2-Methylsuccinic acid


2-Methylsuccinic acid is an organic compound with the formula HO2CCHCH2CO2H. A white solid, it is the simplest chiral dicarboxylic acid. It is a recurring component of urban aerosols. Salts and esters of 2-methylsuccinic acid are called 2-methylsuccinates.

Preparation

It can be prepared by partial hydrogenation of itaconic acid over Raney nickel. Alternatively, hydrocyanation of ethyl crotonate affords an intermediate, which converts to 2-methylsuccinic acid after hydrolysis of the ester and nitrile substituents.