Chemical synthesis
A building block for more complex molecules. [5]
01
THE ESSENTIALS
Malonic Acid in 30 Seconds
A short carbon chain. Two acid groups. A useful starting point for chemistry.
Picture three carbon atoms in a row. At each end is a carboxyl group (–COOH); between them sits a central CH₂ group. Both ends can release a hydrogen ion, which is why malonic acid has two stages of acidity. [1]
The two acid groups influence one another—and how the molecule reacts.
02
GO A LITTLE DEEPER
Understanding Malonic Acid
THE SIMPLE EXPLANATION
Two ends that can give up a proton.
A carboxyl group is a small arrangement of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen that can act as an acid. Malonic acid has two of these groups. In water, it can give up a hydrogen ion from one end, then another from the other end. [1]
A LITTLE DEEPER
Two steps. Two pKa values.
“Dicarboxylic” simply means two carboxyl groups. Each dissociation step has its own pKa: about 2.8 for the first and 5.7 for the second. A lower pKa means a stronger tendency to donate that proton. [1]
The nearby carboxyl group influences the first dissociation. After one proton leaves, removing another creates a second negative charge, which is less favorable. The groups’ spacing also affects reactivity, so chain length matters.
Technical detail Stepwise dissociation & speciation
The aqueous equilibria are H₂Mal ⇌ H⁺ + HMal⁻ and HMal⁻ ⇌ H⁺ + Mal²⁻. The quoted pKa values describe these carboxyl O–H dissociations, not removal of a hydrogen from the central carbon. The second dissociation is less favorable in part because it produces a dianion from a monoanion. [1]
H₂Mal ⇌ HMal⁻ ⇌ Mal²⁻predominates below pKa₁ · between the two pKa values · above pKa₂
These are overlapping equilibria, not abrupt switches. At pH = pKa, the corresponding acid/base pair has approximately equal activities. Concentration-based estimates depend on ionic strength and temperature; the rounded values here are orientation values, not a buffer formulation specification.
A procedure describing “malonic ester synthesis” should not be read as a direction to substitute the free acid. Malonic acid and its esters are different starting materials. [5]
03
MAKE THE CONNECTION
How Malonic Acid Compares
Similar names and functional groups do not mean interchangeable chemicals.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Malonic Acid vs Succinic Acid
Three-carbon dicarboxylic acid
versusFour-carbon dicarboxylic acid
Fixed comparison for this prototype. Acid selectors are disabled; additional comparisons are coming later.
| Property | Malonic acid | Succinic acid |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C₃H₄O₄ [2] | C₄H₆O₄ [3] |
| Molecular weight | 104.06 g/mol [2] | 118.09 g/mol [3] |
| Carbon atoms | 3 [2] | 4 [3] |
| Carboxyl groups | 2 [1] | 2 [3] |
| pKa₁ (approx.) | 2.8 [1] | 4.2 [3] |
| pKa₂ (approx.) | 5.7 [1] | 5.6 [3] |
| Water solubility | Soluble; reported values vary¹ [7] | 83 g/L at 25 °C [10] |
| Structure | HOOC–CH₂–COOH [2] | HOOC–CH₂–CH₂–COOH [3] |
| Biological relevance | Malonate inhibits succinate dehydrogenase [9] | Succinate is a citric acid cycle intermediate [3] |
| Typical applications | Synthesis building block; research [5] | Synthesis; biochemical research [3] |
¹ Malonic acid is water-soluble, but reference values disagree. No quantitative solubility ranking is implied. See physical properties. pKa values are rounded aqueous reference values.
When Might You Choose One Instead of the Other?
Start with the chemistry your work requires. These contexts explain the differences; they do not establish suitability for a particular industrial or regulated application.
Building a molecule
Malonic acid / malonate
Relevant when the route requires a malonic acid framework or its derivatives. Malonic ester synthesis usually calls for an ester such as diethyl malonate, not the free acid.
Succinic acid / succinate
Relevant when the route requires a four-carbon succinic framework. Preserve the carbon skeleton and reagent identity specified by the synthesis.
Studying metabolism or enzymes
Malonic acid / malonate
Malonate can serve as a competitive inhibitor in succinate dehydrogenase research; it is not the enzyme’s normal succinate substrate.
