Title: Itaconic Acid
CAS Registry Number: 97-65-4
CAS Name: Methylenesuccinic acid
Synonyms: propylenedicarboxylic acid
Molecular Formula: C5H6O4
Molecular Weight: 130.10
Percent Composition: C 46.16%, H 4.65%, O 49.19%
Literature References: Obtained by dry distillation of citric acid and subsequent treatment of the anhydride with water. Produced on a large scale by submerged aerobic fermentation using
Aspergillus terreus and low cost carbohydrates from beet or cane: Kane
et al., US 2385283 (1945 to Pfizer). Synthesis from propargyl chloride, carbon monoxide, nickel carbonyl and water: Chiusoli,
US 3025320 (1962 to Montecatini).
Properties: Hygroscopic crystals; characteristic odor. d 1.63. mp 162-164° with decompn. Also reported as mp 172° [Kinoshita,
Acta Phytochim. 5, 273 (1931)]. One gram dissolves in 12 ml water, 5 ml alcohol; very slightly sol in benzene, chloroform, ether, carbon disulfide, petr ether.
Keep well closed.
Melting point: mp 162-164° with decompn; mp 172° [Kinoshita,
Acta Phytochim. 5, 273 (1931)]
Density: d 1.63
