Succinic acid is a chemical compound found in various natural sources such as amber, fruits, and vegetables. Its chemical formula is C4H6O4, and its pronunciation is /sʌkˈsɪnɪk ˈæsɪd/. The word "succinic" comes from the Latin word "succinum" meaning amber, while "acid" comes from the Latin word "acidus" meaning sour. The IPA phonetic transcription indicates that the stress is on the first syllable, with the "s" sound in both syllables pronounced as unvoiced /s/.
Succinic acid, also known as butanedioic acid, is a dicarboxylic acid with the molecular formula C₄H₆O₄. It occurs naturally in various plant and animal tissues and is an important intermediate in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, which plays a vital role in the production of energy in living organisms. Succinic acid can be derived from the oxidation of sugars by various microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria.
In terms of physical properties, succinic acid appears as a colorless crystalline solid with a somewhat acidic taste and a melting point of around 185 °C. It is highly soluble in water and polar organic solvents like ethanol, methanol, and acetone.
Succinic acid finds applications in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, agriculture, and polymers. It is commonly used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of medicines, vitamins, and cosmetics. In the food industry, it serves as an acidity regulator and flavoring agent. Additionally, succinic acid is utilized in the production of biodegradable polymers, like polybutylene succinate, which have applications in packaging materials and disposable products.
In summary, succinic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that serves multiple functions in living organisms. It is widely utilized across different sectors due to its chemical properties and versatile applications.
An acid, H2C4H4O4, occurring in colorless crystals, obtained by the destructive distillation of amber and by treating fats with nitric acid; employed for the relief of spasmodic pains in doses of gr. 5-10 (0.3-0.6).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "succinic" is derived from the Latin word "succinum", which means amber. This is because succinic acid was first obtained from amber, a fossilized tree resin. The acid was present in large quantities in amber, which is why it was named after this material. The word "acid" comes from the Latin word "acidus", meaning sour or sharp, as acids generally have a sour taste.