Butanedioic Acid
Product Profile
Apply for Sample| Names | |
|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC name | butanedioic acid |
| Other names | Succinic Acid Ethane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid Amber acid |
| Pronunciation | /ˌbjuːteɪnˈdiːoʊɪk ˈæsɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 110-15-6 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1204100 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:30744 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL698 |
| ChemSpider | 589 |
| DrugBank | DB00126 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03cd2bda-5f4a-4d92-9656-3a7a09018602 |
| EC Number | 2.3.1.61 |
| Gmelin Reference | 882 |
| KEGG | C00091 |
| MeSH | D001398 |
| PubChem CID | 444993 |
| RTECS number | WS6920000 |
| UNII | 7I6AO232AP |
| UN number | UN3261 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H6O4 |
| Molar mass | 118.09 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.572 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble |
| log P | -0.59 |
| Vapor pressure | 1 mmHg (175°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 3.83, 5.13 |
| Basicity (pKb) | pKb = 12.50 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.7e-6 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.555 |
| Viscosity | 1.78E-1 mPa·s |
| Dipole moment | 3.22 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 157.4 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -849.1 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -1365.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A16AX04 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed. Causes serious eye irritation. Causes skin irritation. |
| GHS labelling | **GHS07, Warning** |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: "P264, P280 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-0-0 |
| Flash point | 165 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | Autoignition temperature of Butanedioic Acid is 550°C |
| Explosive limits | Explosive limits: 2.6–12.8% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 6400 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of Butanedioic Acid: 2260 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | WS3850000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 50 mg/m3 |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 mg |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | There is no IDLH value established for Butanedioic Acid. |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds | Maleic acid Fumaric acid Malic acid Succinic anhydride Adipic acid |
Chemical ID: CAS Formula HS Code Database
Product Identification
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name & IUPAC Name | Butanedioic Acid IUPAC: Butanedioic acid |
| Chemical Formula | C4H6O4 |
| Synonyms & Trade Names | Succinic acid, Amber acid, Ethylenesuccinic acid |
| HS Code & Customs Classification | 2917.14 Classified under carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function |
Manufacturer’s Commentary
From the perspective of our chemical plant, Butanedioic acid (commonly known as succinic acid) represents one of the core production line acids both in commodity and special-purity segments. Commercial output spans several routes, the most established industrial processes relying on catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride or direct fermentation of renewable feedstocks. Selection of the production process reflects downstream demand for impurity profiles and customer origin constraints, particularly for food, pharma, or biodegradable polymer markets.
Raw material procurement for maleic anhydride hydrogenation ties directly to maleic anhydride sourcing stability and catalyst system durability. In contrast, bio-based succinic acid supply chains shift attention to fermentation substrate variability, feedstock pre-treatment, and bioburden control. Process route determines both typical impurity spectrum and key control requirements: hydrogenation tends to generate unsaturated byproducts and residual catalyst metals, while fermentation-derived material may present residual sugars, protein fragments, and higher color bodies. Refinement steps—distillation, crystallization, carbon treatment—limit these impurities per application requirements, with food and pharma grades commanding tighter thresholds.
Physical properties such as melting point, appearance, and solubility display subtle lot-to-lot variances based on grade specification and production batch performance. Consistency management in crystallization, cooling rates, and antisolvent addition bear strongly on bulk density, crystal habit, and filtration time during drying, impacting downstream formulation for resins, polyesters, or food acidulants. The plant technical team routinely adjusts batch cycle parameters in response to raw material seasonal variation or customer-specific dissolution needs.
Each grade’s customs classification follows international practice under HS 2917.14. Documentation requires direct specification of the intended end-use where purity or trace element thresholds deviate from industrial norm. For export and import, batch release continues only after internal specification testing confirms alignment not just with basic parameters but with supply agreement sampling logic and customer technical file requirements.
Technical Properties, Manufacturing Process & Safety Guidelines: Butanedioic Acid
Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical State & Appearance
Butanedioic acid, produced in our facilities, is most commonly obtained as a crystalline solid. Depending on the crystallization method and grade, appearance can vary from fine white to off-white powder or granulated form. The odor, if present, tends to be faintly acidic. The melting point is typically reported in open literature, but batch-to-batch variation may result from residual moisture or trace impurities. Boiling point is not commonly utilized as a specification due to the compound’s thermal decomposition at elevated temperatures. Flash point measurement is generally not a focus for this compound in bulk dry form. Density, influenced by compaction and particle size, is measured for process control and is not fixed across all grades.
Chemical Stability & Reactivity
In industrial storage and handling, butanedioic acid remains stable in dry, cool indoor conditions and shows no uncontrolled reactivity toward common construction materials. Degradation can accelerate with prolonged exposure to elevated temperature, high humidity, or alkaline contaminants, which can catalyze hydrolysis or decarboxylation.
