MadSci Network: Chemistry |
The simplest way to convert maleic acid to fumaric acid is using stong acid to isomerise the cis double bond(in maleic) to the trans double bond(in fumaric). This procedure comes from Vogels Practical Organic Chemistry 4th edition. Dissolve 10g Maleic acid in 10ml of water water, add 20ml concentrated (10M) hydrochloric acid and boil gently under reflux for 30 minutes. The Fumaric acid has a melting point at about 300 degrees celcius and isn't very soluble in water so will precipitate from the boiling water solution. After 30 minutes cool the mixture and filter off the fumaric acid. Recrystallise the solid from hot 1M hydrochlorice acid to get pure fumaric acid. Hopefully thats helps. David Barker
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Chemistry.