butane14dioic

Butane14dioic, more commonly known as butane-1,4-dioic acid or succinic acid, is a dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula C4H6O4. It is a straightforward dioic acid in which carboxyl groups are attached to the first and fourth carbon of a butane backbone. Common synonyms include succinic acid and butanedioic acid. Its molecular weight is about 118.09 g/mol.

In terms of structure and properties, succinic acid exists as a white crystalline solid. It has a melting point around 185–187 °C and is soluble in water, with decreasing solubility in organic solvents at room temperature. The molecule can undergo two acidic dissociation steps, with pKa values near 4.21 and 5.64, reflecting its two carboxyl groups. It is frequently encountered in biological systems as an intermediate of the citric acid cycle and occurs naturally in some plant and animal tissues.

Occurrence and production methods include natural biosynthesis in living organisms and industrial production through chemical routes. Industrially, succinic acid can be produced by catalytic oxidation of n-butanol or butane derivatives followed by hydrolysis, or by fermentation using microbial processes. It is also obtainable via hydrogenation of maleic anhydride.

Applications are diverse. It is used as a food additive (E363) for acidity regulation and as a building block in polymer chemistry, serving as a monomer or co-monomer in aliphatic polyesters such as polybutylene succinate. Succinic acid derivatives are used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and as buffering agents in various formulations.

Safety and handling notes indicate that succinic acid is of relatively low toxicity but can be irritating in concentrated solutions. Proper handling and storage in a dry, cool area are recommended.

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