Solubility & Solution Preparation
Solubility in water is grade- and temperature-dependent. Larger particle sizes dissolve more slowly; solution clarity reflects presence of insoluble residuals or particulate contamination. Aqueous solutions should be prepared with agitation for even dispersion, especially in large batches.
Technical Specifications & Quality Parameters
Specification Table by Grade
| Parameter | Industrial Grade | Reagent Grade | Pharma/Food Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity | Typical values depend on process and application | Higher, subject to test method sensitivity | Stringent, defined by local pharmacopeia or food code |
| Moisture | Limited by process drying and storage control | Reduced via secondary drying | Controlled to pharmacopoeial/Food Chemicals Codex limits |
| Color | May show slight variation depending on raw material | Targeted as colorless/white | Strictly colorless to white, visually inspected |
| Insoluble Matter | Limited according to downstream use | Minimized through filtration | Regulated by purity standards |
Impurity Profile & Limits
Most critical impurities result from incomplete reaction, side-reactions, or contamination by raw materials. Profile and thresholds are grade-dependent; identification and control of fumaric acid, maleic acid, heavy metals, and residual solvents reflect the process route and application sector. Routine analysis monitors all known and anticipated byproducts. Impurity limits are not universal; they follow industry, regulatory, and customer-driven requirements.
Test Methods & Standards
Testing relies on titrimetric analysis, HPLC, and spectrophotometry, protocol varying by product grade and destination market. Choice of reference standard is specified by the relevant pharmacopoeia or industrial standard for the target segment.
Preparation Methods & Manufacturing Process
Raw Materials & Sourcing
Feedstock selection impacts both process efficiency and final impurity profile. Maleic anhydride is commonly used as a starting material due to its established supply chain and conversion efficiency. The sourcing strategy involves supplier qualification, traceability audits, and compliance with purity requirements to preclude contamination risks.
Synthesis Route & Reaction Mechanism
The established industrial route involves hydration or catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride under carefully monitored batch or continuous conditions. Catalyst selection addresses process yield, byproduct formation, and ease of subsequent removal. Route selection balances yield, safety, and wastewater considerations.
Process Control & Purification
Reaction is monitored for conversion efficiency and intermediate concentration. Purification normally employs fractional crystallization, washing, and filtration. Each unit operation is tailored to grade and lot size, with in-process analytics distinguishing between acceptable product and off-spec batches. The purification loop is the primary control point for residual organics and inorganics.
Quality Control & Batch Release
Release criteria require conformity to key parameters: chemical identity, purity, moisture, and specific impurities. The testing regime matches batch size and destination application. Final release depends on both in-house control checks and, where relevant, third-party or customer-specified validation.
Chemical Reactions & Modification Potential
Typical Reactions
Butanedioic acid serves as a substrate for direct esterification, salt formation, and polymerization reactions. Reactivity depends on catalyst choice, reaction temperature, and solvent system. The carboxylic groups participate in nucleophilic substitution; modification outcomes are influenced by reagent quality and reaction control.
Reaction Conditions
Catalysts and temperature settings are determined by the targeted downstream product, such as alkyd resins, biodegradable polymers, or pharmaceutical intermediates. Solvent selection affects both yield and product isolation efficiency, requiring close process management to control exotherms and side-reactions.
Derivatives & Downstream Products
Esters, salts, and polyesters are routinely produced from butanedioic acid. The product’s application value hinges on control over reaction parameters and residual impurity content, which impact color, odor, and mechanical performance in final formulations.
Storage & Shelf Life
Storage Conditions
Store in tightly closed containers, protected from moisture and direct light. Temperature and humidity controls depend on grade sensitivity; food and pharma grades require stricter environment management to ensure compliance. For larger stockpiles, inert gas protection may be recommended where hydrolysis risk is non-negligible.
Container Compatibility
Container selection reflects both physical compatibility and regulatory requirements. Fiber drums with polyethylene liners or HDPE containers are most commonly used for contamination protection and ease of handling. Metal containers require coating to prevent reaction with acidic content.
Shelf Life & Degradation Signs
Shelf life is not universally specified and depends on storage conditions, package integrity, and product grade. Lumping, discoloration, odor changes, or detected impurity drift signal degradation or contamination, necessitating quality reassessment prior to further use.
Safety & Toxicity Profile
GHS Classification
The GHS hazard category depends on region and grade. For most industrial and laboratory grades, standard labeling covers the mild irritant nature of the powder, with acute toxicity considered low based on available animal data.
Hazard & Precautionary Statements
Handling requires use of particulate masks and gloves to avoid skin and respiratory exposure. Factory protocols mandate eyewash stations near bulk material handling points. Inhalation or prolonged skin contact should be minimized with standard PPE. Dust control is maintained during transfer or packaging operations to manage occupational exposure.
