Succinic acid
Succinic Acid
Succinic acid (/sʌkˈsɪnɪk ˈæsɪd/), also known as amber acid, is a dicarboxylic acid that plays a significant role in several biochemical processes in living organisms. The term "succinic" originates from the Latin word "succinum," meaning amber, as it was first obtained from amber by distillation.
Etymology
The term "succinic acid" is derived from the Latin word "succinum," which means amber. This is because succinic acid was first obtained from amber by distillation. The chemical suffix "-ic" is added to the root word to denote that it is an acid.
Biochemical Role
Succinic acid is an important intermediate in the Krebs cycle, a crucial biochemical pathway in cellular respiration where it is involved in the generation of ATP, the main energy source for cells. It is also a precursor to some polymers and is used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Related Terms
- Krebs cycle: A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide.
- Polymer: A large molecule, or macromolecule, composed of many repeated subunits, known as monomers.
- Cellular respiration: A set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place in the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products.
- ATP: Adenosine triphosphate, a complex organic chemical that provides energy to drive many processes in living cells.
Industrial Uses
Succinic acid is used in the food and beverage industry as an acidity regulator. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient in tablet formulation. In the chemical industry, succinic acid is a precursor to polymers, resins, and solvents.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Succinic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Succinic acid
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