Product Overview
Itaconic acid (CAS 97-65-4), also known as methylenesuccinic acid or methylidenebutanedioic acid, is an unsaturated dicarboxylic organic acid that serves as a versatile building block for chemical synthesis. Its molecular structure features both carboxyl groups and an activated vinyl bond, enabling extensive derivatization and multiple polymerization pathways .
As a bio-based platform chemical derived from renewable feedstocks through fermentation, itaconic acid offers a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based chemicals. It is recognized as one of the top bio-based platform chemicals due to its unique structure, production yield, and cost-effectiveness . The compound is readily biodegradable and demonstrates low toxicity, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications .
Key Specifications
|
Item |
Standard |
Result |
|
Appearance |
White crystal or Powder |
White crystal or Powder |
|
Content (%) |
≥99.6 |
99.89 |
|
Loss on drying(%) |
≤0.3 |
0.16 |
|
Residue on ignition(%) |
≤0.01 |
0.005 |
|
Heavy metal（Pb） μg/g |
≤10 |
2.2 |
|
Fe, μg/g |
≤3 |
0.8 |
|
Cu, μg/g |
≤1 |
0.2 |
|
Mn, μg/g |
≤1 |
0.2 |
|
As, μg/g |
≤4 |
2 |
|
Sulfate, μg/g |
≤30 |
14.2 |
|
Chloride, μg/g |
≤10 |
3.5 |
|
Melting point, ℃ |
165-168 |
166.8 |
|
Colour, APHA |
≤5 |
4 |
|
Clarity（5% water solution） |
Cloudless |
Cloudless |
|
Clarity（20% DMSO） |
Cloudless |
Cloudless |
Applications
Deodorizing Agents
Itaconic acid and its polymers can be formulated with small amounts of natural substances to produce effective deodorizing products. The compound reacts with alkaline odorous substances such as ammonia and amines, as well as acidic malodorous compounds including hydrogen sulfide. These formulations are suitable for producing deodorizing paper, plastic films, and related product lines.
SBR Latex Production
When copolymerized with styrene and butadiene, itaconic acid produces S.B.R. latex with enhanced tensile strength and anti-oxidation properties . Applications include:
- Paper coating for improved strength and print quality
- Metal and concrete coatings with excellent adhesion and weather resistance
- Paint additives to enhance coating performance
- Carpet backing for synthetic fiber durability
Resins and Coatings
Itaconic acid copolymerizes with acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or their esters to produce resins for surface coatings and emulsion paints :
- Leather coatings: Improved plasticity and finish
- Industrial coatings: Strong adhesion, color retention, and weather resistance for automotive, electrical, and cold storage applications
- Electrophoretic coatings: Superior substrate adhesion
- Dental adhesives: When combined with polyvalent metal oxides, provides good extrusion properties, bonding strength, and biocompatibility
- Food packaging coatings: Water-soluble formulations with antimicrobial properties when combined with chloroalkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride
Esters and Derivatives
Itaconic acid esters serve multiple functions in industrial formulations:
- Paint and coating components
- Weakly acidic ion exchange resins
- Lubricant additives
- Binders and plasticizers
- Molding compounds and sealants
Specialty Applications
Derivatives of itaconic acid are used in:
- Pharmaceutical and cosmetic reagents
- Lubricants and thickening agents
- Herbicide formulations
- Textile treatment for silk and wool performance enhancement
- Production of citraconic acid, mesaconic acid, and itaconic anhydride
Market Context
The global itaconic acid market continues to expand, driven by increasing demand for bio-based and sustainable chemical alternatives across multiple industries. Applications in superabsorbent polymers, coatings, and adhesives represent significant growth areas . The compound serves as a practical alternative to certain petroleum-based poly(meth)acrylates in green tires, pressure-sensitive adhesives, UV-curable materials, and biomedical applications .
Supply Capability
With over twenty years of experience in the chemical industry, we maintain a consistent supply of itaconic acid at 99% purity. Our operations are certified under the ISO three-system standard (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001). In 2025, our sales exceeded RMB 200 million, with exports reaching more than forty countries and serving over one hundred international customers. We have established mature sales channels and long-term cooperative relationships in key markets worldwide.
Our manufacturing partners operate fully equipped production facilities with rigorous quality control systems. All products comply with applicable national and enterprise quality standards, with specifications verified through consistent testing protocols. Customer feedback consistently confirms product reliability and performance consistency.
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Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact our sales team for current product data sheets and sample requests.