Toxicity Data
Available animal data indicate low acute oral and dermal toxicity, but local irritation can occur with repeated or high-concentration exposure. Long-term toxicity and reproductive data are referenced according to available REACH or EPA dossiers for specific consultation requirements.
Exposure Limits & Handling
No occupational exposure limit is universally adopted; internal hygiene standards are set according to observed workplace exposure during bulk transfer and milling. Work area air concentration is periodically monitored. Spillage is removed using industrial vacuum or wet sweeping to avoid dust suspension.
Butanedioic Acid (Succinic Acid): Supply Capacity, Commercial Terms & 2026 Price Trend Forecast
Supply Capacity & Commercial Terms
Production Capacity & Availability
Production of butanedioic acid operates through both bio-based fermentation and petrochemical routes. In-house plants prioritize consistency through scheduled maintenance and demand-driven flexibility. Output shifts with seasonal feedstock availability, particularly for bio-derived grades. Large-scale production lines prefer continuous operation to minimize transition losses between product grades. Competition among suppliers, especially in Asia and Europe, often drives capacity upgrades and process optimization, which supports stable availability for bulk purchasers.
Lead Time & Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Lead time for direct-from-plant shipments depends on current order backlog and synchronization with ongoing campaigns for each grade. High-purity batches for pharmaceutical or electronic applications require longer processing and release times compared to commodity or technical grades. MOQ policies reflect batch size, packing configuration, and geographic destination. Custom specifications or atypical packaging extend average lead time due to validation requirements.
Packaging Options
Standard options include lined fiber drums, IBCs, and bulk bags, with protective measures against moisture pickup and contamination. High-purity or food/pharma-grade shipments use dedicated materials and tamper-evident closures. On-site storage and filling infrastructure must accommodate customer-specific regulatory and logistics needs. Local regulations and customer end-use dictate packaging certification and labeling.
Shipping & Payment Terms
Shipping terms are arranged via FOB, CIF, or DAP for principal export destinations. Reefer-enabled freight may be requested for sensitive grades. Strategic warehouse locations in key economies enable reduced transit time and lower demurrage risks. Payment terms observe prevailing industry standards, though long-term contracting or credit reassurance may allow tailored arrangements for key customers.
Pricing Structure & Influencing Factors
Raw Material Cost Composition & Fluctuation Causes
Raw material costs are driven by input chain dynamics: petrochemical grades track n-butane or maleic anhydride market, while bio-based grades link directly to sugar or biomass rates. Price movement in natural gas, crude oil, and agricultural crops exerts primary influence. Utility costs, especially energy and water, contribute significantly to operating expense, with volatility passed onto contract prices where escalator clauses are accepted.
Price Difference by Grade, Purity, and Packaging Certification
Pricing tiers sharply separate technical, food, and pharmaceutical grades. Highest purity (electronic/pharma) receives surcharges due to more extensive purification and validation cycles. Trace metal and organic impurity removal pushes costs notably higher for ultra-pure applications. Packaging with pharma or food-grade certification and bespoke declaration add incremental cost. Buyer-inspection requests (third-party verification, COA conformity, batch reservation) introduce additional overhead.
Global Market Analysis & Price Trends
Global Supply & Demand Overview
The global market for butanedioic acid divides between bulk industrial use and value-added segments in food, pharma, and specialty polymers. Asia, especially China, hosts the bulk of new capacity gains, often using renewable feedstocks. The US and EU balance legacy petrochemical plants with growing interest in bio-routes. India and Japan show steady but modest demand increases, linked to food additives, pharma, and surfactants.
Key Economies Analysis
| Region | Supply Focus | Market Character |
|---|---|---|
| US | Petrochemical- and fermentation-derived; driven by bioplastics R&D and pharma integration. | Long-term contracts dominant; environmental compliance shaping supply base. |
| EU | Mixed approach, emphasis on bio-based capacity expansion and regulation-led product differentiation. | Tight regulatory standards, demand for certified grades, emphasis on traceability. |
| Japan | High value-add, strict purity control, modular manufacturing for pharma/food use. | Supply/demand balanced, reliant on stable imports for lower grades. |
| India | Uptake in technical and food grades, newer entrants increasing throughput. | Price sensitivity, regulatory adaptation ongoing, domestic capacity expanding. |
| China | Diversified upstream, dominant in fermentation route and technical grades. | Export orientation, price competition, aggressive scaling of renewables. |
2026 Price Trend Forecast, Data Sources & Methodology
2026 trends anticipate further bifurcation between technical-grade and high-purity markets. Feedstock volatility from agricultural and energy markets will pressure short-term contract rates. Capacity coming online in Asia is expected to temper technical-grade price escalation, while compliance costs in EU/US create upward price pressure for specialty grades. Manufacturer forecasts rely on internal plant benchmarking, monitoring of upstream commodity indices, and multi-year contract negotiations with key customers.
