Succinate

Succinate is the dianion of succinic acid, a four-carbon dicarboxylic acid with structure ${}^{-}\mathrm{OOC}-\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{H}}_2-\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{H}}_2-\mathrm{CO}{\mathrm{O}}^{-}$. It is an intermediate of the citric acid cycle.

Succinate dehydrogenase oxidizes succinate to fumarate, creating a carbon-carbon double bond while passing reducing equivalents into the respiratory machinery. This connects carbon-skeleton chemistry with electron transfer.