Succinic acid
| Succinic acid | |
|---|---|
| |
| 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:
This is catalysed by the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (or complex II of the mitochondrial ETC). The complex is a 4 subunit membrane-bound lipoprotein which couples the oxidation of succinate to the reduction of ubiquinone. Intermediate electron carriers are FAD and three Fe2S2 clusters part of subunit B.
Esters of succinic acid are called dialkyl succinates.
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.
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."
References
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chambers, Ephraim, ed. (1728). Cyclopædia, or an Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences (1st ed.). James and John Knapton, et al. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Missing or empty|title=(help)
See also
- Oil of amber, procured by heating succinic acid