Succinic acid
Succinic acid () is a dicarboxylic acid with chemical formula (CH2)2(CO2H)2. It is a white, odorless solid. In an aqueous solution, it ionizes to anions (that is, conjugates to a conjugate base) called succinate (), which plays a role in the citric acid cycle, an energy-yielding process in all living organisms. As a radical group it is called a succinyl () group. The name derives from Latin succinum, meaning amber, from which the acid may be obtained.
Production
Historically known as spirit of amber, succinic acid was originally obtained from amber by distillation.
Petrochemical routes
Common industrial routes include partial hydrogenation of maleic acid, oxidation of 1,4-butanediol, and carbonylation of ethylene glycol.
Bio-derived succinic acid
In a 2004 report, the United States Department of Energy identified bio-succinic acid as one of the renewable building block chemicals with the greatest technical feasibility and commercial potential.
Indeed, succinic acid is produced commercially through the fermentation of glucose from renewable feedstock.
