Applications
Maleic anhydride is used in the preparation of unsaturated polyester resins, 4-butanediol, fumairc acid, tetrahydrofuran and gamma-butyrolactone. It is also used as lubricating oil additives, dispersants, artificial sweeteners, flavor enhancements, floor polishes and corrosion inhibitors. It finds application in personal care products like hair sprays. Further, it is used in water treatment chemicals, detergents, pharmaceuticals and copolymers. It is an active substrate for Diels-Alder reactions and dimerizes to form cyclobutane tetracarboxylic dianhydride .

Solubility
Soluble in water, acetone and dioxane. Slightly soluble in methanol, chloroform and benzene.

Notes
Moisture sensitive. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases, strong reducing agents, alkali metals and amines.