174 PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. 



CH 2 COOH 

 10. Succinic Acid, [ 



CH 2 COOH 



Succinic acid crystallizes in colorless, quadrilateral nee- 

 dles, melting at 182. It is fairly readily soluble in water, 

 more difficultly in alcohol, and difficultly soluble in ether. 



REACTIONS. 



1. Heated in a hard-glass tube closed at one end, the acid 

 melts and sublimes, being partly converted into succinic 

 acid anhydride. 



2. When heated on platinum-foil, it volatilizes, giving off 

 vapors which have an extraordinarily strong power to pro- 

 voke coughing. 



3. If some neutral lead acetate is added to the aqueous 

 solution, it remains clear at first, but if the solution is warmed 

 gently and the mixture shaken, lead succinate separates as 

 a heavy crystalline precipitate. 



