Ketoglutaric acid

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Alpha-Ketoglutaric acid

Chemical name	2-Oxopentanedioic acid
Other names	2-Ketoglutaric acid alpha-Ketoglutaric acid 2-Oxoglutamate 2-Oxoglutaric acid Oxoglutaric acid
Chemical formula	C₅H₆O₅
Molecular mass	146.11 g/mol
CAS number	[328-50-7]
Melting point	113.5 °C
Boiling point	? °C
SMILES	OC(C(CCC(O)=O)=O)=O
Disclaimer and references

Ketoglutaric acid is refers to either of two crystalline ketone derivatives of glutaric acid which differ only by the position of the ketone functional group. Beta-ketoglutaric acid is much less common.

Its anion, Alpha-ketoglutarate is an important biological compound and is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle. Alpha-ketoglutarate occurs naturally within cells. One of its functions is to combine with ammonia to form glutamic acid and then glutamine. Another function is to combine with nitrogen released in the cell, therefore preventing nitrogen overload.

Alpha-ketoglutarate is one of the most important nitrogen transporter in metabolic pathways. The amino groups of amino acids are attached to it by transamination and carried to the liver where the urea cycle takes place.

Alpha-ketoglutarate is transaminated, along with glutamine, to form the excitatory neurotransmitter, Glutamate. Glumate can then be decarboxylated (requiring vitamin B6) into the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA.

It is reported that high ammonia and/or high nitrogen levels may occur with high protein intake, excessive aluminum exposure, autism, Reye's syndrome, cirrhosis & urea cycle disorder.

Alpha-ketoglutaric acid is sold as a dietary supplement and to body builders as AKG or a-KG. Some believe it increases stamina.