Succinic anhydride

Succinic Anhydride
Other Names: Butanedioic anhydride, 2,5-Dioxotetrahydrofuran
CAS Number: 108-30-5
Sum Formula: C₄H₄O₃
Molar Mass: 100.07 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline solid with a pungent odor

Succinic anhydride is a cyclic anhydride of succinic acid. It is used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of resins, alkyds, plasticizers, corrosion inhibitors, and pharmaceuticals. Its reactive anhydride group readily undergoes ring-opening reactions with nucleophiles such as alcohols and amines.

Chemical and Physical Properties
Density: 1.41 g/cm³
Melting Point: 118–121°C
Boiling Point: 261°C (decomposes)
Solubility in Water: Hydrolyzes to succinic acid
Solubility in Organic Solvents: Soluble in ethanol, acetone, benzene, and other organics
Stability: Stable under dry storage; hydrolyzes with moisture

Applications
Intermediate for alkyd and polyester resins
Precursor in the production of plasticizers and corrosion inhibitors
Used in organic synthesis for ring-opening reactions
Applied in specialty chemical production

Safety

Signal Word: Warning

Hazard Statements

H302 Harmful if swallowed.

H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.

H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.

H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.

Precautionary Statements

P260 Do not breathe dust.

P280 Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing/ eye protection/ face protection.

P301 + P312 IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/ doctor if you feel unwell.

P303 + P361 + P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water.

P304 + P340 + P310 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. Immediately call a POISON CENTER/ doctor. P305 + P351 + P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

First Aid Measures
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical advice if symptoms occur
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical help if unwell

Handling and Storage
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place
Protect from moisture to prevent hydrolysis
Keep away from bases, oxidizers, and reducing agents