S

Succinic acid

IUPAC: butanedioic acid

C4H6O4 Acids CAS 110-15-6
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H6O4
CAS Number110-15-6
Molecular Weight118.09
Melting Point363 to 365 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point455 °F at 760 mmHg (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Density1.572 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility5 to 10 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceSuccinic acid appears as white crystals or shiny white odorless crystalline powder. pH of 0.1 molar solution: 2.7. Very acid taste. (NTP, 1992)
Also Known Asbutanedioic acid; 110-15-6; Amber acid; Asuccin; Wormwood acid; Dihydrofumaric acid; Katasuccin; Bernsteinsaure; 1,2-Ethanedicarboxylic acid; ethylenesuccinic acid
CategoryAcids

What is Succinic acid?

Succinic acid is an alpha,-dicarboxylic acid resulting from the formal oxidation of each of the terminal methyl groups of butane to the corresponding carboxy group. It is an intermediate metabolite in the citric acid cycle. It has a role as a micronutrient, an anti-ulcer drug, a nutraceutical, a radiation protective agent and a fundamental metabolite. It is an alpha,omega-dicarboxylic acid and a C4-dicarboxylic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a succinate(1-).

Formula & Notation

C4H6O4

IUPAC Name: butanedioic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: butanedioic acid; 110-15-6; Amber acid; Asuccin; Wormwood acid; Dihydrofumaric acid; Katasuccin; Bernsteinsaure; 1,2-Ethanedicarboxylic acid; ethylenesuccinic acid

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Succinic acid appears as white crystals or shiny white odorless crystalline powder. pH of 0.1 molar solution: 2.7. Very acid taste. (NTP, 1992). Molecular formula: C4H6O4. Molecular weight: 118.09 g/mol. Boiling point: 455 °F at 760 mmHg (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 363 to 365 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.572 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: 5 to 10 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.00000019 [mmHg]. LogP: -0.6.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point363 to 365 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point455 °F at 760 mmHg (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Density1.572 at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight118.09
Solubility5 to 10 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceSuccinic acid appears as white crystals or shiny white odorless crystalline powder. pH of 0.1 molar solution: 2.7. Very acid taste. (NTP, 1992)

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.

Safety Information

Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Succinic acid
Formula C4H6O4
CAS Number 110-15-6
Molecular Weight 118.09
Category Acids
Synonyms butanedioic acid; 110-15-6; Amber acid; Asuccin; Wormwood acid; Dihydrofumaric acid; Katasuccin; Bernsteinsaure; 1,2-Ethanedicarboxylic acid; ethylenesuccinic acid

Frequently Asked Questions

Succinic acid is an alpha,-dicarboxylic acid resulting from the formal oxidation of each of the terminal methyl groups of butane to the corresponding carboxy group. It is an intermediate metabolite in the citric acid cycle. It has a role as a micronutrient, an anti-ulcer drug, a nutraceutical, a radiation protective agent and a fundamental metabolite. It is an alpha,omega-dicarboxylic acid and a C4-dicarboxylic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a succinate(1-).

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.