Succinic acid / succinate
Succinate is a citric acid cycle intermediate and the substrate oxidized by succinate dehydrogenase. Choose the form required by the assay.
Meeting a process specification
Malonic acid / malonate
Specify the acid, salt, or ester; assay; relevant impurities; and behavior needed by the process. A lower first pKa alone is not a suitability decision.
Succinic acid / succinate
Evaluate against the same process requirements. Similar functional groups and a lower purchase price do not establish equivalent performance.
Before choosing: match the synthesis, process, or biological context, then confirm the chemical form, required specification, and intended application. The names alone are not a basis for substitution.
04
FROM STRUCTURE TO APPLICATION
What Is Malonic Acid Used For?
Chemical synthesis
A small building block for constructing larger molecules. Check whether a procedure calls for the free acid, a salt, or an ester; they are different reagents. [5]
Pharmaceutical intermediates
Relevant to intermediate chemistry, including routes involving malonic acid derivatives. A laboratory product is not thereby suitable for a finished medicine. [5]
Specialty chemicals
Used in research on starch modification and resin chemistry. Suitability depends on the formulation and process, not just the chemical name. [4]
Laboratory & research
Malonate is used to investigate enzyme inhibition. Distinguish the acid supplied in a bottle from the ion present at the experiment’s pH. [9]
Education
A useful example for explaining two-step acid dissociation and the effect of molecular structure. Any practical experiment needs an approved laboratory procedure. [1]
06
SOURCE WITH CONTEXT
Malonic Acid Suppliers
Compare specific products and package options. Listings are not ranked recommendations.
4 suppliers · 4 products · 7 package listingsLatest supplier check: October 3, 2026
Each row is one package of a named product. Package sizes from the same product are grouped under their supplier. Purity labels retain the supplier’s assay method; confirm equivalent specifications before comparing.
Scroll horizontally if needed. Supplier and package identity stay visible.
| Supplier | Product / Grade | Purity | Package Size | Public Price | Normalized Price | Documentation | Last Checked | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma-AldrichMalonic acid · M1296 | ReagentPlus® / reagent gradeM1296-100G | 99% | 100 g | $92.00USD · US public listing | $92.00USD / 100 g | COA lookup: Sigma-Aldrich Malonic acid · M1296 (opens new tab)COO lookup: Sigma-Aldrich Malonic acid · M1296 (opens new tab)SDSCheck supplier Document notes: Sigma-Aldrich Malonic acid · M1296
| View Product: Sigma-Aldrich, M1296-100G (opens new tab) | |
| ReagentPlus® / reagent gradeM1296-500G | 99% | 500 g | $272.00USD · US public listing | $54.40USD / 100 g | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich, M1296-500G (opens new tab) | |||
| Thermo ScientificMalonic acid · 031715 | Reagent grade031715.36 | ≥99.5% | 500 g | Price on request | Check supplier | Product specificationDocument notes: Thermo Scientific Malonic acid · 031715
| View Product: Thermo Scientific, 031715.36 (opens new tab) | |
| TCIMalonic Acid · M0028 | Check supplierM0028 · 25G | >99.0% (titration) | 25 g | £16.00GBP · UK public price | Not comparedDifferent currency / market | COA lookup: TCI Malonic Acid · M0028 (opens new tab)SDS PDF: TCI Malonic Acid · M0028 (opens new tab)COO lookup: TCI Malonic Acid · M0028 (opens new tab) Document notes: TCI Malonic Acid · M0028
| View Product: TCI, M0028 · 25G (opens new tab) | |
| Check supplierM0028 · 500G | >99.0% (titration) | 500 g | £48.00GBP · UK public price | Not comparedDifferent currency / market | View Product: TCI, M0028 · 500G (opens new tab) | |||
| FUJIFILM WakoMalonic Acid · 13-0058 | Wako Special Grade139-00582 | ≥98.0% (titration) | 25 g | ¥2,150JPY · Japan suggested price | Not comparedDifferent currency / market | COA lookup · 25 g: FUJIFILM Wako Malonic Acid · 13-0058 (opens new tab)COA lookup · 500 g: FUJIFILM Wako Malonic Acid · 13-0058 (opens new tab)SDS PDF: FUJIFILM Wako Malonic Acid · 13-0058 (opens new tab)COO lookup: FUJIFILM Wako Malonic Acid · 13-0058 (opens new tab) Product specificationDocument notes: FUJIFILM Wako Malonic Acid · 13-0058
