The acid succinic acid has the formula:

HOOC-CH₂-CH₂-COOH

At room temperature, pure succinic acid is a solid that forms colorless, odorless prisms. It has a melting point of 185 °C and a boiling point of 235 °C. The acid is combustible and corrosive, capable of causing burns.

The anion, succinate, is a component of the citric acid cycle and is capable of donating electrons to the electron transfer chain via the following reaction:

succinate + FAD → maleate + FADH₂