Maleic anhydride is used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of fumaric and tartaric acid, certain agricultural chemicals, resins in numerous products, dye intermediates, and pharmaceuticals. It is also used as a co-monomer for unsaturated polyester resins, an ingredient in bonding agents used to manufacture plywood, a corrosion inhibitor, and a preservative in oils and fats.
Maleic Anhydride is a highly versatile chemical intermediate essential to the production of a multitude of products. Its largest single application is unsaturated polyester resins for use in housing, automotive and marine industries.
Maleic Anhydride is also used in motor oil additives, artificial sweeteners, flavor enhancers, paper sizing, water treatment chemicals, epoxy curing agents, hair sprays, pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals and co-polymers.
Approximately 51% of all maleic anhydride consumed in 2008 was for the production of unsaturated polyester resins (UPR). Production of 1,4-butanediol accounted for another 13%, fumaric acid for 4%, and lubricating oil additives for 3%. The remainder was consumed in miscellaneous uses, including copolymers, malic acid, plasticizers, agricultural chemicals, alkenyl succinic anhydrides, alkyd resins, and a number of specialty chemicals and organic intermediates. There is little regional variation except for maleic anhydride consumed for butanediol (in China and the Middle East).