MALEIC Meaning and
Definition
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Maleic is an adjective used to describe the compound maleic acid or any related substances or derivatives derived from it. Maleic acid is a four-carbon dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula C4H4O4. It is a white crystal or powder that is soluble in water.
In terms of chemical structure, maleic acid has two carboxylic acid functional groups (-COOH) attached to adjacent carbon atoms. It is an unsaturated compound with a double bond between two carbon atoms, which gives it its characteristic reactivity.
Maleic acid is commonly used in the synthesis of various chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates. It serves as a reactant in the production of maleate salts, which are used in industries such as cosmetics, detergents, and polymers.
The term "maleic" can also be used to describe substances that are derived from maleic acid or share its structure and properties. For example, maleic anhydride is the acid's cyclic anhydride, formed by removing a water molecule from two molecules of maleic acid. Maleic anhydride is a versatile compound used in the production of plastics, resins, and coatings.
Overall, the term "maleic" refers to maleic acid or its derivatives and compounds that are related to or derived from it, indicating their common structural and chemical characteristics. It often denotes substances involved in various industrial applications and chemical synthesis.
Common Misspellings for MALEIC
Etymology of MALEIC
The word "maleic" comes from maleic acid, which is derived from the Latin word "malum" meaning "apple". The name is said to have originated because maleic acid was first isolated from apple juice in 1785 by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele. The suffix "-ic" in chemistry is often used to indicate that an acid is involved.
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