Succinic acid

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{{{name\|Succinic acid}}}
Image:Succinic acid.png
Chemical name	butanedioic acid}}}
Other names	succinic acid ethane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid
Chemical formula	C₄H₆O₄}}}
Molecular mass	118.09}}} g/mol
CAS number	110-15-6}}}]
Density	1.56}}} g/cm³
Melting point	185-190}}} °C
Boiling point	235}}} °C
SMILES	OC(CCC(O)=O)=O}}}
Disclaimer and references

Succinic acid, originally called spirit of amber, is a dicarboxylic acid with the formula:

HOOC-CH₂-CH₂-COOH

At room temperature, pure succinic acid is a solid that forms colorless, odorless prisms. It has a melting point of 185 °C and a boiling point of 235 °C. The anion, succinate, is a component of the citric acid cycle and is capable of donating electrons to the electron transfer chain via the following reaction:

succinate + FAD → fumarate + FADH₂

Esters of succinic acid are called dialkyl succinates.

1 History
2 Safety
3 References
4 See also
5 External links

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History

Spirit of amber was procured from amber by pulverising and distilling it by a sand heat (a sand bath; vessel filled with heated sand). It was chiefly used externally for rheumatic aches and pains, and internally in inveterate gleets.

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Safety

The acid is combustible and corrosive, capable of causing burns. "Harmful by inhalation, ingestion and through skin absorption. Wash after handling. Eye contact may cause serious damage."

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