Succinic Acid, IUPAC name Butanedioic Acid, C4H6O4 is a dicarboxylic acid. At room temperature the acid is a white solid.Â
Succinic Acid is used in as stock chemical for the production of 1,4-Butanediol (BDO). The automotive and electronics industries use BDO for many plastic car part and insulators.
Succinic Acid is used as an acidity regulator and flavor enhancer in food, in the manufacture of drugs, and in dietary supplements.
In addition to the pure acid, it is often offered for sale as its sodium salt, C4H4O4Na2. The Disodium Salt is also a white crystalline solid and has an acidic taste. The hexahydrate form of the salt is used in the manufacture of the topical preparation for cataract treatment.