Industrial, food, and pharmaceutical grade succinic acid for the U.S. market. White crystalline dicarboxylic acid used in polybutylene succinate (PBS) biodegradable polymer synthesis, pharmaceutical succinate salt formation, food acidulant (E363), and specialty chemical applications. Non-hazardous solid — no flammability or transport restrictions. COA, SDS, and full traceability with every order.
Industrial, food, and pharmaceutical purity tiers — each grade ships with a lot-specific certificate of analysis.
| Assay (titrimetric) | ≥99.0% |
|---|---|
| Moisture | ≤0.5% |
| Color (solution) | Colorless to pale yellow |
| Maleic acid | ≤0.1% |
| Heavy metals | ≤20 ppm |
| Ash | ≤0.05% |
| Assay (titrimetric) | ≥99.5% |
|---|---|
| Moisture | ≤0.5% |
| Heavy metals | ≤10 ppm |
| Lead | ≤2 ppm |
| Fumaric/maleic acids | ≤0.05% |
| Ash | ≤0.02% |
| Assay (titrimetric) | ≥99.5% |
|---|---|
| Moisture | ≤0.2% |
| Heavy metals | ≤5 ppm |
| Fumaric acid | ≤0.05% |
| Maleic acid | ≤0.01% |
| Residue on ignition | ≤0.05% |
| Chemical Name | Succinic Acid (Butanedioic acid) |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 110-15-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₆O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 118.09 g/mol |
| EINECS Number | 203-740-4 |
| EU Food Additive | E363 |
| FEMA Number | 3277 (GRAS) |
| TSCA Status | Listed on TSCA inventory |
| Transport Class | Not regulated as hazardous |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder or granules |
|---|---|
| Odor | Nearly odorless |
| Melting Point | 184–187°C (363–369°F) |
| Boiling Point | 235°C (455°F, with decomposition) |
| Density (solid) | 1.56 g/cm³ |
| pKa₁ | 4.21 |
| pKa₂ | 5.64 |
| Water Solubility @ 25°C | ~83 g/L |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (solid, high MP) |
| Flammability | Non-flammable under normal conditions |
Succinic acid's dual carboxylic acid functionality, biodegradability, and natural occurrence make it a versatile building block across polymer chemistry, pharmaceuticals, food, and specialty chemicals.
Succinic acid is a primary monomer in the synthesis of polybutylene succinate (PBS), a commercially important biodegradable and compostable thermoplastic polymer. PBS is produced by polycondensation of succinic acid with 1,4-butanediol, yielding a material with mechanical properties comparable to low-density polyethylene (LDPE) but with full biodegradability under industrial composting conditions (ISO 14855). PBS is used in compostable packaging films, agricultural mulch films, disposable cutlery, and biodegradable bags — markets growing rapidly as single-use plastic regulations tighten globally. Industrial-grade succinic acid purity (particularly maleic acid content) directly affects PBS molecular weight distribution and processability. Bio-based succinic acid (from fermentation) enables 100% bio-based PBS, fully decoupling the polymer from petroleum feedstocks.
Succinic acid is widely used in pharmaceutical salt formation to improve the solubility, stability, or bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Pharmaceutical salt selection is a critical step in drug development — succinate salts often offer superior crystal form stability and dissolution profiles compared to hydrochloride or sulfate salts. Well-known drugs formulated as succinate salts include metoprolol succinate (cardiovascular), sumatriptan succinate (migraine), doxylamine succinate (antihistamine), and solifenacin succinate (urological). Pharmaceutical-grade succinic acid (USP/Ph.Eur) with controlled fumaric acid and heavy metals specifications is required for these applications. Succinic acid also serves as a buffering agent and pH modifier in injectable and oral liquid formulations.
Succinic acid is approved as a food additive (EU E363) and is FEMA GRAS 3277. It occurs naturally in beer, wine, brewer's yeast, cheese, meat, and some vegetables — giving fermented products their characteristic mildly sour, slightly savory acid profile. As a food acidulant, succinic acid provides a unique taste profile distinct from citric and malic acids: lower sourness intensity with a more prolonged, savory finish. It is used in wine, beer, dairy products, baked goods, savory snacks, and meat products. As a food-grade ingredient, it also functions as a pH buffer and preservative potentiator, extending shelf life in combination with antimicrobial preservatives.
