succinic acid

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Word: Succinic Acid

Definition:
Succinic acid is a chemical compound that belongs to a group of organic compounds known as dicarboxylic acids. Its chemical formula is C₄H₆O₄, which means it contains four carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and four oxygen atoms. It plays an important role in various metabolic processes in living organisms.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: Succinic acid is often discussed in scientific or medical contexts, particularly in biology and chemistry.
• Formality: It is a formal term, so it’s used mostly in academic or professional settings.

Example Sentence:

• "Succinic acid is produced during the process of breaking down carbohydrates in the body."

Advanced Usage:

• In biochemistry, succinic acid is involved in the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle), which is crucial for energy production in cells.
• It is also used in various industrial applications, such as making plastics and food additives.

Word Variants:

• Succinates: These are the salts or esters of succinic acid.
• Succinic: An adjective form that describes something related to or derived from succinic acid.

Different Meanings:

• Succinic acid primarily refers to the chemical compound. However, in a broader sense, it can also refer to its role in metabolic processes.

Synonyms:

• There aren’t many direct synonyms for succinic acid, but you might come across terms like "butanedioic acid" (its IUPAC name) in scientific literature.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs associated specifically with "succinic acid," as it is a technical term.

Summary:

Succinic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that is important in metabolic processes. It is mainly discussed in scientific contexts, particularly in biochemistry, where it plays a role in energy production.

Academic

Noun

1. a dicarboxylic acid (C4H6O4) active in metabolic processes