| View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 139-00582 (opens new tab) | |
| Wako Special Grade133-00585 | ≥98.0% (titration) | 500 g | ¥6,100JPY · Japan suggested price | Not comparedDifferent currency / market | View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 133-00585 (opens new tab) |
Sigma-Aldrich
Malonic acid · M1296
ReagentPlus® / reagent grade
100 g
M1296-100G- Public price
- $92.00USD · US public listing
- Normalized price
- $92.00USD / 100 g
500 g
M1296-500G- Public price
- $272.00USD · US public listing
- Normalized price
- $54.40USD / 100 g
Documentation
COA lookup: Sigma-Aldrich Malonic acid · M1296 (opens new tab)COO lookup: Sigma-Aldrich Malonic acid · M1296 (opens new tab)SDSCheck supplier
Document notes: Sigma-Aldrich Malonic acid · M1296
- Certificate of Analysis: supplier retrieval option verified; request your lot’s certificate.
- Certificate of Origin: supplier retrieval option verified; confirm the origin of the supplied lot.
- Safety Data Sheet: the current product-specific regional document was not verified in this check.
Last checked:
Thermo Scientific
Malonic acid · 031715
Reagent grade
500 g
031715.36- Public price
- Price on request
- Normalized price
- Check supplier
Documentation
Product specificationDocument notes: Thermo Scientific Malonic acid · 031715
- Safety Data Sheet: public US PDF for catalog family 31715, revised March 28, 2024. Confirm the current version for your location.
- Certificate of Analysis: lot-specific availability was not verified; ask the supplier.
- Certificate of Origin: availability was not verified; ask the supplier.
Last checked:
TCI
Malonic Acid · M0028
Check supplier
25 g
M0028 · 25G- Public price
- £16.00GBP · UK public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedDifferent currency / market
500 g
M0028 · 500G- Public price
- £48.00GBP · UK public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedDifferent currency / market
Documentation
COA lookup: TCI Malonic Acid · M0028 (opens new tab)SDS PDF: TCI Malonic Acid · M0028 (opens new tab)COO lookup: TCI Malonic Acid · M0028 (opens new tab)
Document notes: TCI Malonic Acid · M0028
- Certificate of Analysis: M0028 lot-number retrieval option verified on the product page; no batch certificate was reviewed.
- Safety Data Sheet: verified nine-page English TCI Europe PDF for M0028, revision January 28, 2026. Confirm that this regional version applies to your location.
- Certificate of Origin: M0028 documentation lookup includes this certificate type. No certificate or actual origin was reviewed.
Last checked:
FUJIFILM Wako
Malonic Acid · 13-0058
Wako Special Grade
25 g
139-00582- Public price
- ¥2,150JPY · Japan suggested price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedDifferent currency / market
500 g
133-00585- Public price
- ¥6,100JPY · Japan suggested price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedDifferent currency / market
Documentation
COA lookup · 25 g: FUJIFILM Wako Malonic Acid · 13-0058 (opens new tab)COA lookup · 500 g: FUJIFILM Wako Malonic Acid · 13-0058 (opens new tab)SDS PDF: FUJIFILM Wako Malonic Acid · 13-0058 (opens new tab)COO lookup: FUJIFILM Wako Malonic Acid · 13-0058 (opens new tab)
Product specificationDocument notes: FUJIFILM Wako Malonic Acid · 13-0058
- Certificate of Analysis: package-specific inspection-certificate lookup links verified; a certificate for the supplied lot still needs confirmation.
- Safety Data Sheet: verified English Japan/JIS PDF for both package codes, issued March 19, 2025. Confirm the current version for your location.
- Certificate of Origin: a product-specific origin-certificate lookup link is shown. The certificate and actual origin were not reviewed.
Last checked:
Documentation evidence
COA = Certificate of Analysis · SDS = Safety Data Sheet · COO = Certificate of Origin.
