succinaldehyde

Succinaldehyde, also known as 1,4-butanedial, is a small dialdehyde with two aldehyde groups at opposite ends of a four-carbon chain. Its molecular formula is C4H6O2 and its structure is OHC-CH2-CH2-CHO.

It is a reactive electrophile that readily participates in condensation and nucleophilic addition reactions. It forms Schiff bases by reaction with primary amines and can undergo aldol reactions with enolizable partners. Reductive transformations can convert it to 1,4-butanediol or related derivatives. In aqueous solutions the aldehyde groups can hydrate to form gem-diols under suitable conditions.

Applications include use as a crosslinking reagent in polymer chemistry and as a versatile building block in organic synthesis for preparing heterocycles and pharmaceutical intermediates. It is employed in resin manufacture and as a laboratory reagent for dialdehyde chemistry.

Safety: Succinaldehyde is a reactive aldehyde and may be irritating to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. It should be handled with appropriate personal protective equipment and in well-ventilated spaces. Storage and disposal should follow applicable regulations for hazardous chemicals.