What Is Succinic Acid?
Succinic Acid is classified as a dicarboxylic acid because it has two carboxyl groups in its molecule. The name succinic acid is derived from its discovery in the dry distillation of amber.
This compound is widely used in the synthesis of various compounds, and its demand is increasing as an important raw material for the chemical industry.
Industrially, it is produced by hydrogenation of maleic anhydride, which is derived from petroleum.
Succinic acid is also produced in living organisms as a metabolite of the citric acid cycle. This has led to widespread attempts to produce petroleum-derived bio-succinic acid using bacteria and cyanobacteria.
Physicochemical Properties of Succinic Acid
Succinic Acid (IUPAC name: butanedioic acid) has the molecular formula C4H6O4, and molecular weight 118.09. It has a melting point of 185-187°C.
It is soluble in water and ethanol, and insoluble in diethyl ether. The taste is umami, and it is also bitter and acidic.
Uses of Succinic Acid
Succinic acid is used in a wide range of applications.
In the food industry, it is used as an umami additive, flavoring agent, and acidity regulator.
In industry and pharmaceutical manufacturing, succinic acid is used as an intermediate in the production of polymers such as polyester and polyurethane, resins, dyes, and in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals.
1. Unique Umami Taste and Use as a Food Additive
Succinic acid is a well-known umami component found in shellfish such as clams. Its sodium salt, sodium succinic acid, exhibits a stronger umami taste than free carboxylic acid. It is also produced by alcoholic fermentation and is a component of the flavor of wine and beer.
2. Use as an Industrial Product and Medicine
Succinic acid is industrially used as a raw material for synthesizing various compounds. Polybutylene succinate, a biodegradable plastic, is a typical example of a compound synthesized from succinic acid.
Succinic acid is also used as a pH adjuster in pharmaceuticals, plating agents, and bath salts.
3. Buffering Action and Use as a PH Adjuster
Succinic acid is a type of organic acid, and its mixture with conjugate base has a buffering effect and is used as a pH adjuster in cosmetics.
Role of Succinic Acid in the TCA Circuit
Succinic acid is an important intermediate in the TCA circuit and is deeply involved in the energy metabolism of many oxygen-breathing organisms; in the TCA circuit, succinic acid catalyzes succinate dehydrogenase to give fumaric acid, during which the coenzyme FAD is reduced to produce FADH2.
Structure of Succinic Acid
Succinic Acid is a dicarboxylic acid compound with two carboxylic acids in its structure. It has the molecular formula C4H6O4, molecular weight 118.09, and is designated butanedioic acid in IUPAC nomenclature.
Succinic acid is a four-carbon linear molecule with two carboxyl groups (-COOH). The two carboxyl groups make it highly acidic and soluble in water.
Succinic acid also behaves as a strong acid because the carboxyl groups release a proton.
Other Information on Succinic Acid
How Succinic Acid is Produced
In industrial production, succinic acid is prepared by contact hydrogenation of maleic anhydride, which is maleic acid or its dehydrated cyclide.
Succinic acid is an intermediate in the TCA circuit, so it can also be produced by fermentation using microorganisms. However, its productivity is low and it has not yet been put to practical use.