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E363 Succinic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic organic acid, with the chemical formula C₄H₆O₄, that is found in many biological systems as part of the citric acid (Krebs) cycle, and it is used mainly as an acidity regulator, flavoring aid, buffering agent, and chemical intermediate in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications because it provides mild acidity while also contributing to flavor enhancement and metabolic compatibility.
E363 Succinic acid is often produced by fermentation or chemical synthesis.
E363 Succinic acid improves acidity control and formulation flexibility.
CAS Number: 110-15-6
Molecular Formula: C4H6O4
Molecular Weight: 118.09
EINECS Number: 203-740-4
Synonyms: succinic acid, butanedioic acid, 110-15-6, Amber acid, Asuccin, Wormwood acid, Dihydrofumaric acid, Katasuccin, Bernsteinsäure, 1,2-Ethanedicarboxylic acid, ethylenesuccinic acid, 1,4-Butanedioic acid, Succinicum acidum, Butandisaeure, Acidum succinicum, Butanedionic acid, Kyselina jantarova, Ethylene dicarboxylic acid, acide succinique, Bernsteinsaeure, acide butanedioique, DTXSID6023602, AB6MNQ6J6L, NSC-106449, E363, FEMA NO. 4719, HOOC-CH2-CH2-COOH, DTXCID303602, CHEBI:15741, 1,2 Ethanedicarboxylic Acid, Succinate, Potassium, 1,4 Butanedioic Acid, RefChem:6501, 203-740-4, butanedioate;hydron, Butane diacid, Bernsteinsaure [German], Kyselina jantarova [Czech], MFCD00002789, HSDB 791, succ, NSC 106449, AI3-06297, NSC25949, NCGC00159372-02, Succinellite, Sal succini, WLN: QV2VQ, SIN, Succinic Acid; Butanedioic acid, Ethylene succinic acid, Ethanedicarboxylic acid, succinic-acid, sodium succinate (anhydrous), succinate, 26776-24-9, CAS-110-15-6, Succinic acid [NF], Succinic acid (8CI), Butanedioic acid (9CI), EINECS 203-740-4, UNII-AB6MNQ6J6L, BRN 1754069, Dihydrofumarate, Succinicate, Succunic Acide, Butanedioic acid diammonium salt, Succinic acid CRS, 1,4-Butanedioate, Succinic acid, FCC, Succinic acid, 99%, Succinic acid, natural, Succinic acid (standard), Terlipressin Impurity 14, SCHEMBL829, Succinic acid, ACS grade, bmse000183, bmse000968, CHEMBL576, EC 203-740-4, SUCCINIC ACID [II], SUCCINIC ACID [MI], SUCCINIC ACID [FCC], SUCCINIC ACID [HSDB], SUCCINIC ACID [VANDF], SUCCINIC ACID [MART.], GTPL3637, orb1305118, SUCCINIC ACID [USP-RS], SUCCINIC ACID [WHO-DD], SUCCINICUM ACIDUM [HPUS], HY-N0420, MSK7504, HMS3885O04, Tox21_111612, LMFA01170043, NSC-25949, etc., Succinic acid, 99% 250GR;Succinic acid, 99% 500GR;SUCCINIC ACID 99+% FCC;SUCCINIC ACID, 99+%;SUCCINIC ACID, MATRIX SUBSTANCE FOR MALD I-MS;SUCCINIC ACID, PGE. WITH 10 X 10 MG;SUCCINIC ACID, REAGENTPLUS TM, >= 99.0%;SUCCINIC ACID FREE ACID ACS REAGENT
E363 Succinic acid contains two carboxylic acid groups (-COOH) at each end of a four-carbon chain, which makes it a diprotic acid capable of donating two protons and participating in buffering systems that resist changes in pH.
E363 Succinic acids structure also allows it to act as a building block in the synthesis of many other organic compounds.
E363 Succinic acid improves buffering capacity and chemical versatility.
E363 Succinic acid appears as a white crystalline powder with a slightly sour taste, and it is moderately soluble in water, forming mildly acidic solutions that are less sharp than stronger acids like citric or acetic acid.
E363 Succinic acid is stable under normal storage conditions and non-volatile.
This improves handling and formulation stability.
E363 Succinic acid acts mainly as a mild acidifier and buffering agent, helping adjust pH levels, enhance flavor profiles (especially savory or umami notes), and stabilize chemical systems in food and industrial products.
