Maleic anhydride

SAFETY DATA SHEET
1. Identification of the substance/preparation and of the company/undertaking
Identification of the product
Catalogue No: P21409 ID No.: 2912500
Product name: Maleic anhydride
Manufacturer/supplier identification
Company:
VWR International Ltd, Merck House, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1TD, England
Telephone : +44 (0) 1202 669700 Telefax : +44 (0) 1202 665599
Emergency telephone No.: +44 (0) 1202 669700
2. Composition/information on ingredients
Chemical characterization
Organic solid
Product name: Maleic anhydride
CAS number: 108-31-6 EC-No.: 203-571-6
3. Hazards identification
Harmful if swallowed. Causes burns. May cause sensitization by inhalation and skin contact.
4. First aid measures
- Eye contact: Irrigate thoroughly with water for at least 10 minutes. OBTAIN MEDICAL
ATTENTION.
- Inhalation: Remove from exposure, rest and keep warm. In severe cases, or if exposure has been
great, OBTAIN MEDICAL ATTENTION.
- Skin contact: Drench the skin thoroughly with water. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before

e-use. Unless contact has been slight, OBTAIN MEDICAL ATTENTION.
- Ingestion: Wash out mouth thoroughly with water and give plenty of water to drink. OBTAIN
MEDICAL ATTENTION.
5. Fire-fighting measures
Special risks:
Combustible. May evolve toxic fumes in fire.
Suitable extinguishing media:
Foam, dry powder or carbon dioxide
6. Accidental release measures
Wear appropriate protective clothing.
If local regulations permit, mop up with plenty of water and run to waste, diluting greatly with running
water. Otherwise transfer to container and arrange removal by disposal company. Wash site of spillage
thoroughly with detergent and water.
For large spillages liquids should be contained with sand or earth and both liquids and solids
transferred to salvage containers. Any residues should be treated as for small spillages.
7. Handling and storage
Handling:
Storage:
Store at room temperature (15 to 25°C recommended). Keep well closed and protected from direct
sunlight and moisture.
8. Exposure controls/personal protection
As appropriate to the situation and the quantity handled.
- Respirator: Dust respirator
- Ventilation: Extraction hood
- Gloves: Rubber or plastic
- Eye Protection: Goggles or face-shield
- Other Precautions: Plastic apron, sleeves, boots - if handling large quantities
Engineering methods to control or prevent exposure are preferred. Methods could include process
enclosure or mechanical ventilation.
See section 15 for UK exposure limits.

9. Physical and chemical properties
Form:
Colour:
Odour:
powder/ lumps
white
pungent
Melting temperature 51 - 53°C
Boiling temperature 200°C
Density(g/ml)
n/a
Vapour pressure 1mmHg, 44°C
-Density 3.4
Solubility in water
Soluble
Flash point 103°C
Explosion limits: lower: 1.4%
upper: 7%
Auto-ignition temperature 476°C
10. Stability and reactivity
Stable.
>150#C Exothermic reaction with: alkali compounds, alkaline earth compounds, ammonium
compounds, pyridine, amines.
Substances to be avoided: oxidizing agents.
11. Toxicological information
- After skin contact: Burns.
- After eye contact: Burns.
- After inhalation: Irritation of the mucous membranes, coughing, and dyspnoea., pulmonary oedema.
Systemic effect: asthma.
Ingestion may result in: severe mucosal irritation, gastric pain, vomiting.
Classified as a cause of asthma using EU criteria.
Further hazardous properties cannot be excluded.
Further data
LD50 400 mg/kg oral, rat.
Has been found to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Evidence of reproductive effects.

12. Ecological information
Product reacts with water. Low bioaccumulation potential.
No environmental hazard is anticipated provided that the material is handled and disposed of with due
care and attention.
13. Disposal considerations
Chemical residues are generally classified as special waste, and as such are covered by regulations
which vary according to location. Contact your local waste disposal authority for advice, or pass to a
chemical disposal company. Rinse out empty containers thoroughly before returning for recycling.
14. Transport information
UN-No.: 2215 IMDG class: 8
IMO: 8/2215
Packaging group: III
IATA: 2215
Packaging group: III
Proper shipping name: MALEIC ANHYDRIDE
ADR/RID: 8,31'(c)
15. Regulatory information
Labelling according to EC directives
Symbol: C
Corrosive.
R-phrases: R22-34-42/43
Harmful if swallowed. Causes burns. May cause sensitization by inhalation and skin contact.
S-phrases: S22-26-36/37/39-45
Do not breathe dust. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek
medical advice. Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves, and eye/face protection. In case of accident
or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label where possible).
EC-No.: 203-571-6
Local Regulations
U.K. Transport Category 3
Within the UK, the use of this material must be assessed under the Control of Substances Hazardous to
Health (COSHH) regulations.

UK Exposure Limits: MEL - Maleic anhydride:
Long term: 1 mg/m3 Short term: 3 mg/m3 (Sen)
16. Other information
Revision.
Supersedes edition of: 12/01/99
Reason for alteration: Changes in Section : 16 (MEL)
Date of issue: 29/12/00
Date of print: 02/05/02