[muh-lee-ik] 
| a colorless, crystalline, water-soluble solid, C4H4O4, isomeric with fumaric acid, having an astringent, repulsive taste and faint acidulous odor: used in the manufacture of synthetic resins, the dyeing and finishing of textiles, and as a preservative for fats and oils. |
| ma·le·ic acid (mə-lē'ĭk) n. A colorless crystalline acid, HO2CCH:CHCO2H, used in textile processing and as an oil and fat preservative. [From French acide maléique, alteration of acide malique, malic acid; see malic acid.] |
maleic acid ma·le·ic acid (mə-lē'ĭk)
n.
A colorless crystalline dibasic acid that is an isomer of fumaric acid and is used as an oil and fat preservative.
| maleic acid (mə-lē'ĭk) Pronunciation Key
A colorless crystalline acid used in textile processing and as an oil and fat preservative. Maleic acid is a geometric isomer of fumaric acid, having two carboxyl groups (COOH) on the same side of an ethylene chain. Chemical formula: C4H4O4. |
maleic acid
unsaturated organic dibasic acid, used in making polyesters for fibre-reinforced laminated moldings and paint vehicles, and in the manufacture of fumaric acid and many other chemical products. Maleic acid and its anhydride are prepared industrially by the catalytic oxidation of benzene.
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