Product Overview & China Production Capacity
Succinic Acid (Butanedioic Acid, CAS 110-15-6, molecular formula C₄H₆O₄, MW 118.09) is a dicarboxylic acid used as a pH modifier, flavoring agent, and chemical intermediate in pharmaceutical, food, and industrial applications. China’s succinic acid production capacity exceeds 50,000 metric tons annually, utilizing both petrochemical (maleic anhydride hydrogenation) and bio-based (microbial fermentation) production routes at facilities in Shandong, Anhui, and Jiangsu provinces. This dual-pathway capacity ensures competitive manufacturer-direct supply across all purity grades.
In pharmaceutical formulations, succinic acid serves as an acidulant for effervescent tablets, a pH adjuster in parenteral solutions, and an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical salts (succinate salts of various APIs). Bio-based succinic acid produced through fermentation of glucose by engineered microorganisms (such as Basfia succiniciproducens or engineered E. coli) is gaining market share as a sustainable chemistry platform. Chinese producers offer both petroleum-derived and bio-based succinic acid meeting pharmacopoeial specifications.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Facilities maintain ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, and China quality certifications. Quality testing includes assay (titrimetric), melting point, residue on ignition, chloride, sulfate, iron, heavy metals, water content, and readily oxidizable substances. Products comply with USP/NF, EP, FCC, and ChP monograph specifications.
Petrochemical synthesis involves catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride followed by crystallization and recrystallization to achieve pharma-grade purity. Bio-based production utilizes fermentation followed by downstream processing including acidification, activated carbon treatment, crystallization, and drying. Both routes deliver product meeting identical quality specifications with full analytical documentation.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 110-15-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₆O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 118.09 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Assay | 99.0–100.5% |
| Melting Point | 185–190 °C |
| Loss on Drying | ≤0.5% |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤0.1% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm |
| Pharmacopoeial Compliance | USP/NF, EP, FCC, ChP |
Packaging & Export Logistics
Succinic acid is supplied in 25 kg PE-lined kraft bags or fiber drums, palletized for container loading. Bulk supply in 500 kg FIBCs is available. Lead time is 7–12 business days. FOB from Shanghai, Qingdao, or Nanjing; CIF and DDP terms supported.
Documentation includes CoA, SDS, bio-based certification (for fermentation-derived product), and commercial shipping paperwork. Non-hazardous classification simplifies global logistics.
China Supply Advantage
China’s dual production capability (petrochemical and bio-based) provides pricing flexibility and supply security for succinic acid procurement. Competitive pricing delivers 25–40% savings versus Western sources. Chinese producers export to pharmaceutical, food, and chemical companies worldwide with consistent quality and responsive commercial support. Bio-based succinic acid from China offers an attractive sustainable chemistry option at competitive pricing.