Succinic Acid
in chemistry, C4H6O4, CH2COOH CH2COOH ; volatile salt of amber; a dibasic acid belonging to the oxalic series, first recognized by Agricola in 1657. It occurs ready formed in amber, in certain plants, and in many animal fluids, and is a product of the oxidation of fatty acids of high molecular weight, and of the alcoholic fermentation of sugar. It is prepared by bringing calcium malate in contact with one-twelfth of its weight of decayed cheese , suspended in three parts of water, and kept for water, and kept some days at a temperature of 30° to 40°. Succinate of lime is formed, which is collected on a filter, decomposed with sulphuric acid, purified by recrystallization. It crystallizes in monoclinic prisms, is readily soluble in water, less easily in alcohol, insoluble in ether, melts at 180°, and boils at 235°. It forms neutral and acid salts, those of the alkalies being very soluble in water.
A characteristic reaction of succinic acid and soluble succinates is the formation of a red brown precipitate with ferric salts.