Industry News & Regulatory Updates
Recent Market Developments
Bio-based process adoption has prompted new partnerships and investment in enzymatic and fermentation pathways. Sustainability reporting and downstream application traceability gained traction among multinational customers. Mergers among key players restructured regional supply allocation, with additional spot load availability in export markets.
Regulatory Compliance Updates
Recent changes target permissible impurity thresholds for food and pharma use, affecting analytical validation routines and batch disposition. Environmental directives in the EU and US require process emission reporting, prompting additional investments in abatement and monitoring equipment at plant sites. Packaging materials for food and pharma now often require independent certification aligned to destination market standards.
Supplier Response & Mitigation
Process engineers increased in-line monitoring of critical parameters to meet more stringent batch release. Sourcing teams diversified suppliers for agricultural feedstocks to limit exposure to regional weather risks. Quality control departments refined release specifications and maintained traceability down to input feed batch, addressing customer audit demands. Manufacturing expanded modularity in purification steps to adapt to both technical and high-grade order mixes.
Application Fields & Grade Selection Guide — Butanedioic Acid
Application Fields & Grade Matching Guide
Industry Applications
Butanedioic acid serves as an input into several industrial value chains. Primary end uses include the production of resins, biodegradable polymers, coatings, food additives, and certain pharmaceutical intermediates. In polymer synthesis, its reactivity with glycols and diamines supports the formation of resins and polyesters. Resin manufacturers select butanedioic acid grades by matching process requirements with the specific impurity profiles and moisture contents they can accommodate downstream. The food and pharmaceutical sectors require compliance with food-grade or pharma-grade controls, involving more rigorous purification and documentation than technical or industrial grades.
Grade-to-Application Mapping
| End Use | Matching Grade | Critical Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester Resin, Polybutylene Succinate | Technical/Polymer Grade | Low color bodies, controlled ash, consistent assay |
| Coatings, Plasticizers, Chemical Synthesis | Technical Grade | Moisture within process tolerance, limited volatile acids |
| Food Acidulant, Additives | Food Grade | Heavy metals and organic residency within regulatory limits |
| Pharmaceutical Intermediates | Pharma/USP Grade | Endotoxin, microbial limits, specific heavy metals |
Key Parameters by Application
Polymer synthesis focuses on minimizing colored precursors and inorganic residues since these impact optical clarity and cause processing issues. For food use, residual solvents and trace metals represent key control points. Pharmaceutical conversion steps are sensitive to endotoxin/load and trace organic contaminants, requiring batch documentation and full traceability.
Volume requirements, container compatibility, and environmental exposure (e.g., humidity, temperature during transit and storage) also influence which grades are viable. Process engineers typically define tolerance windows based on downstream reactivity, final product purity targets, and compliance with local regulations.
How to Select the Right Grade
Step 1: Define Application
Application use-case sets the technical baseline. Resin, polymer, or general industrial applications may not need highly stringent impurity controls. Food, pharma, or sensitive fine chemical intermediates usually demand more thorough grade segregation and certification.
Step 2: Identify Regulatory Requirements
Documented end-use (such as food contact or pharmaceutical intermediate) determines which regional or international standards are mandated. Production flows for pharma and food lines operate under more rigorous GMP/GMP-like protocols. Custom specifications may be incorporated by requirement or region.
Step 3: Evaluate Purity Needs
Purity levels, typically stated as assay, encompass the main acid content and allowable inorganic, organic, and moisture residuals. Most industrial resin synthesis tolerates minor variations in assay and color, but process-critical routes (especially those with sterilization or optical clarity requirements) demand closer lot-by-lot review. Higher purity grades rely on more intensive starting-material selection, additional purification stages (usually crystallization and filtration), and enhanced in-process controls.
Step 4: Consider Volume & Budget
Large-scale applications often select bulk technical grades to balance process economy with essential purity. Niche or regulated uses justify the premium for documentation, traceability, and compliance, which directly relate to raw material source selection, batch-size management, and in-process segregation. Plant batch sizes, storage practices, and end-user logistics factor into the optimal economic choice.
Step 5: Request Sample for Validation
R&D and QA teams typically request representative samples before full-scale purchase. Validation trials confirm whether a given grade works within the target process window and if it meets downstream quality endpoints. Manufacturers support this by providing batch documentation, test certificates, and traceability files to facilitate technical assessments before commercial adoption.
Trust & Compliance: Quality Certifications & Procurement Support for Butanedioic Acid
Quality Compliance & Certifications
Quality Management Certifications
Our production site for butanedioic acid operates under a quality management system based on internationally recognized standards. Audits and internal assessments anchor every stage of manufacturing, covering raw material qualification, in-process monitoring, and product finalization. Certifications, such as ISO 9001, form the backbone of quality policy here. This approach ensures process reliability, batch traceability, and a framework for nonconformance remediation.
