Substance profile
Fumaric Acid
Fumaric Acid is needles, monoclinic prisms or leaflets from water and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Fumaric Acid is
Fumaric Acid is needles, monoclinic prisms or leaflets from water and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C4H4O4 and its molecular weight is 116.07 g/mol. It boils at 200 °C, melts at 301 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P264, P280, P305, P313, P337, P338
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Fumaric Acid properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 200 °C (392 °F) | sublimes | HSDB |
| 522 °C (971.6 °F) | DrugBank | ||
| 165 °C (329 °F) | sublimes, at 1.7 mmHg (reduced pressure) | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 301.11 °C (574 °F) | range, midpoint shown | CAMEO |
| 287 °C (548.6 °F) | decomposes | HSDB | |
| 549 °C (1020.2 °F) | HMDB | ||
| Density | 1.635 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 0.5222 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, concentrated sulfuric acid; slightly soluble in ethyl ether, acetone | HSDB | |
| Almost insoluble in olive oil, ... carbon tetrachloride, xylene, ... molten camphor, liquid ammonia. | HSDB | ||
| In water, 7X10-3 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.000154 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 0.000154 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Flash point | 273 °C (523.4 °F) | open cup | HSDB |
| 230 °C (446 °F) | closed cup | HSDB | |
| 273 °C (523.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 740 °C (1364 °F) | HSDB | |
| 375 °C (707 °F) | powder | ICSC | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 3 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Dust presents explosion hazard; knock down dust with water fog. | HSDB | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 40 % by volume | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Fumaric Acid
Storage conditions
The bulk material should be stored in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Fumaric acid undergoes reactions typical of an organic acid.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Fumaric Acid in the storage compatibility matrix →