |
| Form | Powder/Solid |
| Water Solubility | 790 g/L (25 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.001Pa at 20℃ |
| Refractive Index | 1.5260 (estimate) |
| pH | 1.3 (100g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | -1.3 at 20℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29171900 |
| Storage Class | 8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Documentation
Other Names
cis-butenedioic acid|Toxilic acid|(2Z)-but-2-enedioic acid|Maleinic acid|Malenic acid|(Z)-Butenedioic acid|cis-1,2-Ethylenedicarboxylic acid|2-Butenedioic acid (Z)-
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