Product-Specific Certifications
Certifications tailored for butanedioic acid focus on product stewardship, material registration, and application-sector conformance. Food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade demands entail audit trails, change notification procedures, and relevant documentation aligned with international regulations. For industrial applications, grades can require certification aligned with REACH or local chemical control regulations. Grade-specific certification varies according to end-user sector and jurisdiction of use.
Documentation & Reports
Each batch ships with a certificate of analysis referencing all routine release parameters. Additional documentation may include declarations regarding allergen, GMO, BSE/TSE, and residual solvent statements when requested by downstream users. Test data reflect internal release criteria and, when specified, customer-agreed standards. Retention samples are kept for a defined period as part of the batch control plan.
Purchase Cooperation Instructions
Stable Production Capacity Supply & Flexible Business Cooperation Plan
Production lines for butanedioic acid are configured to run campaigns based on contracted volumes and forecast alignment. Annual planning considers both recurring demand from regular supply partners and the integration of shorter-term spot batches. This lets users choose long-term stability or adapt to dynamic market needs through batch reservation or spot order mechanisms. Cooperation models—annual, quarterly, or flexible rolling contracts—address both high-volume offtake and intermittent specialty requirements.
Core Production Capacity & Stable Supply Capability
Core capacity derives from dedicated synthesis reactors, raw material logistics, and a warehousing system designed for turnover and shelf-life management. Process route selection—maleic anhydride hydrogenation versus alternative feedstocks—adapts in response to raw material price and availability, which contributes to continuous output. Production slotting occurs according to grade demand, with inventory managed to absorb minor supply chain volatility. Grade-level inventory segregation and batch tracking underpin any release to prevent cross-contamination or specification drift.
Sample Application Process
Sample provision requires a formal inquiry detailing intended application, grade requirements, volume expectations, and regulatory endpoints. The R&D and QC team assess the request for technical feasibility and schedule sampling aligned with campaign operations. Material ships with supporting data on release properties and, where feasible, additional testing for customer-specific endpoints. A technical liaison remains available to clarify grade details, handling requirements, and analytical methodology alignment.
Detailed Explanation of Flexible Cooperation Mode
Flexible cooperation arises through several channels. Project-based collaborations may involve custom process parameter adjustments, dedicated campaign slots, or split shipments. Volume allocation contracts offer baseline supply, with option clauses for volume escalation or suspension subject to demand forecasts and mutual review. Iterative consultations about delivery logistics and grade customization accommodate regional regulations or special formulation requirements. Emergency batch release and consignment stock approaches can buffer downstream demand shifts, subject to prior agreement and joint scheduling.
Market Forecast & Technical Support System for Butanedioic Acid
Research & Development Trends
Current R&D Hotspots
Production departments have tracked rising interest in biobased synthesis routes for butanedioic acid, driven by long-term volatility in petroleum feedstock pricing and supply. With fossil-derived maleic anhydride routes well-established, investment has shifted toward microbial fermentation and hybrid catalytic processes. These provide pathways to reduce carbon intensity and accommodate renewable inputs. Intermediate handling and downstream recovery from fermentation broths introduce additional process variability, specifically with respect to inorganic salt removal and by-product separation.
Emerging Applications
Application support staff have seen increased technical requests from sectors exploring biodegradable plastics, polyesters, and polyamides. Polysuccinates and PBS (polybutylene succinate) remain near-term volume drivers. Additive markets such as food preservatives, pharmaceuticals, and surfactants raise requirements for tailored impurity profiles, with recurring emphasis on absence of furan derivatives and organic acids. Recent years saw expanded demand from regions seeking to localize supply chains for biopolymer intermediates.
Technical Challenges & Breakthroughs
Production teams continue optimizing crystal morphology and bulk density for formulators targeting polymer synthesis, as filterability and drying performance fluctuate with minor process changes. Bioprocess engineering groups report breakthroughs in refining fermentation strain stability, pushing up space-time yields and reducing salt formation. Purification steps for high-purity grades remain sensitive to feedstock consistency and require frequent validation of ion-exchange and recrystallization sequences. Application engineers have noted that API and food additive end-uses require advanced removal of trace color bodies and heavy metals, prompting ongoing investment in analytical capability.
Future Outlook
Market Forecast (3-5 Years)
Market teams anticipate moderate growth from the biopolymer field, especially as regulatory and brand-driven sustainability requirements harden. The most consistent expansion comes from Asia and North America, where infrastructure for fermentation-based plants is scaling in tandem with demand for renewable-content intermediates. Feedstock competitiveness and energy sourcing increasingly dictate regional supply cost structures. Long-term contracts hinge on both product consistency and logistics resilience, with market pricing indexed to prevailing energy and feedstock trends.
