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Chemical Name: Dimethyl Maleate
Common Uses: Found in resins, coatings, adhesives, and as a chemical intermediate; known for its clear liquid state and fruity odor, this material appears in workplaces where specialty polymers or additives show up.
CAS Number: 624-48-6
Physical Form: Colorless to light yellow liquid, often stored in drums or sealed containers to limit air contact.
Primary Risks: Flammable liquid and vapor; contact with open flames or sparks works against safety protocols. Inhaling vapor or mist irritates the respiratory tract. Skin and eye contact can lead to redness, stinging, or more severe irritation, especially after prolonged exposure.
Health Hazards: People with sensitivities or allergies report reactions even at low concentrations, so maintaining proper ventilation matters.
Environmental Hazards: Toxic to aquatic life; accidental spills near waterways threaten organisms that rely on clean water.
Active Component: Dimethyl Maleate constitutes the bulk content, typically in concentrations approaching 100 percent.
Molecular Formula: C6H8O4
Other Constituents: No known significant impurities affecting classification.
Eye Exposure: Rinse eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, pulling the eyelids apart to flush out all traces of chemical; avoid using neutralizing solutions without medical advice.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin with soap and plenty of running water. Health professionals recommend monitoring for irritation that might need further treatment.
Inhalation: Move into fresh air promptly. If breathing gets difficult, oxygen or medical treatment may be necessary.
Swallowing: Seek medical attention immediately; do not induce vomiting unless instructed by trained responders.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide to fight fires involving this compound. Water spray cools containers but may not extinguish efficiently.
Special Hazards: Flammable vapors can travel along surfaces and ignite at a distance. Thermal breakdown releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating fumes.
Firefighter Protection: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical-resistant gear to avoid inhaling smoke or chemical residues.
Spill Response: Isolate area and remove sources of ignition. Use inert absorbent like sand to collect liquid. Collect waste in well-labeled containers for proper disposal. Increase ventilation to disperse fumes.
Personal Precaution: Gloves, goggles, and protective clothing lower risk of skin or eye exposure during cleanup.
Environmental Precaution: Prevent runoff to drains or open water as much as possible. Notify environmental authorities if any quantity escapes beyond site control.
Handling: Use in areas with good ventilation. Avoid inhaling vapors and minimize skin contact. No eating, drinking, or smoking in areas where the material is handled.
Storage: Keep containers tightly closed, stored in cool, dry places away from ignition sources. Separate from oxidizers and acids. Label storage to ensure clear identification.
Engineering Controls: Work in fume hoods or with local exhaust systems to prevent vapor accumulation.
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves and chemical splash goggles offer reliable protection. Respiratory protection becomes important where ventilation alone can't manage vapor. Changing gloves and washing hands after use keeps exposure low.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific values from OSHA or ACGIH, but general organic vapor limits guide workplace safety.
Appearance: Clear, nearly colorless to faint yellow liquid.
Odor: Mild, sometimes fruity.
Boiling Point: Around 198°C
Melting Point: -16°C
Flash Point: Approximately 81°C (closed cup)
Solubility: Limited solubility in water; fully miscible with many organic solvents.
Density: About 1.14 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Low under standard conditions.
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions. Prolonged exposure to moisture or strong acids can lead to hydrolysis.
Incompatibility: Reactive with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Decomposes to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating gases in a fire or at high temperatures.
Polymerization: Under certain conditions, such as presence of radical initiators, unwanted polymerization could occur.
Acute Effects: Contact with eyes or skin leads to redness, irritation, and discomfort. High concentrations cause headaches or respiratory symptoms after inhalation.
Long-Term Exposure: Data on cancer or reproductive toxicity remains inconclusive, but workers avoid consistent, unprotected contact as a precaution.
Symptoms of Overexposure: Reddened skin, burning sensations, temporary dizziness, or respiratory discomfort.
Aquatic Impact: Toxic to certain aquatic organisms, so preventing spills pays off for river and lake habitats.
Persistence and Degradability: Slowly breaks down in the environment, raising concerns with repeated or large spills.
Bioaccumulation: Low potential to accumulate in fish or other wildlife, but the risks increase with continuous exposure to contaminated sources.
Proper waste treatment keeps Dimethyl Maleate out of soil and drainage systems. Collect leftover liquid in sealed drums for contract disposal at chemical waste facilities. Never pour unused product down regular drains. Dirty rags, absorbents, or cleanup materials need to be bagged and discarded according to hazardous waste rules, which are stricter than general refuse practices.
Shipping as a hazardous chemical calls for labeling containers with flammable liquid warnings. Regulations governing road, rail, sea, and air transport vary, but most require spill-proof containers and accessible emergency instructions. Companies train drivers and warehouse teams about actions to take in case of leaks, fire, or accidents, preventing escalation of minor incidents during transit.
Dimethyl Maleate appears on several chemical safety and environmental control lists in the US, Europe, and Asia. Agencies demand compliance with workplace safety, transportation, and environmental protection standards. Regulatory requirements change by region, but environmental release, worker exposure, and safe handling remain a consistent theme. Up-to-date hazard information keeps workers and communities aware of the latest guidance, so reviewing local and federal regulations makes daily operations safer and prepared for any inspection.
