Succinic acid

Succinic Acid

Succinic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula (CH2)2(CO2H)2. The name derives from Latin succinum, meaning amber, from which the acid may be obtained.

History

Succinic acid was first obtained from amber by Albertus Magnus, a German bishop and alchemist, in 1546. It is produced commercially from petroleum-derived maleic anhydride.

Properties

Succinic acid is a white, odorless solid. It is soluble in water, slightly dissolved in ethanol, ether, acetone and glycerine. It does not dissolve in benzene, carbon sulfide, carbon tetrachloride or oil ether.

Production

Succinic acid is produced industrially from butane via maleic anhydride. Furthermore, it can also be produced from renewable resources. For instance, genetically modified Escherichia coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been used to produce succinic acid in a two-step fermentation process.

Uses

Succinic acid is used in several chemical processes. It is a precursor to some polyesters and a component of some alkyd resins. A key derivative of succinic acid, 1,4-butanediol (BDO), has major industrial applications. The global market size for BDO was estimated at USD 4.72 billion in 2013.

Health and safety

Succinic acid is not listed as a carcinogen by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Toxicology Program (NTP), or the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

See also

• Amber
• Albertus Magnus
• Escherichia coli
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae
• 1,4-butanediol

References

Succinic acid Resources
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