Succinic acid is a precursor to some polyesters. It is also a component of some alkyd resins.[4][8] Global 1,4-butanediol (BDO), derived from succinic acid, market size was estimated at USD 4.72 billion in 2013. BDO is a precursor to THF, a solvent and monomer. BDO is also a precursor to polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), an engineering-grade thermoplastic.The automotive and electronics industries heavily rely on PBT to produce connectors, insulators, wheel covers, gearshift knobs and reinforcing beams.

Succinic acid is used in the food and beverage industry, primarily as an acidity regulator. Global production is estimated at 16,000 to 30,000 tonnes a year, with an annual growth rate of 10%.

The formation of succinic acid from pyruvic and oc-ketoglutaric acids is demonstrated anaerobically with brain slices and with minced brain. Aerobically, in experiments with minced brain poisoned with malonic acid, pyruvic, oc-ketoglutaric and, in some cases, acetic acids were found to yield succinic acid(cas:110-15-6).

Under the same conditions the R.Q. of ketoglutaric oxidation is raised, indicating a specific inhibition of succinic dehydrogenase of roughly 50 %. Malonic acid does not lead to succinic acid accumulation with brain slices, and with mince only if used in certain concentrations. Small amounts of a volatile acid, probably acetic acid, are formed from pyruvic acid by minced brain. The significance of these observations and the possible mechanism of succinic acid formation are discussed.