What is "dimercaptosuccinic acid"

n. (context chemistry medicine English) A chemical compound (C₄H₆O₄S₂), used as a tracer to obtain scintigrams of the kidney. Abbreviated as '''DMSA'''.

Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), also called succimer, is the organosulfur compound with the formula HOCCH(SH)CH(SH)COH. This colorless solid contains two carboxylic acid and two thiol groups, the latter being responsible for its mildly unpleasant odour. It occurs in two diastereomers, meso and the chiral dl forms. The meso isomer is used as a chelating agent for treatment of heavy metal toxicity and is a water-soluble and non-toxic substance. When radiolabeled with technetium-99m, it helps in diagnostic testing of renal function.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system under the name succimer.