Preparation, Properties And Uses Of Succinic Acids
Succinic acid is a type of dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula of (CH2)2(CO2H)2. It derives it’s name from the Latin word succinum, meaning amber.
Succinic acid takes the form of an anion called succinate in living organisms. It has multiple biological roles as a metabolic intermediate that is converted into fumarate by the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase in complex 2 of the electron transport chain which is involved in making ATP. It is marketed as the food additive – E363. Succinate is produced in the mitochondria via the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA).
Properties of Succinic Acid
| Chemical Formula | The chemical formula of succinic acid is C4H6O4. |
| Molar Mass | The molar mass of succinic acid is 118.088 g·mol−1. |
| Density | The density of succinic acid is 1.56 g/cm3. |
| Melting Point | The melting point of succinic acid is between 184–190 °C (363–374 °F; 457–463 K). |
| Boiling Point | The boiling point of succinic acid is 235 °C (455 °F; 508 K). |
| Solubility in Water | The solubility of succinic acid in water is 58 g/L (20 °C) or 100 mg/mL. |
| Solubility in Methanol | The solubility of succinic acid in methanol is 158 mg/mL. |
| Solubility in Ethanol | The solubility of succinic acid in ethanol is 54 mg/mL. |
| Solubility in Acetone | The solubility of succinic acid in acetone is 27 mg/mL. |
| Solubility in Glycerol | The solubility of succinic acid in glycerol is 50 mg/mL. |
| Solubility in Ether | The solubility of succinic in Ether is 8.8 mg/mL. |
| Acidity (pKa) | pKa1 = 4.2
pKa2 = 5.6 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | Succinic acid has a magnetic susceptibility of -57.9·10−6 cm3/mol. |
| Other anions | Sodium Succinate |
| Related carboxylic acids | Other related carboxylic acid of succinic acid include:
Propionic Acid Malonic Acid Butyric Acid Malic Acid Tartaric Acid Fumaric Acid Valeric Acid Glutaric Acid |
Preparation of Succinic Acid
Succinic acid was firstly obtained as a distillation product of amber (Latin: succinum). The most common method of synthesis of succinic acid is the catalytic hydrogenation of maleic acid or its anhydride.
Uses of Succinic Acid
Succinic acids are used as precursors to polymers, resins, and solvents.
Succinic acid is used as a precursor to some polyesters and a component of some alkyd resins. The compound 1,4-Butanediol (BDO) can be synthesized using succinic acid as a precursor and automotive and electronics industries rely on BDO to produce connectors, insulators, wheel covers, gearshift knobs and reinforcing beams.
Succinic acid also serves as the bases of certain biodegradable polymers, which are used in tissue engineering applications.
NB: Acylation with succinic acid is called succination while Oversuccination occurs when more than one succinate adds to a substrate.
Succinate acids are used as food and dietary supplement
Succinic acid is primarily used as an acidity regulator in food and beverage industries. It is also used as a flavoring agent, contributing a somewhat sour and astringent component to umami taste.
It is used as an excipient in pharmaceutical products, it is also used to control acidity or as a counter ion. Drugs containing succinate include metoprolol succinate, sumatriptan succinate, Doxylamine succinate or solifenacin succinate.
Benefits Of Succinic Acid On The Human Body
Succinic acid has been shown to stimulate the neural system recovery and also boost the immune system. Claims have also been made that it boosts awareness, concentration and reflexes of the human mind.
Succinic acid contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds. It also contains soothing effects and offers antioxidant protection as well as anti-aging properties, and hydrates the skin.
It is involved in the treatment of acnes, reduction of skin dryness, fighting free radical damage and signs of aging, and decreasing irritations.
FAQS
What are the uses of succinic acid?
Succinic acids are common organic acids, which can be used in many food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries as precursors to generate many chemicals such as solvents, perfumes, lacquers, plasticizer, dyes, and photographic chemicals. Succinic acids are also used as an antibiotic and curative agent.
Is succinic acid good for skin?
Yes Succinic acids are good for the skin. They help to control and balance excess sebum production to reduce shine and excess oil which is great for those with oily or acne-prone skin. They also help to unblock pores and prevent them from clogging again leading to a reduction in overall pore appearance and size.
Is succinic acid safe to use?
Yes, It’s safe and gentle enough for all skin types.
Is succinic acid better than salicylic acid?
One of the benefit of using succinic acid over the traditional salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide is that succinic acid is found to be more gentle and non-drying, making it a good option for sensitive or irritated skin.