Technological Evolution
Chemical engineering sections are converting older butanedioic acid lines to enable dual-mode operation—permitting rapid switchover from petroleum-based maleic anhydride to biomass-derived feedstocks in a single plant. Downstream modifications target closed-loop water systems and waste stream valorization, aiming to reduce both total emissions and treatment costs. Control systems now support real-time tracking of key impurities and enable adaptive process tuning, reducing batch rework and limiting off-spec product.
Sustainability & Green Chemistry
Sustainability managers emphasize raw material traceability, targeting compliance with LCA and carbon footprint protocols required by downstream bioplastics customers. Green chemistry principles are applied in solvent minimization during purification and energy integration throughout evaporation and crystallization. By-product valorization—such as conversion of spent biomass or excess salts—enters discussion with every new process upgrade. Supplies sourced from renewable fermentation must match or exceed performance of traditional grades through robust process design and consistent impurity control.
Technical Support & After-Sales Service
Technical Consultation
Application support teams deliver direct guidance on process optimization for butanedioic acid in core industrial uses such as polyester and plasticizer synthesis. Troubleshooting covers batch consistency, solids handling, and impurity-related off-odors. For novel routes and specialty grades, support personnel field queries on water and solvent handling, equipment compatibility, and filtration requirements. Teams produce process-specific technical bulletins based on observed production issues and downstream process feedback.
Application Optimization Support
Process engineers interact directly with customer R&D and production teams for on-site trials or remote technical audits. Service includes review of critical quality attributes such as residual moisture, particle size distribution, and trace contaminant profiles. Technicians advise on modifications to drying, melting, and blending operations to accommodate lot-to-lot variation typical of bio-based and hybrid grades. Application trials document the impact of supplier-specific grades on polymerization kinetics or end-product color stability, with rapid data feedback loops built into ongoing supply relationships.
After-Sales Commitment
Quality control laboratories maintain retention samples and batch histories for every shipment, supporting post-sale review in the event of quality claims. Response times for complaint investigations adhere to both internal protocols and customer-dictated timeframes. Reprocessing or re-supply decisions are made based on archived analytical records aligned with customer specifications. Technical documentation is revised as downstream industry requirements shift, with buyers encouraged to participate in regular specification alignment exercises.
Butanedioic Acid: Industrial Commitment from Direct Manufacturing
Process Expertise in Butanedioic Acid Production
As a direct manufacturer of butanedioic acid, we operate tightly controlled production lines using modern equipment, dedicated reactors, and in-line analytics. Each batch follows a rigorous protocol grounded in process chemistry and operational discipline. This approach ensures that our clients receive material consistent with designated specifications, batch after batch.
Core Applications and Industry Integration
Our butanedioic acid integrates into industrial value chains where reliability and performance matter. In polymers, it provides the backbone for biodegradable plastics. In resins and coatings, it functions as a dependable building block, supporting product integrity under heavy-duty processing. Food and beverage formulators use our material as an acidity regulator where food safety standards demand a well-documented sourcing chain. Pharma intermediates and additives from our lines support consistent synthesis in regulated environments, easing compliance during audits.
Batch Consistency and Quality Control
Every batch moves through a dedicated QC laboratory equipped with HPLC and titration suites. Sampling protocols track and trace raw materials and intermediates at production gates, and certificate-of-analysis documents accompany each shipment outbound. All analytical work runs against in-house developed standards, reflecting a track record of audit-readiness and transparency. We respond directly to technical clarifications, supplementing test results with original data as required.
Packaging and Supply Arrangements
We fill and seal butanedioic acid using volume-verified bulk containers or palletized packages in a climate-monitored environment. Packaging formats include drums, bags, and IBCs, each built for safe handling during international shipment and warehouse storage. Our downstream operations coordinate bulk orders, scheduled deliveries, and urgent replenishments using digital inventory tools. We operate with on-site warehousing and routine restocking to support procurement stability.
Technical Support and Collaborative Problem Solving
Our technical service group comprises process chemists and application engineers with hands-on production experience. During qualification runs or process evolutions at customer plants, the team offers direct input—troubleshooting reactivity issues, solubility parameters, and downstream equipment compatibility. Industrial buyers gain continual access to documentation covering origin, process audits, and application testing.
Value Proposition for Industrial Buyers
Procurement teams and production managers benefit from direct sourcing through our integrated plant operations. By controlling synthesis, purification, packaging, and shipping, we streamline supply chains and eliminate variables that cause downstream inefficiency or batch rejects. Transparent pricing results from plant-direct negotiation. Flexible fulfillment structures allow for annual contracts, spot buys, and modifications as production needs shift.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Production Origin | Owned facility, direct process control |
| QC Validation | Batch analytics with traceable records |
| Supply Stability | Regular output, in-plant warehousing |
| Technical Support | Factory experts, industrial application focus |
| Packaging Options | Drums, bags, IBCs |
Supporting Manufacturing, Distribution, and Procurement Efforts
Manufacturers, distributors, and procurement professionals come under increasing pressure to guarantee continuity, consistency, and cost-efficiency. We address these requirements at the production level, maintaining supply and technical continuity for every phase of industrial processing with butanedioic acid.
