Malonic Acid (CAS 141-82-2) & Diethyl Malonate – High-Purity Chemicals by BLi-T CHEM

Malonic acid (CAS 141-82-2) is a small dicarboxylic acid (IUPAC name propanedioic acid) with two carboxyl groups flanking a methylene unit (structure HOOC–CH₂–COOH). It appears as a white crystalline powder and is supplied by BLi-T (Hefei) Chemical Co., Ltd at high purity (typically ≥99%). This versatile chemical serves as a key intermediate in organic synthesis and polymer production. BLi-T’s malonic acid finds critical use in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. In parallel,BLi-T Chemical also offers diethyl malonate (commonly known as diethyl malonate or diethyl malonate, CAS 105-53-3), a colorless liquid with a fruity aroma. Diethyl malonate retains the active malonate structure of malonic acid and is a fundamental raw material in organic chemistry, used in the synthesis of various fine chemicals. Both products are manufactured under strict quality control to ensure high quality.

Malonic acid (CAS 141-82-2) has a molecular formula of C₃H₄O₄ and a molar mass of 104.06 g/mol. Its structural formula is typically written as HOOC–CH₂–COOH, indicating a central CH₂ group bonded to two –COOH groups.

Diethyl malonate (CAS 105-53-3) has a molecular formula of C₇H₁₂O₄ and a molar mass of 160.17 g/mol; it can be considered as the acidic hydrogen in malonic acid replaced by an ethyl group (–COOCH₂CH₃).

BLi-T provides detailed technical data (COA, TDS, MSDS) for each batch of product.Contact us info@blitchem.com for more informations.

Core Properties

• Appearance: 

Malonic acid is a white to off-white crystalline solid. It sublimes under vacuum without melting. Diethyl malonate (malonic acid diethyl ester) is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild ester odor.

• Solubility:

Malonic acid is highly soluble in water (on the order of tens of grams per 100 mL at room temperature) and soluble in polar organic solvents (ethanol, acetone). Diethyl malonate is only sparingly soluble in water (approximately a few percent by weight) but mixes readily with common organic solvents.

• Polarity: Malonic acid is a very polar molecule due to its two carboxylic acid groups. Its polarity leads to strong hydrogen bonding and high water affinity.Diethyl malonate is moderately polar (log P ≈ 0.96) with less hydrogen-bonding, reflecting its ester functionality.
• Melting/Boiling Points:

Malonic acid melts around 132–135 °C (decomposing near this range) and sublimes at higher temperatures. Diethyl malonate boils near 199 °C under atmospheric pressure. Malonic acid is thermally stable at room temperature; gentle heating to ∼140 °C causes decarboxylation to acetic acid and CO₂.

• Additional Properties: The pKa of malonic acid is about 2.83, meaning it is a stronger acid than acetic acid. It is non-hygroscopic under normal conditions. Malonic acid and diethyl malonate should be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.

Key Industrial Applications and Use Cases

• Organic Synthesis: Both malonic acid and its diethyl ester are fundamental C–C bond-forming reagents. In malonic ester synthesis, diethyl malonate (malonic acid diethyl ester) is alkylated and then hydrolyzed/decarboxylated to give substituted acetic acids. In Knoevenagel condensations, malonic acid reacts with aldehydes (often with an amine catalyst) to form α,β-unsaturated acids or coumarin rings – a key step in synthesizing flavor compounds and heterocycles. For example, the condensation of malonic acid with salicylaldehyde yields coumarin, a valuable fragrance component.
• Pharmaceuticals: Malonic acid is a precursor in the manufacture of barbiturates (via condensation with urea, yielding barbituric acid). It is also used in syntheses of various vitamins (e.g. vitamin B1, B6) and active pharmaceutical intermediates. Diethyl malonate is used to build pharmaceutical building blocks, including amino acid precursors and heterocyclic drug fragments.
• Agrochemicals: Both compounds serve as intermediates in herbicide and pesticide production. For instance, malonic acid derivatives contribute to certain plant growth regulators and insect control agents.
• Polymers & Resins: Malonic acid is used as a monomer or crosslinker in polyesters and alkyd resins for coatings and adhesives. Its two carboxy groups enable branching in polymers, improving properties like UV resistance and chemical durability. Diethyl malonate can be hydrolyzed to malonic acid in situ for similar applications.
• Specialty Chemicals: Malonic acid and its esters are used to synthesize flavors, fragrances, and fine chemicals. Examples include the production of ionones, coumarins, and other perfumery compounds. They also participate in synthesizing dyes and photographic chemicals.