Succinic acid participates in polyester and polyamide synthesis as a dicarboxylic acid crosslinker and chain extender. In alkyd resin formulations, succinic anhydride (the dehydrated form) modifies resin architecture, adding carboxyl functionality that improves pigment wetting and adhesion in industrial coatings. In UV-curable systems, succinic acid-based polyesters provide backbone flexibility and controlled crosslink density. In hot-melt adhesives and pressure-sensitive adhesives, polyester polyol intermediates derived from succinic acid provide tunable cohesive strength and low-temperature flexibility.
Succinic acid is a platform chemical in specialty synthesis — it reacts with amines, alcohols, and polyols to form succinimides, succinamides, succinate esters, and succinate anhydride. Key derivatives include: N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS ester, protein bioconjugation), succinyl chloride (acylating agent), diethyl succinate (flavor/fragrance/solvent), and bis-2-ethylhexyl succinate (plasticizer). The Krebs cycle intermediate status of succinic acid underpins its excellent biodegradability and low ecotoxicological profile.
Bio-based succinic acid — the green platform chemical: Succinic acid can be produced by microbial fermentation of sugars, fixing CO₂ during biosynthesis via the reductive TCA pathway. Bio-based succinic acid is chemically identical to petroleum-derived material but carries renewable carbon certification, lower CO₂ footprint, and eligibility for bio-economy labeling. For customers with sustainability commitments or bio-based product specifications, bio-based succinic acid supply is available — contact us to discuss origin documentation requirements.
Supplied as white crystalline powder or granules. Contact us for pricing, MOQ, and lead times.
All documentation available on request via the quote form below.
Succinic acid (CAS 110-15-6) is a white crystalline dicarboxylic acid with formula C₄H₆O₄ and MW 118.09 g/mol. It melts at 184–187°C and is freely soluble in water (~83 g/L at 25°C). Also known as butanedioic acid or amber acid, it occurs naturally in plants, animals, and fermentation products. Used in PBS biodegradable polymers, pharmaceutical salt formation, food acidulant (E363), and specialty chemical synthesis.
Succinic acid is primarily used to form pharmaceutical succinate salts, improving API solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Common examples: metoprolol succinate (beta blocker), sumatriptan succinate (migraine), and doxylamine succinate (antihistamine). It also functions as a pH buffer and excipient in injectable and oral liquid formulations. Pharmaceutical grade (USP/Ph.Eur) requires controlled fumaric acid and heavy metals content.
Polybutylene succinate (PBS) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer made from succinic acid + 1,4-butanediol via polycondensation. PBS biodegrades under industrial composting conditions and replaces conventional plastics in packaging films, mulch films, and disposable items. Succinic acid purity — especially low maleic acid content — directly affects PBS molecular weight and processability. Bio-based succinic acid enables fully renewable PBS, replacing petroleum feedstocks.
Yes. Succinic acid is EU approved food additive E363 and FEMA GRAS 3277. It occurs naturally in beer, wine, cheese, and meat. It functions as a food acidulant with a mild, slightly sour-savory acid taste profile different from citric or malic acid — useful in beverages, baked goods, savory applications, and fermented products.
Bio-based succinic acid is produced by microbial fermentation of sugars (glucose, sucrose, biomass hydrolysates) using engineered bacteria or yeast. It is chemically identical to petroleum-derived succinic acid but uses renewable carbon feedstocks and fixes CO₂ during biosynthesis, giving it a significantly lower carbon footprint. Bio-based succinic acid qualifies for bio-economy and sustainable sourcing certifications. Contact us to discuss origin documentation for bio-based grades.
CARMELSOLV™ supplies succinic acid as white crystalline powder or granules in sample/R&D quantities, 25 kg poly-lined bags, fiber drums (~100–200 kg), and 500–1,000 kg supersacks (FIBCs). Contact us for pricing, lead times, and documentation for your required grade.
Yes. CAS 110-15-6 is listed on the U.S. EPA TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory and is compliant for commercial import and distribution in the United States. It is not classified as a DOT hazardous material — no special transport restrictions apply to the solid.
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