It can also serve as a precursor for various biodegradable polymers and specialty chemicals.
E363 Succinic acid improves product stability and functional versatility.
E363 Succinic acid is best described as a naturally occurring, mild dicarboxylic acid used to regulate acidity, enhance flavor, stabilize formulations, and serve as a versatile chemical building block in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial systems.
E363 Succinic acid is a dicarboxylic acid.
It is a common intermediate in the metabolic pathway of several anaerobic and facultative micro-organisms.
E363 Succinic acid is used as a dietary supplement for symptoms related to menopause such as hot flashes and irritability.
It is used as a flavoring agent for food and beverages.
It is used to manufacture polyurethanes, paints and coatings, adhesives, sealants, artificial leathers, cosmetics and personal care products, biodegradable plastics, nylons, industrial lubricants, phthalate-free plasticizers, and dyes & pigments.
In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used in the preparation of active calcium succinate, as a starting material for active pharmaceutical ingredients (adipic acid, N-methyl pyrrolidinone, 2-pyrrolidinone, succinate salts, etc.), as an additive in drug formation, for medicines of sedative, antispasmer, antiplegm, antiphogistic, anrhoter, contraception and cancer curing, in the preparation of vitamin A and anti-Inflammatory, and as antidote for toxic substance.
E363 Succinic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula (CH2)2(CO2H)2.
In living organisms, succinic acid takes the form of an anion, succinate, which has multiple biological roles as a metabolic intermediate being converted into fumarate by the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase in complex 2 of the electron transport chain which is involved in making ATP, and as a signaling molecule reflecting the cellular metabolic state.
E363 Succinic acid is also important in energy metabolism and biochemical pathways, because it naturally exists as an intermediate in the citric acid (Krebs) cycle, where it plays a role in cellular energy production by participating in oxidation–reduction reactions that help convert nutrients into usable energy (ATP) in living organisms.
E363 Succinic acid biological relevance is one reason it is considered a “natural” organic acid in food and biotechnology contexts.
This improves biochemical significance and metabolic compatibility.
In industrial fermentation technology, E363 Succinic acid is increasingly produced using engineered microorganisms that convert renewable sugars into succinic acid at scale, making it a key platform chemical for sustainable bio-based manufacturing instead of petroleum-derived acids.
This microbial production route is considered part of green chemistry development.
E363 Succinic acid improves renewable chemical production and sustainability.
E363 Succinic acid is a building block for producing biodegradable plastics such as polybutylene succinate (PBS), where it reacts with glycols to form polyester chains that can break down more easily in the environment compared to conventional plastics.
This makes it valuable in eco-friendly material design.
E363 Succinic acid improves biodegradability and material sustainability.
Melting point: 185 °C
Boiling point: 235 °C
Density: 1.19 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
bulk density: 940 kg/m3
vapor pressure: 0–0 Pa at 25℃
FEMA: 4719 | SUCCINIC ACID
refractive index: n20/D 1.4002 (lit.)
FLAVIS Number: 08.024 | Succinic acid
Flash point: >230 °F
storage temp.: 2–8°C
solubility: Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, acetone and methanol. Insoluble in toluene, benzene, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride and petroleum ether.
pka: 4.16 (at 25℃)
form: Powder/Solid
color: White to off-white
PH: 3.65 (1 mM solution); 3.12 (10 mM solution); 2.61 (100 mM solution)
Odor: at 100.00 %. wormwood
Odor Type: herbal
biological source: synthetic
Water Solubility: 80 g/L (20 ºC)
Merck: 14,8869
JECFA Number: 2307
BRN: 1754069
Henry's Law Constant: 3.1×10⁷ mol/(m3Pa) at 25℃
Dielectric constant: 2.4 (26℃)
Stability: Stable. Substances to be avoided include strong bases, strong oxidizing agents. Combustible.
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions: FRAGRANCE; BUFFERING
InChI: 1S/C4H6O4/c5-3(6)1-2-4(7)8/h1-2H2,(H,5,6)(H,7,8)
InChIKey: KDYFGRWQOYBRFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: OC(=O)CCC(O)=O
LogP: -0.59
E363 Succinic acid is widely used in food flavor technology, where it contributes a subtle sour and slightly savory taste that can enhance overall flavor complexity in processed foods, sauces, snacks, and seasoning systems without overpowering other ingredients.
