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maleic anhydride

noun

, Chemistry.
  1. a colorless crystalline, unsaturated compound, C 4 H 2 O 3 , that is soluble in acetone and hydrolyzes in water: used in the production of polyester resins, pesticides, and fumaric and tartaric acids.


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Word History and Origins

Origin of maleic anhydride1

First recorded in 1855–60
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Example Sentences

Maleic anhydride is obtained by distilling fumaric acid with phosphorus pentoxide.

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maleic acidmaleic hydrazide