Dibutyl maleate explained

Dibutyl maleate is an organic compound with the formula (CHCO₂Bu)₂ (Bu = butyl). It is the diester of the unsaturated dicarboxylic acid maleic acid. It is a colorless oily liquid, although impure samples can appear yellow.

Preparation

Dibutyl maleate can be prepared by the reaction of maleic acid anhydride and 1-butanol in presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid.^{[1] [2]}

Uses

Dibutyl maleate is mainly used as a plasticizer for aqueous dispersions of copolymers with vinyl acetate and as an intermediate in the preparation of other chemical compounds.^[3] With the invention of polyaspartic technology the material found another use. In this situation, an amine is reacted with a dialkyl maleate - usually diethyl maleate but also dibutyl maleate may be used- utilizing the Michael addition reaction. The resulting products, polyaspartic esters products are then used in coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers.^[4]

See also

• Diethyl maleate
• Dimethyl maleate

References

1. R. Wen, L. Long, L. Ding, Silas Yu . 2001 . Jishou Daxue Xuebao/Journal of Jishou University. Study on synthesis of dibutyl maleate . 22 . 1 . 78–80.
2. Book: B. Trivedi . Maleic Anhydride . . 978-1-4757-0940-7 . 2013 . 277 .
3. OECD. Screening Information Dataset (SIDS) Initial Assessment Report (SIAR) for Dibutyl maletate. 3 April 2019.
4. Howarth. GA. 2003-06-01. Polyurethanes, polyurethane dispersions and polyureas: Past, present and future. Surface Coatings International Part B: Coatings Transactions. en. 86. 2. 111–118. 10.1007/BF02699621. 93574741. 1476-4865.