سوکسینیک اسید

Succinic acid is a white, odorless, crystalline dicarboxylic acid naturally found in many plant and animal tissues. It is widely used in the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries due to its biodegradability, low toxicity, and versatility as a chemical building block.

🏭⚗️ Production
Succinic acid can be produced through petrochemical synthesis or bio-based fermentation. Traditionally, it is synthesized from maleic anhydride via hydrogenation. However, modern sustainable methods involve fermentation of glucose or other sugars using genetically engineered bacteria or fungi, making it a promising bio-based platform chemical for green chemistry applications.

🔬 Properties
The chemical formula of succinic acid is C₄H₆O₄, and it has a molar mass of approximately 118.09 g/mol. It appears as a white crystalline solid, with a melting point of about 185–187 °C and is soluble in water, alcohol, and acetone. As a diprotic acid, it can donate two protons and thus participate in buffer systems. Succinic acid is stable under normal storage conditions and exhibits weak acidity.

🧪 Applications
Succinic acid is used as a precursor in the synthesis of polyesters, resins, and solvents. In the food industry, it serves as an acidity regulator (E363) and flavoring agent. In pharmaceuticals, it is used in the formulation of drugs and dietary supplements. Succinic acid is also a building block for biodegradable plastics, surface coatings, and specialty chemicals like succinate salts, γ-butyrolactone, and tetrahydrofuran.

⚠️ Safety
Succinic acid is generally regarded as safe and non-toxic. However, concentrated forms may cause mild skin or eye irritation. Inhalation of dust should be avoided, and handling should be done with basic personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety glasses. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from strong oxidizers and bases.