Lookup means the supplier offers a retrieval option; PDF means a public document was verified. Check supplier means availability was not verified. Confirm the correct lot and current regional version before purchase.
Prices may vary by quantity, account, contract, geography, and availability. Normalized prices compare the listed package prices, exclude shipping and tax, and do not represent quotes for other quantities. TCI prices are from its UK listing in GBP; Wako prices are Japan suggested list prices in JPY. These are not converted or normalized against US/USD listings. Auto uses per 100 g below 1 kg and per kg for larger packs. [4] [5] [17] [18]
Verification limits & placement policy
Only the displayed product identity, grade, assay, package size, and public pricing or document evidence have been checked. Thermo’s public listing exposed no usable price. Stock, minimum order quantities, lead times, shipping eligibility, and lot-specific certificates have not been verified.
Sigma offers COA and COO retrieval, but its current regional SDS was not verified in this pass. Thermo has a verified public US SDS for catalog family 31715 and a product specification; COA and COO availability still need confirmation. The linked US SDS is dated March 28, 2024. [16]
TCI’s M0028 grade needs confirmation; its nine-page English TCI Europe SDS (January 28, 2026) is linked separately. Confirm the applicable regional version; COA and COO fields indicate product-specific lookup options only. Wako’s English Japan/JIS SDS and specification were verified, while its COA and origin links are retrieval options, not reviewed lot certificates. No country of origin is inferred. [17] [18] [19] [20]
There are no paid placements here. Future paid listings will show “Sponsored” beside the supplier name in both table and mobile views. Payment will not affect chemistry interpretation or imply an independent ranking.
07
PLAN A LARGER ORDER
Need Malonic Acid in Bulk?
Turn your requirements into a clear supplier brief.
Bulk RFQ feature — coming soon. Prototype form: submissions are not currently sent to suppliers. Use sample details to prepare an on-screen brief.
Prepare a bulk request Prototype form
08
A BUYER’S CHECKLIST
Before You Buy Malonic Acid
Use this checklist as you review products. Selections remain only while this page is open.
09
FOR YOUR REFERENCE
Malonic Acid Technical Reference
Identity, properties, and handling information in one place.
Identification Names, formula & identifiers
- Chemical name
- Malonic acid
- IUPAC name
- Propanedioic acid
- CAS number
- 141-82-2
- PubChem CID
- 867
- Molecular formula
- C₃H₄O₄
- Molecular weight
- 104.06 g/mol
- SMILES
- OC(=O)CC(O)=O
- InChI
- InChI=1S/C3H4O4/c4-2(5)1-3(6)7/h1H2,(H,4,5)(H,6,7)
- Synonyms
- Propanedioic acid; methanedicarboxylic acid; carboxyacetic acid
Sources: NIST identity record and PubChem CID 867. [2] [1] SMILES: manufacturer specification. [6]
Physical Properties Appearance, melting & solubility
- Appearance
- White crystals or powder. [6]
- Density
- Approximately 1.6 g/cm³; reference value, not a lot specification. [4]
Do not treat a dissolution test in sodium hydroxide as a pure-water solubility measurement.
Acid/Base Properties Two dissociation constants
FIRST DISSOCIATIONpKa₁ ≈ 2.8
SECOND DISSOCIATIONpKa₂ ≈ 5.7
Rounded aqueous values from PubChem’s compiled record. Temperature, ionic strength, and the use of activities versus concentrations matter in quantitative work. [1]
Safety Handling & SDS references
Review the SDS before handling.
The Sigma product listing classifies M1296 as causing serious eye damage (H318). Prevent eye contact and dust exposure; use appropriate eye protection and gloves according to the current SDS and your laboratory’s risk assessment. [4]
Consult the current supplier SDS for your exact product, region, storage, incompatibilities, first aid, and disposal. This page is not a substitute for that document.
Fisher Scientific SDS example · International Chemical Safety Card10
COMMON QUESTIONS
Malonic Acid FAQ
What is malonic acid?
It is a three-carbon organic acid with a carboxyl group at each end. Its systematic name is propanedioic acid, and its formula is C₃H₄O₄. [1]
What is malonic acid used for?