Specifications and Available Grades

• Purity: BLi-T Chemical provides malonic acid in ultra-high-purity grades (≥99.5% assay, often ≥99%). Diethyl malonate (malonic acid diethyl ester) is supplied at ≥99% purity. Both products are available in technical, reagent, or pharmaceutical grades depending on customer needs.
• Quality Metrics: Each batch meets strict specifications: loss on drying is typically ≤0.5%, and heavy metals are controlled (≤10 ppm or per customer requirement). Organics such as residual solvents are kept below trace levels. Certificates of Analysis document these specs for transparency.
• Packaging: Standard packaging is 25 kg in fiber drums (approx. 9 metric tons per 20′ container). BLi-T can also provide smaller multi-kilogram packages or bulk orders by container. All shipments are packed to ensure stability during transport.
• Documentation: BLi-T furnishes a complete data package with each shipment: Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Custom testing and private label options are available to meet requirements.

Quality Assurance and Production Advantages

BLi-T (Hefei) Chemical Co., Ltd integrates advanced manufacturing with rigorous quality control to ensure reliable supply of malonic acid and its ester. The company operates modern reactors (for nitration, hydrogenation, etc.), an independent power/steam system, and a multi-stage waste treatment facility to comply with environmental standards. An experienced R&D and quality team oversees production: each batch is tested via analytical techniques (HPLC, titration, etc.) to verify purity, identity, and stability. BLi-T’s facilities hold international certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, etc.) reflecting high-quality management.

On the supply side, BLi-T maintains large production capacity and inventory for global distribution. The company partners with major international ports (Qingdao, Shanghai, etc.) and logistics providers to offer flexible shipping by sea, air, or land. Customers benefit from fast, secure delivery to regions worldwide. BLi-T’s professional technical support team (with 20+ years industry experience) assists clients in product selection, formulation, and troubleshooting. In summary, BLi-T delivers high-purity malonic acid (141-82-2) and diethyl malonate with consistent quality, backed by strong production processes and global logistics networks.

FAQs

Q: What is malonic acid diethyl ester?

 Malonic acid diethyl ester (diethyl malonate) is the diethyl ester of malonic acid. In this compound, the two acidic hydrogens of malonic acid are replaced by ethyl groups (–COOCH₂CH₃), giving the formula C₇H₁₂O₄. It is a clear, fruity-smelling liquid (CAS 105-53-3). Diethyl malonate is widely used as a versatile building block in organic synthesis. Its “active methylene” between two ester groups can be deprotonated easily, allowing alkylation, acylation, and condensation reactions. For example, it is a starting material in the synthesis of barbiturates, vitamins, amino acids, and certain flavor compounds. BLi-T offers this high-purity malonic acid diethyl ester for pharmaceutical and chemical applications.

Q: What is the structure of malonic acid? 

Malonic acid (C₃H₄O₄, CAS 141-82-2) has a simple, symmetrical structure: HOOC–CH₂–COOH. A central CH₂ (methylene) group is bonded on each side to a carboxylic acid group (–COOH). This dicarboxylic arrangement makes malonic acid more acidic than a mono-carboxylic acid and allows it to react at either end. In chemical notation, malonic acid is sometimes called propanedioic acid. Its precise structure and high purity are guaranteed in BLi-T’s product, which is confirmed by analytical tests.

Q: What is the malonic acid molar mass? 

The molar mass of malonic acid (molecular formula C₃H₄O₄) is 104.06 g/mol. This value comes from summing the atomic masses of 3 carbons (3×12.01), 4 hydrogens (4×1.008), and 4 oxygens (4×16.00). Using high-quality malonic acid from BLi-T ensures that this molecular weight matches analytical specifications, which is important for precise formulation in chemical reactions.

Q: Is malonic acid soluble in water? 

Yes, malonic acid is highly soluble in water. Its two carboxyl groups form strong hydrogen bonds with water molecules, allowing it to dissolve readily. In practice, malonic acid can dissolve on the order of tens of grams per 100 mL of water at ambient temperature. This high aqueous solubility makes malonic acid easy to use in water-based or polar media. By contrast, its diethyl ester (malonic acid diethyl ester) is only sparingly soluble in water and is typically handled in organic solvents.

Q: Is malonic acid polar? Yes, malonic acid is a strongly polar molecule. The presence of two highly polar –COOH groups at each end of the molecule creates a significant dipole moment. This polarity causes malonic acid to be hydrophilic (water-attracting) and contributes to its high water solubility and reactivity in polar solvent systems. In summary, malonic acid’s polar nature underlies its usefulness as a reagent in many aqueous and organic reactions.

For inquiries or purchasing information on malonic acid (CAS 141-82-2) and malonic acid diethyl ester, please contact BLi-T Chemical Co., Ltd at info@blitchem.com. Our technical staff will assist with quotes, specifications, and any product questions.