SUCCINIC ACIDS. 161 



volatile without decomposition. It unites with acids 

 and bases, and is decomposed when heated with them; 

 also decomposed slowly when boiled with water, yield- 

 ing amidosuccinic acid and ammonia. 



Sulphosuccinic acid, C 2 H 3 j ' Is formed 



by the action of sulphuric anhydride on succinic acid 

 and treatment of the product with water. Its salts- 

 with the alkalies are formed by direct union of fumaric 

 and male'ic acids with the bisulphites of the alkalies, 

 when concentrated aqueous solutions of both are mixed, 

 and then boiled for several hours. Indistinct, deliques- 

 cent crystals. Tribasic acid. When fused with potassa 

 it yields potassium fumarate. 



Succinic anhydride, C 4 H 4 3 , is produced by the 

 distillation of succinic acid either alone or with phos- 

 phorus chloride (equal molecules). White crystalline 

 mass. When it is heated with another molecule of 

 phosphorus chloride, there passes over 



Succinyl chloride, C 4 H 4 2 C1 2 . An oil which 

 solidifies at 0, forming tabular crystals. 



Succinamide, C 4 H 4 2 (NH 2 ) 2 , is formed, like oxamide, 

 from the ethers. Fine, white needles, difficultly solu- 

 ble in cold water, easily soluble in hot water, insoluble 

 in alcohol. Carefully heated to 200 it is resolved into 

 ammonia and 



Succinimide, C 4 H 4 2 .NH (isomeric with cyanpro- 

 pionic acid). This is also formed by heating the anhy- 

 dride in ammonia gas and by distilling ammonium 

 succinate. Crystallizes with one molecule of water in 

 rhombic plates ; is easily soluble in water and alcohol ; 

 sublimable ; with barium hydroxide, it gives the barium 

 salt of succinamic acid C*IL 7 N0 3 . 



