Originally, it was prepared by the distillation of amber (Latin; amber = succinium) and hence its name. It is also formed during the alcoholic fermentation of sugar.
Preparation.
1. By treating ethylene bromide with potassium cyanide followed by hydrolysis.
2. By reducing the hydroxy acids, viz. malic acid and tartaric acid with hydriodic acid and red phosphorus in a sealed tube.
3. By the catalytic or electrolytic reduction of maleic acid (commercial method).
Properties :
1. Action of heat. Succinic acid, when heated above its melting point, forms succinic anhydride.
2. Action of ammonia. Succinic acid forms succinimide on heating with ammonia.
Succinimide is also produced by the reaction of succinic anhydride with ammonia.
4. Electrolysis of alkali salt. Electrolysis of aqueous solution of sodium or gives ethylene.
5. Oxidation. On strong oxidation, succinic acid gives oxalic acid.
Uses. Succinic acid is used as a laboratory reagent in volumetric analysis for acid-base titrations. It is also used, in medicines, dyes, lacquers, resins and perfumes.
