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Maleic Anhydride

  • Acids
  • CAS 108-31-6
  • IUPAC: furan-2,5-dione

Maleic Anhydride (CAS 108-31-6) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

A strong respiratory and skin irritant at industrial concentrations; at <0.1% in a formulated product, direct health risk to end users is negligible. TSCA listed. No GHS hazard classifications assigned at the mixture level at these concentrations.

Maleic anhydride (CAS 108-31-6) is a reactive chemical intermediate used in the synthesis of polymer dispersant and antiwear additives. It appears at trace levels (<0.1%) in some lubricant formulations as a carry-over from the additive manufacturing process — not as a functional additive itself. At these concentrations it does not contribute meaningfully to the product's performance or health profile, but TSCA inventory reporting requires its disclosure in SDS Section 3 when present above de minimis thresholds.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
3/5
Purpose: Reactive intermediate used in trace quantities during synthesis of polymer dispersant additives; present as a residual in formulated products at <0.1%.

Common questions about Maleic Anhydride

What is Maleic Anhydride used for in car care?
Reactive intermediate used in trace quantities during synthesis of polymer dispersant additives; present as a residual in formulated products at <0.1%.
Is Maleic Anhydride a VOC?
No. Maleic Anhydride is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Maleic Anhydride on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Maleic Anhydride is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Maleic Anhydride biodegradable?
Yes. Maleic Anhydride has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.