beta-Hydroxybutyric acid
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Beta-Hydroxybutyric acid | |
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IUPAC name | 3-Hydroxybutyric acid |
Identifiers | |
CAS number | [300-85-6] |
PubChem | |
MeSH | |
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.