It is sometimes used to support umami-like taste profiles in combination with other flavor compounds.
E363 Succinic acid improves flavor balance and sensory depth.
In beverage applications, E363 Succinic acid helps adjust acidity while maintaining a smoother taste profile compared to harsher acids, making it useful in soft drinks, flavored waters, and fermented beverages where balanced sourness is important.
It also helps stabilize pH-sensitive ingredients in liquid systems.
E363 Succinic acid improves beverage stability and taste control.
E363 Succinic acid is significant because it is a natural metabolic intermediate in the citric acid cycle, and industrial microbial fermentation processes can be used to produce it sustainably from E363 Succinic acid feedstocks like glucose.
This makes it an important bio-based chemical platform.
E363 Succinic acid improves sustainability and industrial biotechnology development.
E363 Succinic acid is used as an excipient and intermediate in drug formulation, where it helps stabilize active ingredients and can also be used in the synthesis of certain medicinal compounds due to its reactive carboxyl groups.
It is compatible with many biological systems.
E363 Succinic acid improves drug formulation stability and chemical versatility.
In cosmetics and personal care products, E363 Succinic acid is used as a pH adjuster and mild acidifier that helps maintain optimal conditions for skin-compatible formulations while supporting preservative effectiveness.
It is considered relatively gentle compared to stronger acids.
E363 Succinic acid improves product safety and formulation stability.
In polymer and industrial chemistry, E363 Succinic acid is an important raw material for producing biodegradable plastics, resins, and coatings, especially in sustainable chemistry where it is used to replace petroleum-based intermediates.
It can be converted into succinate esters and other useful derivatives.
E363 Succinic acid improves material sustainability and industrial innovation.
In construction and material science, E363 Succinic acid and its derivatives can influence polymer setting and flexibility in certain formulations, contributing to controlled material properties in specialized chemical systems.
Its role is mainly as a reactive intermediate.
E363 Succinic acid improves material engineering and formulation control.
In animal nutrition and metabolism studies, succinic acid is relevant because it naturally occurs in cellular respiration pathways, making it a biologically familiar compound in biochemical research and metabolic engineering.
This helps scientists understand energy production in living systems.
This improves biochemical understanding and metabolic research.
In environmental and green chemistry, E363 Succinic acid is valued because it can be produced from renewable biomass and is biodegradable, making it a key candidate for replacing petrochemical-based acids in sustainable industrial processes.
It supports the development of bio-based chemical industries.
This improves environmental sustainability and green manufacturing.
In industrial cleaning and specialty chemical systems, E363 Succinic acid can act as a mild acidifier and chelating component, helping control pH and improve performance in certain cleaning formulations without harsh corrosive effects.
This makes it useful in controlled, eco-friendly chemical systems.
E363 Succinic acid improves cleaning efficiency and formulation safety.
E363 Succinic acid is found in all plant and animal materials as a result of the central metabolic role played by this dicarboxylic acid in the Citric Acid Cycle.
E363 Succinic acid concentrations are monitored in the manufacture of numerous foodstuffs and beverages, including wine, soy sauce, soy bean flour, fruit juice and dairy products (e.g. cheese).
The ripening process of apples can be followed by monitoring the falling levels of succinic acid. The occurrence of > 5 mg/kg of this acid in egg and egg products is indicative of microbial contamination.
Apart from use as a flavouring agent in the food and beverage industries, succinic acid finds many other non-food applications, such as in the production of dyes, drugs, perfumes, lacquers, photographic chemicals and coolants.
E363 Succinic acid is a normal constituent of almost all plant and animal tissues.
E363 Succinic acid is the dehydration product of the acid.
E363 Succinic acid was first obtained as the distillate from amber (Latin, Succinum) for which it is named.
E363 Succinic acid occurs in beet, brocoli, rhubarb, sauerkraut, cheese, meat, molasses, eggs, peat, coal, fruits, honey, and urine.
E363 Succinic acid is formed by the chemical and biochemical oxidation of fats, by alcoholic fermentation of sugar, and in numerous catalyzed oxidation processes.
E363 Succinic acid is also a major byproduct in the manufacture of adipic acid.
E363 Succinic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, is a relatively new nonhygroscopic product approved for food uses.
