Succinic Acid: Properties, Structure, and Essential Information

What Is Succinic Acid?

Succinic Acid stands out as a four-carbon dicarboxylic acid, found naturally in plants, animals, and even humans, but produced in greater volumes through fermentation and hydrogenation processes. Known chemically as butanedioic acid with the formula C₄H₆O₄, the compound looks like a colorless, odorless crystalline solid at room temperature. Its sweet-sour taste doesn’t tell the whole story of its versatile role in food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and chemical manufacturing. Folks working with raw materials recognize how succinic acid contributes as a precursor or additive, linking nature’s cycles with countless industry applications that touch many aspects of modern life.

Detailed Structure and Specifications

This substance carries a straightforward molecular structure: HOOC–CH₂–CH₂–COOH. That configuration, with two carboxyl groups sitting at each end, lets it participate in many chemical reactions and make it a favorite for organic synthesis. As for physical specifications, it takes shape as colorless monoclinic crystals, but shows flexibility by also coming in forms like flakes, powder, pearls, and sometimes dissolved as a liquid solution—each variant finding its place when manufacturers need the right texture and consistency for product formulations. If you dig into critical properties, the melting point lands at about 185°C. The density clocks in at 1.56 g/cm³, so that puts it in line with other small organic acids, making storage and transport straightforward with the right containers. Water solubility tips the balance between process convenience and product purity—about 83 g/L at 25°C, which works out well for those blending solutions or purifying intermediates.

Chemical Properties and Material Safety

In chemical terms, succinic acid demonstrates predictable reactivity, especially when forming salts (succinates) or esters. It remains stable under moderate conditions, which matters during storage. Though not classed among the most hazardous chemicals, it certainly deserves respect. Proper ventilation and protective equipment reduce the risk of eye or skin irritation. According to the Globally Harmonized System, the hazard category won’t alarm most chemical handlers, but misuse can still cause discomfort or mild harm. In bulk, appropriate labeling aligns with safety protocols and compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Commercial Formats and Packaging Practices

Those buying or selling this compound will encounter bulk crystals, compacted pearls, soft flakes, or even powdered forms, each matching specific demands in downstream processing. Succinic acid arrives in multi-layered bags, drums, or intermediate bulk containers, chosen for minimizing moisture pick-up and cross contamination. Producers often test each batch for purity and particle size so that end-users get material ready for food additives, resins, pharmaceutical agents, and bio-based plastics. The consistent composition of this organic acid lends itself well to scaling, which means the same compound supports both small-batch research and full-scale production.

HS Code, Regulatory Oversight, and Applications

Tracking international trade, succinic acid usually carries the HS Code 2917.19, essential for customs and trade compliance. Regulatory bodies take a close look at how it's used—especially in food and drug manufacturing—demanding documentation on source, purity, and trace elements. In pharmaceuticals, its biocompatibility turns it into a key ingredient for buffering agents and active pharmaceutical ingredients. In food, small doses serve as acidity regulators or flavor enhancers, listed as E363. The list of applications runs long: biodegradable plastic production, specialty polymers, agricultural enhancers, tanning agents, coating intermediates, and dyes all rely on its straightforward and dependable reactions. Throughout these uses, people count on reliable properties—melting, dissolving, reacting—making succinic acid a foundation for innovative formulations.

Safe Handling, Environmental Impact, and Future Trends

Working with succinic acid day to day, trained workers wear gloves, goggles, and sometimes respirators to dodge powder inhalation or accidental contact. Storage needs a dry, cool spot with sealed containers so clumping or hydrolysis doesn’t spoil its function. Disposal policies depend on dilution and environment impact, but it breaks down naturally with low toxicity. Many producers now pitch bio-based succinic acid, produced through fermentation of renewable feedstocks, as a step toward greener chemistry and sustainability. As industries keep shifting away from petrochemicals, this simple compound gains more roles, connecting traditional chemical manufacturing with modern drives for safer, cleaner, and more renewable raw materials.