succinic anhydride

chemical compound

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July 14, 2026

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Succinic anhydride is a crystalline cyclic compound with the chemical formula C₂H₄(CO)₂O. It is produced by dehydrating succinic acid. Succinic acid itself is a dicarboxylic acid found in plant and animal tissues and is important in metabolism.12

When succinic acid is heated, its two carboxyl groups (-COOH) combine, releasing a water molecule to form succinic anhydride. This process creates a five-membered ring structure. Succinic anhydride is used as an intermediate in various chemical processes, including in certain drug compounds, agricultural and food production, and manufacturing.32

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carboxylic acid
Polycarboxylic acids
…a water molecule to produce succinic anhydride. Glutaric acid, with five carbon atoms, behaves similarly to yield glutaric anhydride. These reactions produce five- and six-membered rings, respectively, which are in general the easiest ring sizes to produce. Because adipic (six carbons) and longer-chain dicarboxylic acids would give rings of seven…
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…a water molecule to produce succinic anhydride. Glutaric acid, with five carbon atoms, behaves similarly to yield glutaric anhydride. These reactions produce five- and six-membered rings, respectively, which are in general the easiest ring sizes to produce. Because adipic (six carbons) and longer-chain dicarboxylic acids would give rings of seven…
Read More