Its apparent taste characteristics in foods appear to be very similar to the other acidulants of this type, although pure aqueous solutions tend to have a slightly bitter taste (Monsanto Chemical Co, 1970; Gardner, 1972).
E363 Succinic acid, in contrast, is the only commercially available anhydride for food uses (Gardner, 1972).
E363 Succinic acid is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of alkyd resins and plasticizers, where it helps modify flexibility, durability, and chemical resistance of final materials used in paints and coatings.
Its two carboxyl groups make it highly reactive in polymer formation.
E363 Succinic acid improves material performance and formulation flexibility.
In pharmaceutical chemistry, E363 Succinic acid is used not only as an excipient but also as a starting material for synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), because its simple structure allows controlled chemical modifications to produce more complex drug molecules.
E363 Succinic acid is also used in buffer systems for injectable and oral formulations.
This improves drug development versatility and formulation stability.
In food sensory science, E363 Succinic acid contributes to a subtle combination of sour, salty, and umami-like taste notes, which is why it is sometimes used to enhance savory foods, fermented products, sauces, and seasoning blends without making them sharply acidic.
E363 Succinic acid can enhance overall flavor depth at low concentrations.
This improves taste complexity and sensory balance.
In beverage formulation engineering, E363 Succinic acid is used to fine-tune acidity in fermented drinks such as wine, beer, and kombucha, where it helps balance harsh acidity and improve mouthfeel by smoothing overall taste perception.
E363 Succinic acid can also interact with other organic acids to stabilize flavor profiles.
This improves beverage harmony and flavor refinement.
In biomedical and pharmaceutical research, E363 Succinic acid is studied for its role in metabolic disorders and mitochondrial function, since changes in succinate levels can be linked to certain disease states and cellular stress responses.
E363 Succinic acid makes it relevant in diagnostic and biochemical research.
This improves medical understanding and research applications.
In environmental biotechnology, E363 Succinic acid is considered a “platform chemical” because it can be derived from biomass and used to replace petrochemical intermediates, supporting the transition toward carbon-neutral industrial systems.
Its production is often integrated into circular bioeconomy models.
E363 Succinic acid improves sustainability and resource efficiency.
In industrial cleaning and formulation chemistry, E363 Succinic acid is used as a mild acidifier and chelating component in specialty cleaning products where strong corrosive acids are undesirable, helping maintain controlled pH while still supporting metal ion management.
It is especially useful in eco-friendly formulations.
E363 Succinic acid improves cleaning safety and formulation control.
Uses Of E363 Succinic acid:
E363 Succinic acid (COOH(CH2)2COOH) is a carboxylic acid used in food (as an acidulant), pharmaceutical (as an excipient), personal care (soaps) and chemical (pesticides, dyes and lacquers) industries.
Bio-based succinic acid is seen as an important platform chemical for the production of biodegradable plastics and as a substitute of several chemicals (such as adipic acid).
E363 Succinic acid is widely used in the food industry as a chelating agent and as a pH adjuster.
The FDA has granted Succinic Acid with the GRAS status (Generally Recognised as Safe Substance).
Studies conducted within the food industry show Succinic Acid has anti-oxidant properties: even though this does not imply the same will be exerted when the substance is applied topically, it gives an indication that suitable tests could be carried out to understand whether E363 Succinic acid maintain such effect once formulated in a cosmetic product.
E363 Succinic acid is also used as an intermediate to manufacture several chemicals, amongst which raw materials for the cosmetic and personal-care industry, e.g. emollients, surfactants and emulsifiers.
E363 Succinic acid is an acidulant that is commercially prepared by the hydrogenation of maleic or fumaric acid.
E363 Succinic acid is a nonhygroscopic acid but is more soluble in 25°c water than fumaric and adipic acid.
E363 Succinic acid has low acid strength and slow taste build-up; it is not a substitute for normal acidulants.
E363 Succinic acid combines with proteins in modifying the plasticity of bread dough.
E363 Succinic acid functions as an acidulant and flavor enhancer in relishes, beverages, and hot sausages.
E363 Succinic acid is widely use as organic intermediates for the pharmaceutical, engineering plastics, resins etc..
For the synthesis of sedatives, contraceptives and cancer drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.
In the chemical industry for the production of dyes, alkyd resin, glass fiber reinforced plastics, ion exchange resins and pesticides.
