Succinic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that, at room temperature is a colorless crystalline solid, soluble in water. Succinic acid, also known by its systematic name butanedioic acid has the molecular formula C₄H₆O₄. It is widely found in plant and animal tissues and through its anion, succinate, plays an important part in in the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. Succinic acid has a relative density of 1.56 and a melting point of 185–187°C (365–369°F).