Succinic acid is a chemical compound, short-chain dicarboxylic fatty acid and intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. It is produced industrially by hydrolysis and natural enzymatic fermentation with microorganisms (Basfia succiniproducens, Mannheimia succiniciproducens, Escherichia coli, Candida krusei, S. cerevisiae).

It appears as a fine white powder or colourless to white crystals. Soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone and methanol. Insoluble in toluene, benzene, carbon disulphide, carbon tetrachloride and petroleum ether.

What it is used for and where

Medical and Pharmaceuticals

Succinic acid is used in the pharmaceutical industry in a large number of fungicide and detergent products.

It is a main component of amber, which is commonly used for arrhythmia treatment. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and cardioprotective properties.

Recently, succinic acid has been shown to be metabolically active in human health and could be considered as a potential therapeutic agent on renal cancer cell lines (1).

With a 2% succinic acid solution it is possible to reduce the level of Salmonella on broiler carcasses (2).

Topical application of succinic acid to acne lesions induced by Propionibacterium acnes has been shown to markedly suppress the induced inflammation and slow down its growth.

Segments of succinic acid improved the biodegradability and loading capacity of polyglycerol nanogels for dermal administration (3).

The nutraceutical, anti-ulcer and radiation-protective properties of succinic acid were also noted.

Used for the synthesis of tranquillisers, contraceptives and anti-cancer drugs.

Food

Succinic acid can be used as an acidic food agent to impart flavour to wines, baked goods, candies. Usually combined with soy sauce and monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Cosmetics

Surfactant, detergent additive and foaming agent.

Other uses

Agricultural industry as a herbicide. Also used in the chemical, leather and textile industries. Prevents metal dissolution and pitting corrosion in the galvanic industry. In the chemical industry for galvanic auxiliaries, dyes, leather, alkyd resins, glass-fibre reinforced plastics.

Detergent in semiconductors, printed circuit boards, electronic boards. Synthesiser of glass fibre reinforced plastics, PBS degradable plastics, analytical reagents.

For more information:    Succinic acid studies

Typical commercial product characteristics Succinic acid

Appearance	White powder or colorless to white crystals
Boiling Point	236.1±13.0°C at 760 mmHg
Melting Point	185°C
Flash Point	110.9±16.3°C
Density	1.4±0.1 g/cm3
Chloride	≤0.007%
Residues on Ignition	≤0.025%
Sulphate	≤0.01%
Iron	≤20 ppm
Water Insolubles	≤50 ppm
Water Solubility	80 g/l (20 ºC)
pH	2,7 (10g/l, H2O, 20°C)
PSA	74.60000
LogP	-0.59
Vapor Pressure	0.0±1.0 mmHg at 25°C
Index of Refraction	1.478
Safety

• Molecular Formula  C₄H₆O₄
• Linear Formula    HOOCCH₂CH₂COOH
• Molecular Weight     118.09
• Exact Mass   118.026611
• CAS  110-15-6
• UNII    AB6MNQ6J6L
• EC Number   203-740-4
• DSSTox Substance ID  DTXSID6023602
• IUPAC  butanedioic acid
• InChI=1S/C4H6O4/c5-3(6)1-2-4(7)8/h1-2H2,(H,5,6)(H,7,8) 
• InChl Key      KDYFGRWQOYBRFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• SMILES   C(CC(=O)O)C(=O)O
• MDL number  MFCD00002789
• PubChem Substance ID    24899568
• ChEBI  15741
• RXCUI   37255    
• NSC   106449    25949
• NACRES  NA.25
• Beilstein   1754069
• RTECS   WM4900000
• FEMA    4719  

Synonyms

• Butanedioic acid
• Butane diacid
• Amber acid
• Asuccin
• Ammonium Succinate
• 1,2 Ethanedicarboxylic Acid
• 1,4 Butanedioic Acid
• Potassium Succinate

References_______________________________________________________________________

(1) Kasarci G, Ertugrul B, Iplik ES, Cakmakoglu B. The apoptotic efficacy of succinic acid on renal cancer cell lines. Med Oncol. 2021 Oct 23;38(12):144. doi: 10.1007/s12032-021-01577-9. 

(2) Radkowski M, Zdrodowska B, Gomółka-Pawlicka M. Effect of Succinic Acid on Elimination of Salmonella in Chicken Meat. J Food Prot. 2018 Sep;81(9):1491-1495. doi: 10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-17-446. 

(3) Zabihi F, Koeppe H, Achazi K, Hedtrich S, Haag R. One-Pot Synthesis of Poly(glycerol- co-succinic acid) Nanogels for Dermal Delivery. Biomacromolecules. 2019 May 13;20(5):1867-1875. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b01741.