E363 Succinic acid is mainly used as an acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, buffering agent, and chemical intermediate because it provides mild acidity and chemical reactivity useful in many formulations.
In food and beverages, it is used to adjust acidity and enhance flavor complexity.
E363 Succinic acid improves taste balance and product stability.
In fermented products and biotechnology, it is used as a naturally derived organic acid or intermediate.
E363 Succinic acid improves sustainability and production efficiency.
In pharmaceuticals, it is used as an excipient and synthesis intermediate.
This improves drug stability and formulation design.
In cosmetics, it is used to regulate pH and support stable formulations.
This improves product compatibility and shelf life.
In industrial chemistry, it is used as a raw material for polymers, resins, and specialty chemicals.
E363 Succinic acid improves material versatility and sustainability.
E363 Succinic acid is mainly used as an acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, buffering agent, and industrial chemical intermediate because it provides mild acidity and useful reactivity for many biological and industrial systems.
In food and beverages, it is used to adjust acidity and enhance savory flavor profiles.
E363 Succinic acid improves taste balance and product complexity.
In fermentation and biotechnology, it is used as a naturally produced organic acid and platform chemical.
E363 Succinic acid improves sustainability and industrial production efficiency.
In pharmaceuticals, it is used as an excipient, buffer component, and synthesis intermediate.
This improves drug stability and formulation flexibility.
In cosmetics, it is used to regulate pH and stabilize formulations.
E363 Succinic acid improves product quality and shelf life.
In plastics, resins, and coatings, it is used as a chemical building block for biodegradable polymers and industrial materials.
This improves material sustainability and performance.
E363 Succinic acid is mainly used as an acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, buffering agent, and chemical intermediate because it provides mild acidity, supports pH stability, and acts as a versatile building block in both biological and industrial chemistry.
In food and beverages, E363 Succinic acid is used to adjust acidity and enhance savory or slightly sour flavor notes without making the product sharply acidic.
E363 Succinic acid improves taste balance, complexity, and overall sensory quality.
In fermented foods and beverage systems, it helps stabilize flavor profiles during storage by interacting with other organic acids and reducing harsh acidity perception.
E363 Succinic acid improves consistency and product smoothness.
In pharmaceuticals, it is used as an excipient and buffering component in oral and injectable formulations, as well as an intermediate in the synthesis of certain active pharmaceutical ingredients.
This improves drug stability and formulation versatility.
In cosmetics and personal care products, it is used to regulate pH and stabilize formulations such as creams, gels, and lotions, helping maintain ingredient effectiveness over time.
E363 Succinic acid improves product safety and shelf life.
In biotechnology and fermentation industries, it is used as a platform chemical produced from renewable feedstocks and as an intermediate in bio-based manufacturing processes.
E363 Succinic acid improves sustainability and industrial efficiency.
In plastics, resins, and coatings, it is used as a raw material for biodegradable polymers and specialty resins, helping produce more environmentally friendly materials.
This improves material sustainability and performance.
Safety Profile Of E363 Succinic acid:
E363 Succinic acid is generally considered a low hazard organic acid, especially because it is naturally present in biological systems and has relatively mild acidity compared to stronger industrial acids, although concentrated exposure can still cause irritation.
The main hazards involve mild irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory system, especially when handling powders or concentrated solutions in industrial environments.
Proper ventilation and protective equipment are recommended.
E363 Succinic acid improves workplace safety.
Skin contact is generally low risk, though prolonged exposure may cause mild irritation or dryness due to its acidic nature.
Washing with water is usually sufficient.
Eye contact may cause moderate irritation, especially from concentrated powder or solutions.
Protective eyewear is recommended during handling.
Inhalation of dust may cause temporary respiratory irritation, particularly in poorly ventilated environments.
Dust control measures are recommended.
E363 Succinic acid is not highly flammable and is chemically stable under normal storage conditions.
This improves storage and handling safety.
From a toxicological perspective, succinic acid is considered safe within regulated food and pharmaceutical limits because it is a natural metabolic intermediate in living organisms.
However, excessive exposure to concentrated forms should still be avoided.
E363 Succinic acid requires standard industrial hygiene practices.
From an environmental perspective, it is considered low risk and biodegradable, since it is naturally metabolized in biological systems and breaks down easily in the environment.
E363 Succinic acid improves environmental compatibility and sustainability.