Industrial FAQ
What are the main industrial applications and chemical properties of Butanedioic Acid?
How We See Butanedioic Acid as a Manufacturer
In chemical manufacturing, butanedioic acid, or succinic acid, brings versatile chemistry and solid economic value. We have worked with this compound for years, producing it at production scales for diverse applications. Its structure—four carbons, two carboxyl groups—produces repeatable, reliable results in every batch.
Our Experience with the Chemistry
Stability and solubility stand out among the practical features of butanedioic acid. The two carboxyl groups give it the reactivity needed for condensing with polyols, amines, and alcohols in blends and downstream syntheses. Our technical team values its predictable melting point and consistent pH in solution, which helps meet strict processing protocols. We monitor purity throughout production, as minor impurities can affect polymerization outcomes or cause issues in pharmaceutical or food-grade routes.
We offer several grades, as applications range from bioplastics to electroplating. Typical forms include a crystalline white powder that dissolves well in water, ethanol, and slightly in ether, which makes cleanup and integration straightforward. Our materials ship in moisture-protected drums or bulk bags, depending on volume requirements.
Main Industrial Applications
Industrial polymer synthesis draws on our butanedioic acid as a core starting material. Polybutylene succinate (PBS) and other biodegradable polyesters result from clean, efficient processes built on our product. These materials are used to meet the growing call for sustainable packaging, agriculture films, and single-use items. Factories producing resins or coatings demand both consistent chain length and zero byproduct contamination—one reason why buyers depend on our direct, in-house production control.
Food and beverage clients use our high-purity grade as an acidity regulator. It stabilizes pH through direct application in flavor formulation and acts as a sequestrant in certain preservation blends. Our staff monitor trace metals conscientiously, recognizing that only low-residual materials meet the stringent regulatory requirements of this sector.
In agricultural chemistry, formulations for herbicides, fungicides, and growth regulators often rely on acidic character and good solubility. Customers appreciate the handling ease of our material during direct blending and the straightforward integration into liquid concentrate production.
As a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical precursor, butanedioic acid participates in the synthesis of vitamins, antibiotics, and specialty APIs. Our pharmaceutical-grade production lines maintain traceability from raw feedstocks to finished acid, while routine GC analysis ensures batch compliance. For research institutions and CDMOs, we provide full certificates of analysis and detailed impurity profiles.
Electroplating houses have long trusted our acid for both brightening and pH control. Direct plating bath additives must dissolve and disperse without clumping or introducing hydrophobic films; our factory protocols deliver on this need with every order. Clients handling copper, nickel, and zinc electrodeposition cite this as a critical advantage.
Challenges and Solutions as a Direct Producer
Sourcing clean feedstock remains the largest challenge, as contaminated raw materials hinder conversion yields and downstream properties. Our investments in purification, continuous process improvement, and in-line analytical controls keep every shipment within tight specifications. We recognize that customer processes, from plastics lines to food factories, only perform as well as their raw materials. By keeping production under one roof and committing to visible quality systems, we provide security in supply and confidence at every integration step.
We keep learning, scaling, and adapting our production runs as demand for green chemistry grows. Our technical advisory team responds to new process design projects, supporting R&D work with custom batch sizes and tailored handling support. We provide clear shipment documentation and detailed COAs as standard, helping clients implement new formulations with fewer unknowns and better outcomes.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order quantity for procuring Butanedioic Acid?
Manufacturing operations run on discipline and predictability, especially in chemical production. The question of lead time and minimum order quantity for Butanedioic Acid—whether destined for food, pharma, or industrial applications—often stands at the front of most inquiries we receive at our plant. Years of hands-on production experience drive our answers on these subjects, because every decision is rooted in the realities of our workflow, demand forecasting, and raw materials sourcing.
How We Set Our Lead Times
Butanedioic Acid, also known as succinic acid, starts its journey at the raw material station long before it lands at a client’s door. Actual lead time depends directly on our production queue, packaging cycle, and current inventory. For clients requesting standard grades and packaging, our routine production cycles allow us to schedule deliveries typically between two and four weeks from order confirmation. When orders call for a specialty grade or custom packaging, the lead time can be slightly longer as we prioritize product integrity and customer-specific requirements.
Lead time also responds to seasonality and shifts in global demand, especially when industries ramp up procurement for their own high-volume operational cycles. Equipment maintenance schedules and unexpected variations in raw material deliveries occasionally create delays, though our inventory planning systems have reduced the frequency and impact of such events by investing in forecasting technology and close coordination with strategic suppliers.
We remain transparent with every client about real-time updates. Our production supervisors release weekly reports, which help our sales and logistics teams provide accurate projections. If an emergency requirement arises, our technical and operations teams can sometimes expedite orders by rebalancing shift patterns or reprioritizing batch runs, so long as quality controls remain uncompromised.
