Succinic acid

**Succinic acid** is a four-carbon dicarboxylic acid with the molecular formula C₄H₆O₄, also known as butanedioic acid[1][2][3][4]. It naturally occurs in all living cells as an intermediate in the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), contributing to cellular energy metabolism[1][2]. In its ionized form (*succinate*), it is essential for metabolic processes. Succinic acid is a white, odorless, crystalline solid that is soluble in water and certain organic solvents. Its acidity derives from its two carboxyl groups, allowing it to act in various chemical and industrial applications, including as an acidulant in food, a precursor for pharmaceuticals and polymers, and as an intermediate in chemical synthesis. Despite its broad biological relevance, **succinic acid is not a protein, receptor, enzyme, transporter, or any typical therapeutic target**, but rather a small molecule metabolic intermediate[1][2][3][4]. **Note:** There is something incorrect about the query for a "target" named "succinic acid": succinic acid is a small molecule metabolite, not a conventional drug target such as a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or transcription factor. Therefore, most requested fields relating to therapeutic targeting do not apply.

Other names

butanedioic acidamber acidwormwood acidsuccinateasuccindihydrofumaric acidbernsteinsaurekatasuccinethylenesuccinic acid1,2-ethanedicarboxylic acid