Itaconic anhydride

Itaconic anhydride (CAS 2170-03-8), also known as Methylenesuccinic anhydride, is a reactive cyclic anhydride derived from itaconic acid. It functions as a monomer and chemical building block. This material introduces reactive double bonds and anhydride groups into polymer systems to enable controlled functionalization and cross-linking. In plastics and polymer manufacturing, it is incorporated into resin formulations.

These formulations modify backbone reactivity, enabling tailored adhesion, hydrophilicity, or cross-link density in specialty coatings and films. Formulators in home care use it to produce comb polymers and dispersants. These polycarboxylate dispersants improve soil suspension and anti-redeposition performance in detergent systems. In printing and packaging, it serves as a co-monomer in binder resins and adhesive formulations.

Controlled cure response and substrate adhesion are critical in these applications. Its anhydride group also enables post-polymerization grafting reactions, making it a candidate for surface-reactive polymer intermediates. Itaconic anhydride is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline solid. It is available in technical grade, with packaging options typically ranging from small laboratory quantities to multi-kilogram industrial lots.

Purity specifications commonly cited in the market are ≥97% and ≥98% by GC. Storage requirements reflect its moisture sensitivity, requiring careful handling to maintain the integrity of the chemical profile.