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Succinimide is a high-reactivity cyclic imide organic intermediate, recognized for its high purity (≥99.0%), versatile chemical reactivity, and role as a key building block in flame retardants, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Unlike other imides (e.g., phthalimide), its compact four-carbon cyclic structure enables easy bromination—making it a critical precursor for brominated flame retardants (e.g., Ethylenebistetrabromophthalimide derivatives). With a melting point of ≈126℃ and solubility in polar solvents (e.g., water, ethanol), it integrates seamlessly into organic synthesis processes. Its low toxicity (LD50 >1,000 mg/kg) and compliance with RoHS 2.0/REACH SVHC make it suitable for eco-friendly flame retardant production. It is widely used in brominated imide flame retardants, pharmaceutical intermediates, and specialty dye synthesis—offering consistent performance and batch-to-batch stability.

Succinimide’s cyclic imide structure (with two carbonyl groups adjacent to the nitrogen atom) exhibits high reactivity toward brominating agents (e.g., bromine, N-bromosuccinimide). This reactivity enables efficient synthesis of brominated imide flame retardants—with bromination yields >90% under mild conditions (60–80℃). For example, reacting Succinimide with bromine produces N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), a key intermediate for Ethylenebistetrabromophthalimide—reducing reaction time by 30% compared to phthalimide-based synthesis. This high reactivity lowers energy consumption and production costs for flame retardant manufacturers.
With a purity of ≥99.0% (by HPLC), Succinimide minimizes impurities (e.g., maleimide <0.5%, succinic acid <0.3%) that could disrupt downstream reactions. High purity ensures consistent bromination efficiency—critical for flame retardants where bromine content directly impacts fire performance. For instance, using 99.0% pure Succinimide to produce NBS results in NBS with bromine content ≈44.5% (target: 44–45%), while 98.0% pure Succinimide leads to bromine content fluctuations (43.0–44.0%). This consistency reduces product rejection rates and ensures compliance with flame retardant standards (e.g., UL94, GB/T 2408).
Succinimide is soluble in polar solvents: ≈20 g/100 mL in water (20℃), ≈50 g/100 mL in ethanol (20℃), and fully soluble in dimethylformamide (DMF). This solubility allows for homogeneous reaction mixtures in synthesis—eliminating agglomeration and ensuring complete conversion. Its melting point of ≈126℃ enables molten-state reactions (e.g., imide ring-opening polymerization), expanding its use in specialty polymer synthesis. Unlike solid-only intermediates, its solubility and meltability simplify process design for large-scale production.
Succinimide exhibits low acute toxicity (LD50 ≈1,300 mg/kg in oral rat tests) and is not classified as a hazardous substance under GHS. It complies with RoHS 2.0 (no restricted heavy metals) and REACH SVHC (not listed), making it suitable for eco-friendly flame retardant production. During combustion of brominated imide flame retardants derived from Succinimide, it emits 35% less toxic smoke (per GB/T 8627-2017) compared to phthalimide-based flame retardants—aligning with global environmental regulations for enclosed spaces.
• CAS Number: 123-56-8
• Molecular Formula: C₄H₅NO₂
• Molecular Weight: 99.09 g/mol
• Purity: ≥99.0% (by HPLC, 254 nm detection)
• Functional Group: Cyclic imide (reactive toward bromination and polymerization)
• Appearance: White crystalline solid (needle-like or granular, no discoloration)
• Melting Point: ≈126℃ (range: 125–127℃, per ASTM D127)
• Boiling Point: 287℃ (decomposes slightly above boiling)
• Solubility: ≈20 g/100 mL in water (20℃), ≈50 g/100 mL in ethanol (20℃), soluble in DMF, acetone
• Moisture Content: <0.3% (23℃/60% RH, per Karl Fischer titration)
• Impurity Limits: Maleimide <0.5%, Succinic Acid <0.3%, Heavy Metals <5 ppm
• Recommended Storage: Sealed containers at 15–30℃, away from moisture and strong oxidizers
• Shelf Life: 2 years (sealed packaging, no caking or degradation)
• Compatibility: Reacts with brominating agents, amines, and strong bases; stable with weak acids and alcohols
Succinimide is a core precursor for brominated imide flame retardants, including N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) and Ethylenebistetrabromophthalimide derivatives. NBS, synthesized by brominating Succinimide, is used to brominate alkenes in flame retardant monomers (e.g., vinyl bromide). For example, a 5,000-ton/year NBS plant uses 3,200 tons of Succinimide annually, producing NBS with ≈44.5% bromine content—critical for high-efficiency flame retardants. Ethylenebistetrabromophthalimide made from Succinimide-derived intermediates achieves UL94 V-0 in PC/ABS blends at 10% addition, suitable for electronic housings.
In pharmaceuticals, Succinimide is used to synthesize anticonvulsant drugs (e.g., ethosuximide, phensuximide) for treating epilepsy. Its imide group reacts with amines to form succinimide derivatives with anticonvulsant activity. High-purity Succinimide (≥99.0%) ensures no impurity-related side effects in drugs, complying with FDA 21 CFR Part 211. It is also used to produce brominated pharmaceuticals (e.g., bromosuccinimide derivatives) for treating thyroid disorders—leveraging its bromination reactivity.
Succinimide serves as an intermediate in agrochemical synthesis, producing herbicides (e.g., succinimide-based ALS inhibitors) and fungicides. These agrochemicals target weeds and fungi in crops like wheat and corn, with low toxicity to mammals. For example, a succinimide-derived herbicide (flumetsulam) controls broadleaf weeds with application rates as low as 25 g/ha—reducing environmental impact. Its chemical stability ensures long shelf life for pesticide formulations (up to 3 years).
In dye synthesis, it is used to produce imide-based dyes with high color fastness for textiles and plastics. These dyes resist fading under UV light and washing, suitable for outdoor fabrics and automotive interior plastics. In specialty polymers, Succinimide undergoes ring-opening polymerization to form polyimides—high-temperature resins used in aerospace components (e.g., wire insulation). These polyimides retain mechanical strength at 250℃, outperforming traditional polymers like PEEK in extreme heat.