The core of the molecule is a linear ten-carbon chain, with carboxylic acid groups (-COOH) at both termini. Including the carbonyl carbons from the two acid groups, the full backbone contains twelve carbons.

The main chain is numbered from C1 to C10. All bonds are single, except between C1 and C2, which form a double bond of E configuration. In addition, C3 bears an exocyclic oxygen doubly bonded to it.