Establishing Minimum Order Quantities
The minimum order quantity for Butanedioic Acid reflects a balance of manufacturing realities and shipping practicality. Bulk chemical synthesis—especially on reactors with set capacities—forces scale-based efficiencies. Our minimum order usually starts at one metric ton for standard grades. This threshold comes directly from our batch processing units, ensuring each run justifies the energy, resource, and operational investment.
For packaging, most orders ship in woven bags with inner liners, fiber drums, or IBCs, all designed for both safety and logistics. Lower quantities tend to drive up per-unit costs and often result in economically unfeasible logistics for both ourselves and our clients. We regularly consult with our clients to forecast needs and can schedule batch allocations to avoid partial, inefficient, or costly runs.
Certain special applications, pilot projects, or trials do prompt requests for smaller lots. We have the technical capacity to produce these, but they will include a surcharge due to the added start-up, cleaning, and quality checks needed for sub-batch processing. Regular customers with longer-term contracts benefit from slot reservations in our scheduling system, which keeps lead time and minimum order requirements predictable and aligned with their own production needs.
Building Predictable Supply Chains
We view these logistics as a partnership: our operational reliability directly influences our clients’ trust and their manufacturing continuity. Our direct control over each step—from sourcing input materials to batch release—means we can answer lead time and MOQ questions based on real outputs, not theoretical possibilities. With over a decade of running large-scale Butanedioic Acid synthesis, our firsthand experience sharpens every timeline, minimum order, and production commitment we make.
Are there any special storage, handling, or transportation regulations for Butanedioic Acid that must be considered for international shipping?
Producing and exporting butanedioic acid (also known as succinic acid) involves a lot more than loading big bags and sealing containers. From production through to end-use, we keep a close watch on storage, transport, and regulatory requirements, because each step affects quality and compliance. Our experience manufacturing butanedioic acid for various markets drives us to maintain a system that prioritizes both safety and product integrity.
Safe Storage Starts on Site
We store our material in ventilated, dry warehouses, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Humidity triggers caking in crystalline materials like butanedioic acid. Exposure to water or damp air can also promote lumping, which creates operational issues both in downstream processes and during repackaging. Our teams monitor warehouse humidity and temperature to reduce these risks.
International customers expect consistency. We use lined fiber drums or polyethylene bags placed in moisture-resistant containers, depending on order size and destination. Our production batches receive unique tracking, so if our partners ask for quality history, we provide it right away.
Handling on the Factory Floor
Butanedioic acid is not considered hazardous under most chemical regulations. Still, handling fine powders calls for local ventilation and personal protective equipment. Our staff receive routine training to prevent dust inhalation and accidental contact. We provide detailed instructions on safe drum opening and transfer. Strong odors or visible discoloration trigger immediate investigations as part of our quality protocols.
We find bulk handling equipment, when calibrated for particle size, keeps handling losses to a minimum. Antistatic measures also prevent dusting, protecting equipment from unnecessary contamination. Forklift drivers and loading teams coordinate using checklists, especially during container packing. This traceable, eyes-on approach keeps damage and spillage rare during consignment preparation.
Regulations Matter: Export and Shipping Realities
Shipping chemical materials across borders involves compliance with multiple layers of regulation. Butanedioic acid does not fall under the most restrictive hazardous cargo classifications, so we ship under standard chemical goods protocols. We keep up with the changing status of chemical inventories under REACH, TSCA, and other jurisdictional frameworks. Our export paperwork lists all applicable customs codes and packaging details. This minimizes delays and secondary inspections.
We work directly with international freight carriers, confirming each destination’s expectations for labeling and documentation. In some regions, authorities look for additional labels or require conformity with local chemical registration. Certification requests are processed from our compliance office. This approach means every batch moves with the correct paperwork and traceability right from our production line to the end port. Whenever packaging standards change in destination countries, our packing line can adapt without interrupting production.
Reducing Risk on the Road and Sea
We have found that arranging FCL (full container load) shipments reduces transfer points and handling incidents. Securing bags and drums limits shifting during transport. We do not stack above approved load heights. Drums and big bags are inspected for punctures and proper seals before leaving our plant, and we provide documentation showing visual inspection results for each shipment if required.
Continuous Improvement
Global regulations continue to evolve. We keep our compliance and logistics systems under audit, responding rapidly to new rules or changes in chemical status. Our customers want transparency and quick answers—our technical team delivers both, backed up by real-time records of each batch shipped. By maintaining these high standards, we continue to offer consistent quality and reliable delivery, supporting manufacturers across several industries worldwide.
Technical Support & Inquiry
For product inquiries, sample requests, quotations or after-sales support, please feel free to contact me directly via sales2@liwei-chem.com, +8615380400285 or WhatsApp: +8615380400285