It is a building block in chemical synthesis and a reagent in research. Some applications use its salts or esters rather than malonic acid itself. [5]
Why does malonic acid have two pKa values?
Its two carboxyl groups can each donate a proton. These successive dissociation steps have different equilibria, described by pKa₁ and pKa₂. [1]
Is malonic acid soluble in water?
Yes. Published numerical solubility values differ substantially. For preparing a concentrated solution, confirm the temperature, measurement basis, and product-specific data rather than relying on a single compiled number. [7]
Is malonic acid the same as malonate?
Malonate usually means the dianion formed when malonic acid loses two protons; the name is also used for its salts and esters. Check the exact identity and CAS number when ordering. [1]
What is the difference between malonic acid and succinic acid?
Succinic acid has two central CH₂ groups instead of one. That extra carbon changes acid dissociation and biological behavior; the two are not interchangeable in a procedure. [3]
What is the difference between malonic acid and malic acid?
Malic acid has four carbons and an additional hydroxyl (–OH) group. It is a different molecule, despite the similar name. [11]
Where can I buy malonic acid?
The supplier examples above link to verified Sigma-Aldrich and Thermo Scientific product listings. Confirm current price, documentation, delivery restrictions, and availability directly. [4]
What purity of malonic acid should I buy?
Use the specification required by your method. A larger percentage does not establish analytical traceability, pharmaceutical suitability, or acceptable levels of a particular impurity. [6]
11
TRACE THE INFORMATION
Sources & Editorial Notes
Chemical identity and reference values are separated from supplier-specific specifications. Comparisons and buyer guidance are editorial interpretation. Source pages were checked October 2, 2026; supplier information can change.
- PubChem · Malonic acid, CID 867
Identity, acid dissociation, and compiled chemical information.
- NIST Chemistry WebBook · Propanedioic acid
Formula, molecular weight, identifiers, and synonyms.
- PubChem · Succinic acid, CID 1110
Comparison identity and acid dissociation constants.
- Sigma-Aldrich · M1296
US product listing, package prices, properties, and documentation.
- Thermo Scientific Chemicals · 031715.36
Reagent-grade product specification, packaging, and applications.
- Thermo Scientific · Product specification
Product-specific assay and impurity limits; not universal chemical specifications.
- ICSC 1085 · Malonic acid
International Chemical Safety Card; physical properties and handling.
- Fisher Scientific · Malonic acid SDS
Manufacturer safety data sheet; jurisdiction and product specific.
- Nakae & Shono (1986) · Enzyme inhibition study
Primary research on malonate as a competitive succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor.
- Sigma-Aldrich · Succinic acid specifications
Succinic acid product comparison and reported water solubility.
- PubChem · Malic acid
Malic acid structure and identity.
- NIST · Methylmalonic acid
Methylmalonic acid structure and identity.
- PubChem · Oxalic acid
Oxalic acid structure and identity.
- McMurry / OpenStax · Malonic ester synthesis
Carbonyl placement, malonate ester reactivity, and hydrolysis/decarboxylation.
- McMurry / OpenStax · The citric acid cycle
Succinate as a citric acid cycle intermediate.
- Thermo Fisher · 31715 US SDS
Public US SDS for catalog family 31715, revised March 28, 2024; confirm the current local version.
- TCI · M0028, UK product listing
Checked October 3, 2026: identity, titration purity, 25 g / 500 g packages, public GBP unit prices, and product-specific COA retrieval option.
- FUJIFILM Wako · Malonic Acid, 13-0058
Checked October 3, 2026: Wako Special Grade, titration assay, 25 g / 500 g packages, Japan suggested list prices, and product-specific certificate lookup links.
- FUJIFILM Wako · 13-0058 English SDS
Verified October 3, 2026: Japan/JIS English SDS covering 139-00582 and 133-00585, issued March 19, 2025.
- FUJIFILM Wako · 13-0058 product specification
Verified October 3, 2026: Wako Special Grade, minimum 98.0% assay; product-specific specification.
About this prototype
One chemical profile, with sourced facts and independently written explanations. This is an informational resource, not a supplier, quotation service, or endorsement of a product’s fitness for your application.