Succinic acid
[CAS# 110-15-6]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Carboxylic compounds and derivatives >> Acyclic carboxylic acid
• Name: Succinic acid
• Synonyms: Butanedioic acid; 1,2-Ethanedicarboxylic acid; Amber acid
• Molecular Formula: C₄H₆O₄
• Molecular Weight: 118.09
• CAS Registry Number: 110-15-6
• EC Number: 203-740-4
• SMILES: C(CC(=O)O)C(=O)O

Properties

• Density: 1.552
• Melting point: 185-190 °C
• Boiling point: 235 °C
• Flash point: 206 °C
• Water solubility: 80 g/L (20 °C)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H318-H319
• Safety Statements: P264+P265-P280-P305+P351+P338-P305+P354+P338-P317-P337+P317

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Germ cell mutagenicity	Muta.	1B	H340
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	1B	H350
Aspiration hazard	Asp. Tox.	1	H304
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H311
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1C	H314
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361d
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336

Discovery and Applications

Succinic acid, a four-carbon dicarboxylic acid, was first identified by distilling amber, giving it its name from the Latin word “succinum” meaning amber. It is naturally occurring in all living cells as an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, an essential metabolic pathway for cellular energy production. Succinic acid is also found in various plant and animal tissues, particularly in amber, as well as in fermented products such as beer and wine. The discovery of this acid laid the foundation for its synthetic production and wide industrial applications.

Chemically, succinic acid (C4H6O4) consists of two carboxyl groups (-COOH) attached to a linear alkyl chain, which allows it to be a versatile chemical intermediate. Its discovery and production were further enhanced through petrochemical routes and, more recently, through biotechnological methods involving fermentation. Advances in biotechnology have enabled the sustainable production of succinic acid from renewable feedstocks, significantly contributing to the bioplastics industry and making it an important platform chemical.

One of the main applications of succinic acid is in the synthesis of biodegradable polymers. It serves as a precursor for the production of polybutylene succinate (PBS), a biodegradable polyester with applications in packaging, agriculture, and disposable items. PBS is valued for its environmentally friendly properties and its ability to decompose under composting conditions. Succinic acid also plays a key role in the production of resins, coatings, and adhesives, where its chemical structure provides enhanced flexibility and durability.

In the pharmaceutical and food industries, succinic acid is used as an acidity regulator and a flavoring agent. Its role in pharmaceuticals includes acting as a precursor for the synthesis of certain active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and it has applications in drug formulations where it helps to adjust pH levels and improve the solubility of drugs. The acid’s non-toxic nature and its presence in metabolic pathways make it a safe additive for use in food and medicine.

Succinic acid is also an important compound in agricultural chemistry, where it is used to formulate plant growth regulators and herbicides. Its effectiveness in promoting growth and enhancing stress tolerance in plants has made it a valuable component in various agricultural products. Additionally, succinic acid derivatives, such as succinate salts, are employed in corrosion inhibitors and metal plating processes, further extending its industrial reach.

The future of succinic acid is promising, particularly with the growing demand for sustainable and bio-based chemicals. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing its production through microbial fermentation, improving yields and reducing costs. As industries move towards greener alternatives, succinic acid is poised to play an increasingly important role in the development of environmentally friendly materials and chemicals.

References

1984. Defective succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase activity in 4-hydroxybutyric aciduria. European Journal of Pediatrics.
DOI: 10.1007/bf00540247

1991. Metabolic conversion of dicarboxylic acids to succinate in rat liver homogenates. A stable isotope tracer study. The Journal of biological chemistry.
DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)49936-x

2024. Increasing the quality and complexity of pulped coffee fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and selected yeasts. European Food Research and Technology.
DOI: 10.1007/s00217-024-04640-7