Di-n-butyl maleate is a clearL colourless to slightly yellowish liquid. B.P. 258℃. (decomp.). Practically insoluble in water, soluble in
alcohol and oils. Faint, winey odor of good tenacity, but
with a chemical undertone. Mild, slightly bitter taste.
Dibutyl Maleate is a reagent used in the preparation of lactones for the synthesis of antibacterial compounds.
Dibutyl maleate is used as a copolymer and plasticizer.
By direct esterification of n-Butanol
with Maleic acid.
Poison by
intraperitoneal route. Moderately toxic by
ingestion. Mddly toxic by skin contact. An
eye and skin irritant. See also ESTERS and
n-BUTYL ALCOHOL. Combustible when exposed to heat or flame; can react with
oxilzing materials. To fight fire, use foam,
CO2, dry chemical, alcohol foam. When
heated to decomposition it emits acrid
smoke and irritating fumes.
