2,3-Dimethylmaleic anhydride can be usually used in the synthesis of maleimides and as an amino group protecting agent for superoxide dismutase. It is also used in the preparation of dimethylmaleic acid dimethyl ester. Further, it serves as a reactant in the dissociation of ribosomal proteins. In addition to this, The isolated molecule 2, 3-dimethylmaleic anhydride showed potent insecticidal activity in fumigation bioassay against several insect species, viz., adults of houseflies, cockroaches and stored-product insects.
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ChEBI: 2,3-Dimethylmaleic anhydride is a butenolide. It is a 5-membered cyclic anhydride with a double bond between carbon atoms C2 and C3. The double bond locks the molecule in a planar conformation and stabilizes the acid anhydride against hydration. It was used as linker to a cell penetrating peptidebased nanoparticle.
Safety Profile
Questionable
carcinogen with experimental tumorigenic
data. When heated to decomposition it
emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See
also ANHYDRIDES.
Purification Methods
Distil the anhydride from *benzene/ligroin and sublime in a vacuum. [Beilstein 17/11 V 69.]
