beta-Hydroxybutyric acid

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Beta-Hydroxybutyric acid
IUPAC name 3-Hydroxybutyric acid
Identifiers
CAS number [300-85-6]
PubChem 441
MeSH beta-Hydroxybutyrate
SMILES CC(O)CC(=O)O
Properties
Molecular formula C4H8O3
Molar mass 104.105
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

beta-Hydroxybutyric acid (beta-hydroxybutyrate or 3-hydroxybutyric acid) is a ketone body. It is a chiral compound having two enantiomers, D-3-hydroxybutyric acid and L-3-hydroxybutyric acid. Like the other ketone bodies (acetoacetate and acetone), levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate are raised in ketosis. In humans, beta-hydroxybutyrate is synthesized in the liver from acetyl-CoA, and can be used as an energy source by the brain when blood glucose is low. It can be used for the synthesis of biodegradable plastics.

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